Various and sundry -isms

[From EatLiver]

On the road to American fascism?

Sara Robinson’s provocative blog post from the Campaign for America’s Future posits that America may be on the tipping point in a cycle that leads inexorably to fascism.  I’m not convinced that we’re as far along as indicated, but it’s still alarming to ponder a plausible pathway for fascism to take hold in this country.

Iran

The coverage of the fraudulent election in Iran doesn’t get much better than what Andrew Sullivan is offering.  He’s capturing not only some of the best ground truth news in the form of tweets* and viral video, but he’s also channeling the burgeoning democratic spirit of an Iranian electorate that refuses to be trod upon by thuggish military police/paramilitary forces and power-hungry clerics.  I don’t wish to paper over the significant differences of opinion that we have with Iran as a nation, differences that are unlikely to disappear no matter who is leading the country; but. this episode in Iranian history is nothing less than the birth pangs of freedom.  I wish nothing but blessings upon the people’s democratic aspirations and I hope for a speedy resolution to this crisis.

*I have to admit that I’ve re-assessed the value of Twitter given its crucial role in moving information from the streets of Iran.

Poverty in D.C., 1938

A mere “stone’s throw” from the Capitol.

NYC 747 panic

Most folks have heard by now of the 747 from the Air Force One fleet that flew low over NYC this week for a staged photo op with an F-16.  Not very smart.  This was the reaction on the ground from some New Yorkers.  Skittish or justified?  You decide.

[From YouTube user davchip, Via Woosk]

An awful mess in Detroit

Photos of abandoned public schools rotting in Detroit are a stark reminder of that city’s systemic decline.

Photo: James Griffioen

[Via Andrew Sullivan]

Gaseous interruptions

I’ve no idea which city council this is, but in my estimation more council chambers would benefit from having a fart machine.

Trillion is the new billion

“To put a trillion dollars in context, if you spend a million dollars every day since Jesus was born, you still wouldn’t have spent a trillion.”

See the article here.

Helping the terrorists?

Security expert Bruce Schneier thinks we should chill, pointing out that just about every device or technology that makes our lives more efficient, including the heavily taken-for-granted mobile phone and automobile, is going to be used for both good and evil.  He urges caution in restricting or eliminating the benefits of technology such as Google Earth in order to prevent terrorists from using those benefits to advance their nefarious plans.

[Via Andrew Sullivan]

Speaking of inauguration photos

Here’s a gigapixel panorama of President Obama’s inauguration speech.