What's Wrong with the World Wednesday: Week in Review of Things that Pissed Me Off

Photo by **spaceMonkey**

I Twittered today that I don't feel like blogging (but thanks to some Twitter friends, I was encouraged to give it a shot, thanks ladies!) I haven't felt like blogging since my birthday, but I managed to eke out a few zingers I think. My lack of desire has nothing to do with writer's block, but overwhelm. There is too much shit going on personally and politically and I haven't the gusto to dissect it all. Instead, I'll highlight a few items I'd have blogged about at length if I were a better woman and call it a night, deal?

1. Illiterate people writing posts about Sarah Palin's book ban. This chain mail-cum-overly blogged about item is a total fake. Some of the books on the fake list weren't even published at the time she supposedly banned them. Whoa, she really is evil, she can ban books from the future! You don't have to be particularly astute to do a quick Snopes search. Such minor efforts can help you avoid looking like a complete fool. Seriously guys, Google works wonders for your average blog research needs.

2. Federal take over of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Let's see...the Federal government created Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; the Federal government insured Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; the Federal government regulated Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; the Federal government seized Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and then handed it over to the regulatory bodies that failed to regulate it, formerly HUD, now FHFA. I hope I don't have to explain what is wrong with this picture. Pssst, it's the Federal government...

3. I want to marry Sarah Palin and have her babies. Oh come on, it's just a figure of speech! Plus, there is a precedent. I know, I know, she's probably not into the whole gay marriage and polygamy thing, and we're both straight and happily married, so chances aren't looking good for me, but I like her. Better yet, today one of my favorite feminist writers, Camille Paglia, offered a far more palatable view than most of the feminist tirades that have sprung up in response to Palin's nomination.

She introduces Palin as Feminism's greatest leap forward since Madonna, and while she doesn't share my nuptial aspirations, she is not baying at the door like many women who share her feminist title. Paglia is a pro-choice Democrat, but she is wise to call out the media on their lack of substance regarding Palin criticisms. She requests more evidence of Palin's possible harm to women's rights, and for more ethical substantiation for pro-abortion views. She also says, "Palin has made the biggest step forward in feminism since Madonna channeled the dominatrix persona of high-glam Marlene Dietrich and rammed pro-sex, pro-beauty feminism down the throats of the prissy, victim-mongering, philistine feminist establishment." Amen. Or should I say, A-women??

Now that's a feminist I can take seriously, even if we disagree at times.

4. Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal was Criminal, How is Obama's Plan any Better? Please don't write to me to proclaim that the 1930's and WWII brought unparalleled prosperity to the US. I mean it. You will only convince me there is no hope for humanity. Do you need more evidence that Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal has led to bankruptcy time and time again? First of all, see item #2 above. FDR created Fannie Mae!! Her little brother Freddie was birthed in 1970. Both have long held inordinate market share over home lending, in particular for low income buyers and now they are going bankrupt.

What about FDR's other programs? Are any a success? Social Security? Bankrupt. Welfare? Bankrupt. Name a social program that had its inception in the New Deal ideas and I can bet you it's inefficient and immoral at best! Medicare/Medicaid? Bankrupt! Subsidies, price and wage fixing? Don't talk to me unless you know the effect these actions have on the economy. Furthermore, I don't care about or support equality when it leads to everyone becoming equally poor. Not a solution.