LIV–The Low Information Voter Lifestyle

What sucks? Politics.

What doesn’t? Going LIV. It’s total bliss to not have any clue what is going on in the world besides what I read at AofS or what’s being kicked around by the splitter, moron horde over at the H2.

I much prefer reading to watching the news or browsing multiple sites to try to figure out what is happening to my personal freedom. Here’s a tip: it’s being eaten away daily by everyone.

What I’m reading right now:

Stranger in a Strange Land – I’ve been trying to get through this book for months, but I keep getting stuck. A few chapters will pick up steam, and my interests will be piqued. Then it bottoms out and I’m looking for something else.

Killing Kennedy – If you can get past your bias because the book is co-authored by Bill O’Reilley, it’s a pretty good read. The pace is very fast, and I’m learning a ton of information about a time period that I know very little about. Did you know Jackie O smoked a pack a day? Neither did I.

You see, that last sentence is what the LIV lifestyle is all about. The first few chapters of the book are filled with important details about the botched Bay of Pigs invasion, the relationship between Bobby and LBJ, and the heroic story of JFK leading his men to safety after PT 109 was sunk in WWII.

What do I remember? Jackie O smoked a lot and JFK swam naked for 30 minutes to relieve pressure on his back, often inviting co-workers and the press to join him as long as they were naked as well.

Future Reading:

On the Road — I’ve read it a few times, but I watched the newest film version this weekend so I figured I’d breeze though it again. The book is written to carry a tempo that enhances the characters as they race around the country on speed, listening to blaring jazz so it should only take a week or so.

Sarah Court — This is the latest book by Craig Davidson, and sounds pretty appealing. It’s basically a study of eight families that live on a cul de sac near Niagara Falls. How well do you know your neighbors? That sort of thing. I find books about hidden lives appealing because I believe it is difficult to ever really know anyone. I’ve only known two people that I connect with so much that I actually feel as if I understand them. Plus I think my neighbors are total freaks when the blinds are closed and this book should reinforce that feeling.

His previous books, Rust and Bone, and The Fighter are personal favorites because of the deeply flawed main characters and the tragedy/redemption tales of each. There are only two story arcs: tragedy or comedy. Davidson is a young writer, but he is a master of the former.

What I’m Listening To, Part Maudlin

This is the best thing I’ve heard in quite awhile. If you have time, listen to the whole album. I love dream pop, ala Mazzy Star.

You can buy their music on iTunes, but if you want the actual vinyl, you can order it from SubPop.

Tyranny

“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.”

–C.S. Lewis

This makes sense, and it reminds me of the character, Ellsworth Toohey, in Ayn Rand’s great novel, ‘The Fountainhead.’ His modus operandi was power in the disguise of altruism and I believe that is the reason for the tyrants ‘good will’ in the Lewis quote.

It is simply unthinkable that free people should be protected from themselves. The logical end to this line of thinking is what exactly?

Should obese individuals have their food controlled by the government? After all, it is the government, and by extension, the public’s money that will be taking care of the ailments brought on by obesity.

Should television be limited to certain programs or for a certain time period during the evening? This might encourage people to do something besides, well, nothing.

Should music or movies be censored for the good of the people watching or listening? While I’d suggest that ‘Bitch, I’m Gonna Kill You,’ isn’t the height of Western culture, do we really believe that individuals can’t distinguish between reality and fiction?

The answer to all of these questions is no. If the power of free markets were delivered from the corrupting hand of altruism, the goals of the altruistic would be realized more perfectly.

Its irony at its finest.

Need proof? Imagine if health insurance was tied to the health of the individual. Do you think people would consider the costs and level of service they can expect relative to their actual health and seek to reduce these costs?

Or would making all of the plans the same cost, regardless of health, but banning 17 oz sodas deliver a healthier population?

Its a bit of trick question because under to circumstances should the government be allowed to guide policy based on desired outcome affecting an individual’s body. The free market, when allowed to flourish, makes the question irrelevant anyway.

In short, first do no harm.

Not convinced? Imagine this scenario…automobile insurance is a right, and therefore all drivers should pay the same amount, regardless of the individuals driving record. Speed limits are reduced from 70 to 68 miles per hour. Will you be a faster or slower driver knowing that your car insurance cost will never reflect how many tickets you receive?

 

 

 

 

 

Why This Blog Sucks

Because I want it to, assface. Jeez.

I have no idea what this means, but it makes me laugh every time. Creepy little girl.

I wouldn’t read it if I were you. It’s just so stoopid.

What I’m Listening to, Part Weird

Dengue Fever is a band from Southern California that mixes 60′s Cambodian pop with some original music. About half of the music is in English, but its pretty obvious that the singer, Chhom Nimol is a bit more comfortable in her native language.

At a certain point in the night, I’m not really sure it matters. I’ve put this during a party  and no one noticed she was singing in Khmer, which I found hilarious and oddly fitting because I couldn’t really understand anyone either.

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I’m pretty sure this band was hipster douchebag before hipster douchebag was hipster douchebag. They are the singularity of HD. The big bang, if you will. Their music is pretty awesome, just the same.