spookybarn dot com

let the revolution begin

Just finished reading Ron Paul's The Revolution: A Manifesto.

Maybe it is hyperbole, but I believe this is an extremely important book.  Please read it.  If you'd like to, I have an extra copy.  All I ask is that, after you've read it, you hand it off to someone else, or release it into the wild.  You're also welcome to borrow my personal copy as well, or even pass that around to others, as long as I get it back eventually.  If you'd like either one, just let me know in the comments, via phone, whatever.

My brief review:

Whether you agree or disagree with Ron Paul's views, this book serves as an important political primer on the real issues facing America today: civil liberties, the economy, the failing dollar, foreign policy.... issues mostly ignored by a national media obsessed with superficial catch-phrases and meaningless scandals. Primarily a concise collection of the views and ideas expressed during Ron Paul's 2008 Presidential campaign, this book also contains an extended reading list for "a free and prosperous America."

Please read this book. It's short and sweet, informative and inspirational. Realize that there is a difference between the way things are and the way they could be.

That's it for now.  Back to The God Delusion. (Thanks, John! I'm feeling heathen-er already!)

TANSTAAFL

There is nothing in life that frustrates and infuriates me more than being faced with my own ignorance or incompetence.  Oh, I'm cool with abstract, philosophical ignorance, but flailing around ineffectually at something I think I should understand is another matter.  This has been the overall theme of my week.

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress was a fantastic read, if a bit frustrating at times.  A great deal of my normal workday is spent trying to deal with various political factions who all, allegedly, want the same thing, but are completely incapable of coming to an agreement on how to get it.  I'm not a big fan of this, so sometimes I have trouble enjoying it in a fictional setting.

I generally pull any and all of my political opinions directly out of my ass, which I've always felt fairly appropriate.  I wouldn't consider myself a good candidate to critique the book on an intellectual level.  That said, Prof's description of "Rational Anarchy" resonated so well with my own worldview that I'm prepared to call it my official political stance.  I've never had one of those.

TMiaHM accomplished something that I didn't think was possible; it used great storytelling and a solid sci-fi concept to trick me into actually enjoying politics.  Easily my favorite Heinlein novel so far.

I meant to call around tonight but I never got a chance.  Two things:

1) Saturday.  Girly has a sleepover and I've got some badass flicks waiting for an audience.  Eh? Eeeehhhh???

2) Tuesday.  Supes Returns via AMC at 10pm, but girly works till 9:30. Any ideas?