1. Over at Alternet.org, David Sirota has an article that articulates as clearly as possible the reasons for Internet anger and frustration at mainstream journalists. The lack of accountability, in fact the rewarding of those whose political views and pronouncements are demonstrably erroneous, and the persistent, perhaps even obstinate refusal to admit error - and the angry, defensive tone they always take when called to account for errors of fact, of analysis, of prediction, of tone; there has to be a way, more than just through "the marketplace of ideas" by which these people can be held accountable for the role they have played in propping up Bush and his and McCain's and Lieberman's war.
2. While we are on the subject of mainstream journalists, ThinkProgress.org has an item on Thomas Friedman that defies description. Friedman has been a war booster from the beginning, even dismissing the main casus belli presented by the Administration - the alleged and since-proven-false WMDs - once it was shown to be false. His comments, which boil down to an accusation of liberal racism and cultural imperialism (why do our pundits sound more and more like Ann Coulter?), show him so completely out of touch, missing the point, and frustrated with criticism (how could he be taken seriously after writing The Lexus and the Olive Tree, I ask you) that he is becoming incoherent, like his sould-mate, Joe Klein.
3. It's a slow news day - what Saturday in January isn't? - so Sen. Hillary Clinton's announcement that she is running for President; Sen. Sam Brownback's announcement that he is running for President; former representative, UN Ambassador, and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's planned announcement tomorrow that he is running for President all become hot news item. My question is, despite the discussions at MyDD and elsewhere - who cares, besides horse-race-besotted journalists? Should the netroots mimic the worst of the mainstream by becoming dragged into discussions of the various strengths and weaknesses of candidates so far out? Should we become so process-oriented that we forget that the process aims at a goal, governance, and right now that should be our focus?
4. Tuesday is the State of the Union address, and we should be looking for Bush's numbers to fall on the heels of the speech, as they have done in the wake of his recent speech to the nation, and interviews on 60 Minutes and The News Hour. An unpopular President with poor communication skills pursing policies antithetical to the wishes of a majority of Americans has little power, and his bully pulpit becomes more a squirrely pulpit.
5. I have broken down and linked to another Portuguese blog, Wind's Web Club. "Wind" is an artist, a poet, a photographer, and a remarkable human being. Her posts consist of photos and poems (in Portuguese, with Babelfish translations that, of course, do not do them justice). The photos are often erotic, always tasteful and beautiful, and the words captivating. I urge a visit, as I always find a bit of serenity and joy after a visit there. Tell her who sent you.
6. As has been reported all over the place, Fire Dog Lake's Jane Hamsher is un the midst of her third bout of cancer, having had surgery this week. While I do not know her own faith stance, and couldn't care less anyway, I pray for her, her loved ones, and all those who know and are awed by the work she does at FDL. She may neither acknowledge nor care, but I feel she is doing the Lord's own work - along with many others - and I pray for a swift recovery and an easy (as easy as possible under the circumstances) treatment. God Bless, Jane.
