Merit and Fear

We like to believe, as Americans, that this country is a meritocracy. The idea---Horatio Alger, Thomas Edison, McGuyver, all emblematic of this notion---that the best qualified rise to the top, that those who can display and apply ability, skill, and intelligence are the ones who are selected---either by themselves or…

Continue ReadingMerit and Fear

Conflict Pornography

Conflict: competitive or opposing action of incompatibles: antagonistic state or action. Pornography: (3): the depiction of acts in a sensational manner so as to arouse a quick intense emotional reaction. What else could it be, other than conflict pornography, when a major media source unnecessarily frames a story in such…

Continue ReadingConflict Pornography

Two Americas: Two ways to play in water

Those who are truly interested in community-building (rather than striving to enhance their own status through resource-exhausting displays of material wealth) might want to take note of two ways city folks play in water. This idea occurred to me while walking through Tower Grove Park in St. Louis last week.…

Continue ReadingTwo Americas: Two ways to play in water

More Cartoons

RJ Matson, Roll Call Mike Lester, The Rome News-Tribune Pat Bagley, Salt Lake Tribune Postura Climatica Tab, The Calgary Sun The G-8 Dario Castillejos, El Imparcial de México Televictim Angel Boligan, El Universal, Mexico City [Admin note:  All Cartoons are being published at DI with full permission by Cagle Cartoons]

Continue ReadingMore Cartoons