27.6.02

and justice for all

Did God ordain our Union of States? Does God endorse the manner in which we, as a nation, occupy the earth? If Americans have the right to believe otherwise, then it is hypocritical to pledge allegience to "one nation under God" at the same time that you pledge allegience to "liberty and justice for all."

Frankly, I think the whole thing is problematic propaganda. True allegience to God would, in my view, disqualify you from most of what the Pledge promises. Only if your national affiliation trumps your other affiliations could the pledge to the US flag be made sincerely.

Incedentally, here are Dwight Eisenhower's words on accepting the 1954 addition of the words "under God" which have recently been found unconstitutional by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals:

"In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war."

-from Hall of Heroes

Also, Thomas Oliphant of the Boston Globe has a good story on the history of the pledge and its author (Thanks to Travis for the link)

26.6.02

Oxymoron of the Day: "Microsoft Works"

Here's Mr. Gates asking some rhetorical questions to get you excited about the next big Windows upgrade:

"Why are my document files stored one way, my contacts another way, and my e-mail and instant-messaging buddy list still another, and why aren't they related to my calendar or to one another and easy to search en masse?"

Ooh-ooh! I know! I know! Is it because you drove all your competitors out of business and then didn't provide what people truly wanted?

Read the full article in The Register

17.6.02

Do you deserve a free pie just because you waited for it?

Anissa Mack's installation/performance piece "Pie for a Passerby" makes a quiet statement about neighborhood and home and raises a loud ruckus about individual entitlement.

From The Washington Post via Pigs and Fishes

16.6.02

The Skinny on Modern Bourbon

From the Washington Post:

Maker's Mark is owned by Allied Domecq, the London company that also owns Beefeater gin and Dunkin' Donuts. France's Pernod-Ricard owns Wild Turkey. Jim Beam is a subsidiary of the Illinois-based Fortune Brands, which sells everything from plumbing fixtures to golf balls.

Dunkin' Donuts!!? Sheesh.

7.6.02

Virgins in a Box update

Dystopia Box is now the FIRST hit when you search Google for "Virgins in a Box"

3.6.02

If everyone lived like me, we'd need 3.3 planets.

Take the Ecological Footprint Quiz from earthdaynetwork and Redefining Progress.

1.6.02

Eija-Riitta Eklöf-Berliner-Mauer

This woman believes she has married the Berlin Wall. Since 1989, she is a widow.

"I am objectúm-sexual that is to be sexually and emotionally attracted to objects; in my case The Berlin-Wall and other constructions. I am married to the Berlin-Wall (and have been since 1979). Hence my married name (Berliner-Mauer), which means Berlin Wall in German.

"It is the actual Wall I love, not the border - like some intolerant people seem to think. They fail to see difference between the Wall and the purpose, which are two completely different things. If you fail to see that - well, too bad!"