Loss of Reading

"So we're experiencing the literary equivalent of a loss of biodiversity. All those people carrying around an 800-page novel looks like a great thing for American literacy, but it's as ominous as a Forbidden Forest with only one species of tree." Ron Charles

I have hear opinions both for and against the Harry Potter Series. Those who say it has children interested in reading, the religious groups who claim it is sinful and corrupting to read about witchcraft, and those who think the plots and characters are lacking.

The author of the following article has an interesting view. This isn't a reading craze - it is just another consumer craze; the idle masses jumping onto the next bandwagon.

It's unfortunate - but not without solution. Again, the love of reading must either start at the home or a very young age in school. Instead of forcing our children to read the prescribed agenda, let them choose what interests them. As the teacher observes the genres a student gravitates toward, they should supply them with more challenging material in the same content area. This is how real learning, and a real interest in reading is developed - rather than having every child waiting in line to read the same book...

No interference with Iraq Recontruction

So says the president...

His latest signing statement goes something along the lines of: if any person or organization halts or threatens to halt the reconstruction or stability of Iraq, said person will suffer the consequences.

Full article


For more info on Bush's abuse of Signing Statements

homeless hero

Here is an article from the Boston Globe.

quick preview:
"At 56, he had lived on Boston’s streets for about 30 years. In Kenmore Square and his Allston neighborhood — areas rife with college students and people who prefer less traditional approaches to life — some saw in Mr. Butch a latter-day Thoreau, a man who chose a path that didn’t involve taxes, rent, or office cubicles. Instead, he helped the elderly cross streets, joyously played air guitar, philosophized, and sang."

It is encouraging to see this man received positive media attention. Usually the homeless are portrayed as a nuisance or disease... a sign of society's decay. When people are shown in such a light, it is usually because the onlooker is afraid. In this case, the capitalists have every reason to be afraid. Because if the majority of America chose Mr. Butch's way of life - No work. No mortgage. No money. Just people helping each other out - there would be nobody left for the rich to exploit. Then they would have to step down from their self righteous inflated egos and become like the rest of us....because at that point, it's either join, or languish.