A Blast from the Past.

Sometimes I imagine what it would be like to bring someone like George Washington back to life and drive him around in the year 2007. It doesn't have to be GW. He's just the one I think of. It's a way of giving me some distance and perspective about the world and society and culture and who we are.

After I showed him his picture on the dollar bill and quarter, what would he think? Beyond the modern world of cars and appliances and computers and subways and airplanes, industry, skyscrapers, clothes and pre-packaged food and pharmaceuticals - beyond all that, what would he think of what we pay attention to? Especially this week. Anna Nicole Smith's body is decomposing yet she can't be buried because estranged family members, people who are claiming to be family members, people who are claiming paternity and a kooky "everybody look at me" judge won't put her in the ground because it might take away from their 15 minutes of infamy. Britney Spears shaved her head and suddenly everyone is a psychoanalyst and has labeled her everything from confused to suicidal. Season 6 of American Idol has no discernible talent to offer among its contestants so it has to create some "drama" between Ryan and Simon to keep viewers coming back.

Simon: "Sweetheart."

Ryan: "Don't call me sweetheart. We don't have that kind of relationship."

Everybody all together now: "Oooooooooooh."
Even I can't believe this exchange took place in front of 30 million people. What would poor George make of all this?

What did people do for fun in the mid 1700's? Would the father of our country think televison is fun in any way, shape or form? I'm thinking not. I imagine that after less than five minutes in the year 2007, Washington's ears would start to bleed. So would his eyes, his nose, his mouth and any other opening into or out of his body. I further imagine that his eyes would be darting around frantically in search of a trusty steed to remove him from this modern day Hell on Earth.

All I can say is, thank goodness the VanHalen reunion tour isn't going to happen. How could I begin to explain the David Lee Roth/Eddie VanHalen dynamic. Talk about a far cry from a minuet.

The Presidential Election is 623 Days Away ...

...and already I'm weary of the empty rhetoric that rings false as soon as its left the lips of politicians with visions of oval offices in their heads. Today John McCain blamed Donald Rumsfeld for the Grand Bumblefuck known as Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is the same John McCain who spoke of DR this way just 3 months ago - " ... he deserves Americans' respect and gratitude for his many years of public service." But now that Mr. McCain is running for President he said this of Rummy - "We are paying a very heavy price for the mismanagement - that's the kindest word I can give you - of Donald Rumsfeld, of this war ..." and "I think that Donald Rumsfeld will go down in history as one of the worst secretaries of defense in history."

Funny how trying to get people to vote for you will make you say just about anything, right Hillary? I used to think you were the one. I hung my hat on your lucky star that was going to lead you back into the White House, only this time, you were going to wear the pants in the family. Not now. You're not genuine. Your convictions sound hollow and temporary. You used to speak with resonance. Now, you sound shrill. You're merely a ... you're a .... I can hardly bring myself to say the word. Hillary, you're just a politician. There, I said it. I'm sorry, Hil, but I don't want a manufactured President. I know that's asking a lot these days but I want a real person with a vision for this country, rather than a candidate with a vision of themselves on a postage stamp.

I guess what I'm saying is that I want Barack Obama to be our next American Idol. I don't want a professional snake oil salesman who will tell me whatever they think they need to so I'll vote for them. I don't want someone who's tucked into every available deep pocket with a special interest attached to it. I want a DC newcomer who is smart and savvy with a strong sense of self but who is selfless when it counts. I think Mr. Obama might be that person. I met and interviewed him once, before he won his senate seat. He's got light around him and I'm pretty sure it comes from within. Right now, that's enough for me.

But 623 days of more and more and more vapid soundbites? God, give me strength.