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Slip-sliding Away
Author: BobR
Date: 2014-02-19 12:08:40
Yesterday in the blog comments, Scoopster posted two seemingly unconnected stories. One was about the sudden death of a guitarist, the other about the retirement of a congressman. But in an odd way, they sort of are connected.
The retiring congressman is Rush D. Holt, Jr (D-NJ). He is actually a research physicist from Princeton University who has long advocated for science:
It is sad that we as a nation are losing not only a brilliant man in Congress, but one who knows and values the advances that science have brought to our nation, and society as a whole. That sort of forward thinking, rationale continues to dwindle in the House and the Senate.
We are also losing Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA). He too has decided to move on. Regardless of what you thought of him, he got things done.
It's happening on the Republican side as well, with Rep. Steven LaTourette (R-Ohio) recently leaving due to partisan rancor, as well as Olympia Snowe frustated with partisan politics.
In their place, we will get younger inexperienced folks who consider the partisan gamesmanship of the last 15 years to be standard operating procedure. They will have to cater to the bloodlust of gladiator-style politics, and consider science and stupidity to be equally valid sides of the same coin. How are we supposed to get any sort of reasonable climate change legislation done, when there are so many in Congress who deny that climate change even exists? We seem to be devolving.
Which is where the guitarist story comes into it. DEVO guitarist Bob Casale passed away on Monday. The band based their persona around the idea that humankind was devolving rather than evolving. Despite pockets of advancement in science, it does seem that American society as a whole seems to be backpedaling, with women's rights disappearing, superstition and religion pushing science aside, and racial segregation and targeting on the rise.
I'm hoping I'm wrong. I hope that it's just a minority of loud stupid people screaming out their last gasp of fear and frustration before they disappear beneath the waves of human progress. I hope there's a 2nd coming of the lates 60s / early 70s of societal advancement.
Otherwise - this could be the State of the Union in a few years:
The retiring congressman is Rush D. Holt, Jr (D-NJ). He is actually a research physicist from Princeton University who has long advocated for science:
Mr. Holt is perhaps most popularly known as the five-time “Jeopardy!” champion who later won a celebrity round against Watson, the IBM supercomputer. In and around Princeton, where he had been assistant director of the Plasma Physics Laboratory, bumper stickers on Priuses proudly proclaim “My Congressman IS a Rocket Scientist.”
He has consistently pushed for more money for scientific research, and better science education, securing $22 billion for research in the stimulus bill, and grants of $16,000 for students who prepare to teach math, science or foreign languages.
It is sad that we as a nation are losing not only a brilliant man in Congress, but one who knows and values the advances that science have brought to our nation, and society as a whole. That sort of forward thinking, rationale continues to dwindle in the House and the Senate.
We are also losing Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA). He too has decided to move on. Regardless of what you thought of him, he got things done.
It's happening on the Republican side as well, with Rep. Steven LaTourette (R-Ohio) recently leaving due to partisan rancor, as well as Olympia Snowe frustated with partisan politics.
In their place, we will get younger inexperienced folks who consider the partisan gamesmanship of the last 15 years to be standard operating procedure. They will have to cater to the bloodlust of gladiator-style politics, and consider science and stupidity to be equally valid sides of the same coin. How are we supposed to get any sort of reasonable climate change legislation done, when there are so many in Congress who deny that climate change even exists? We seem to be devolving.
Which is where the guitarist story comes into it. DEVO guitarist Bob Casale passed away on Monday. The band based their persona around the idea that humankind was devolving rather than evolving. Despite pockets of advancement in science, it does seem that American society as a whole seems to be backpedaling, with women's rights disappearing, superstition and religion pushing science aside, and racial segregation and targeting on the rise.
I'm hoping I'm wrong. I hope that it's just a minority of loud stupid people screaming out their last gasp of fear and frustration before they disappear beneath the waves of human progress. I hope there's a 2nd coming of the lates 60s / early 70s of societal advancement.
Otherwise - this could be the State of the Union in a few years:
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 02/19/2014 13:49:31
wickedpam on 02/19/2014 13:49:31
Morning 
I agree we're devolving.
I agree we're devolving.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 14:09:10
Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 14:09:10
Are we not men? We are DEVO!
Comment by 
Raine on 02/19/2014 14:10:30
Good morning!
Raine on 02/19/2014 14:10:30
Good morning!
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 14:12:00
Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 14:12:00
Mala this wide spread use of blue surgical gloves needs to stop. It is freaking me out!
"Two by two. Hands of blue."
"Two by two. Hands of blue."
Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2014 14:18:39
While freaked out by overly sanitizing everything I think I've missed something
wickedpam on 02/19/2014 14:18:39
Quote by Mondobubba:
Mala this wide spread use of blue surgical gloves needs to stop. It is freaking me out!
"Two by two. Hands of blue."
While freaked out by overly sanitizing everything I think I've missed something
Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2014 14:21:54
wickedpam on 02/19/2014 14:21:54
Scratch that I'm following now 
Comment by 
Scoopster on 02/19/2014 14:24:39
Scoopster on 02/19/2014 14:24:39
Mornin' all.. 
So last night I enacted my latest plan to catch up on quality viewings - I picked up the first season of House of Cards.
Yeah, I'm a slacker. I admit it. That's beside the point tho HOLY SHIT THIS SHOW IS FANTASTIC!
So last night I enacted my latest plan to catch up on quality viewings - I picked up the first season of House of Cards.
Yeah, I'm a slacker. I admit it. That's beside the point tho HOLY SHIT THIS SHOW IS FANTASTIC!
Comment by Raine on 02/19/2014 14:27:36
Raine on 02/19/2014 14:27:36
Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2014 14:28:00
Its still on my list to watch. I'm so far behind on stuff I just finished season 2 of American Horror Story.
wickedpam on 02/19/2014 14:28:00
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
So last night I enacted my latest plan to catch up on quality viewings - I picked up the first season of House of Cards.
Yeah, I'm a slacker. I admit it. That's beside the point tho HOLY SHIT THIS SHOW IS FANTASTIC!
Its still on my list to watch. I'm so far behind on stuff I just finished season 2 of American Horror Story.
Comment by Raine on 02/19/2014 15:00:36
Raine on 02/19/2014 15:00:36
creepy cat gif killed the blog? 
Comment by 
BobR on 02/19/2014 15:00:49
This requires sound accompaniment...
BobR on 02/19/2014 15:00:49
Quote by Raine:
This requires sound accompaniment...
Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2014 15:01:43
the sound does add something
wickedpam on 02/19/2014 15:01:43
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
This requires sound accompaniment...
the sound does add something
Comment by Raine on 02/19/2014 15:02:43
perfect!
Raine on 02/19/2014 15:02:43
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
This requires sound accompaniment...
the sound does add something
Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2014 15:08:47
wickedpam on 02/19/2014 15:08:47
wow on so many levels with that caller
Comment by Raine on 02/19/2014 15:37:38
I don't believe that caller was black.
Raine on 02/19/2014 15:37:38
Quote by wickedpam:
wow on so many levels with that caller
Comment by Raine on 02/19/2014 15:40:22
Raine on 02/19/2014 15:40:22
What the ever loving hell is this? 
Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2014 15:42:16
the one before him - the one who was going to spout the typical line about black on black crime and absentee fathers
wickedpam on 02/19/2014 15:42:16
Quote by Raine:I don't believe that caller was black.Quote by wickedpam:
wow on so many levels with that caller
the one before him - the one who was going to spout the typical line about black on black crime and absentee fathers
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 15:59:23
Firefly, the operatives wear them.
Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 15:59:23
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Mala this wide spread use of blue surgical gloves needs to stop. It is freaking me out!
"Two by two. Hands of blue."
While freaked out by overly sanitizing everything I think I've missed something
Firefly, the operatives wear them.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 16:19:53
Hoff and scary sculpture of Hoff!
Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 16:19:53
Quote by Raine:
What the ever loving hell is this?
Hoff and scary sculpture of Hoff!
Comment by BobR on 02/19/2014 16:23:28
Why?
FOR GOD's SAKE - WHY???
BobR on 02/19/2014 16:23:28
Quote by Raine:
What the ever loving hell is this?
Why?
FOR GOD's SAKE - WHY???
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 16:34:05
The Germans?
Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 16:34:05
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
What the ever loving hell is this?
Why?
FOR GOD's SAKE - WHY???
The Germans?
Comment by 
clintster on 02/19/2014 16:35:46
I recognize the statue. That was apparently used as a standin for the Hoff in "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie".
clintster on 02/19/2014 16:35:46
Quote by Raine:
What the ever loving hell is this?
I recognize the statue. That was apparently used as a standin for the Hoff in "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie".
Comment by Raine on 02/19/2014 16:52:06
O
.
.
.
.
M
.
.
.
.
G
Thank you Clint.
Raine on 02/19/2014 16:52:06
Quote by clintster:Quote by Raine:
What the ever loving hell is this?
I recognize the statue. That was apparently used as a standin for the Hoff in "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie".
O
.
.
.
.
M
.
.
.
.
G
Thank you Clint.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/19/2014 17:05:47
Will in Chicago on 02/19/2014 17:05:47
Good morning, bloggers!! I hope that everyone is well.''
We are still having the thaw , so I had to chop up ice. I spent most of yesterday afternoon digging a path to the storm sewer. Today, I had to help clean ice and water from the area around the garage. I am getting ready for brunch. Then some job hunting and more water/ice removal.
As for David Hasselhoff, I have never understood why he is so popular in Germany. I don't see him as that great of an actor and I am not familiar with his singing.
We are still having the thaw , so I had to chop up ice. I spent most of yesterday afternoon digging a path to the storm sewer. Today, I had to help clean ice and water from the area around the garage. I am getting ready for brunch. Then some job hunting and more water/ice removal.
As for David Hasselhoff, I have never understood why he is so popular in Germany. I don't see him as that great of an actor and I am not familiar with his singing.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 17:20:38
Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 17:20:38
Mala are you up to speed on the blue hands thing now?
Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2014 17:22:55
mostly - when do you fall that far into the Firefly well? Not that I blame you its a great show
wickedpam on 02/19/2014 17:22:55
Quote by Mondobubba:
Mala are you up to speed on the blue hands thing now?
mostly - when do you fall that far into the Firefly well? Not that I blame you its a great show
Comment by Scoopster on 02/19/2014 17:27:23
With so little canon it's hard not to!
Scoopster on 02/19/2014 17:27:23
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Mala are you up to speed on the blue hands thing now?
mostly - when do you fall that far into the Firefly well? Not that I blame you its a great show
With so little canon it's hard not to!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/19/2014 17:32:50
Will in Chicago on 02/19/2014 17:32:50
Breaking news. Four students injured, one in critical condition, in an explosion in what is called a cooking incident at Northside College Prep High School in Chicago.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2014 17:38:45
hope there okay - what the heck were they cooking? No matter how hard I tried I couldn't blow up Home Eco with picture frame eggs
wickedpam on 02/19/2014 17:38:45
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Breaking news. Four students injured, one in critical condition, in an explosion in what is called a cooking incident at Northside College Prep High School in Chicago.
hope there okay - what the heck were they cooking? No matter how hard I tried I couldn't blow up Home Eco with picture frame eggs
Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2014 17:39:05
true
wickedpam on 02/19/2014 17:39:05
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Mala are you up to speed on the blue hands thing now?
mostly - when do you fall that far into the Firefly well? Not that I blame you its a great show
With so little canon it's hard not to!
true
Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/19/2014 17:47:13
I am still waiting on details, but meanwhile here is something that may explode in the face of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walter: Wisconsin Court Releases Thousands Of Scott Walker Aide Emails
Will in Chicago on 02/19/2014 17:47:13
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Breaking news. Four students injured, one in critical condition, in an explosion in what is called a cooking incident at Northside College Prep High School in Chicago.
hope there okay - what the heck were they cooking? No matter how hard I tried I couldn't blow up Home Eco with picture frame eggs
I am still waiting on details, but meanwhile here is something that may explode in the face of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walter: Wisconsin Court Releases Thousands Of Scott Walker Aide Emails
Comment by 
livingonli on 02/19/2014 18:44:30
livingonli on 02/19/2014 18:44:30
Good day, folks. At least it's raining and not snow today because I have been so sick of the snow.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/19/2014 18:46:56
Will in Chicago on 02/19/2014 18:46:56
Good news. FCC says it will rewrite net neutrality rules.
Mala, the explosion at the high school was caused by gas that ignited and caused a flash. One student is in serious to critical condition and three are in fair to good condition.
Mala, the explosion at the high school was caused by gas that ignited and caused a flash. One student is in serious to critical condition and three are in fair to good condition.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2014 19:09:24
aaahhh good to know - prayers for all the kiddies
wickedpam on 02/19/2014 19:09:24
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Good news. FCC says it will rewrite net neutrality rules.
Mala, the explosion at the high school was caused by gas that ignited and caused a flash. One student is in serious to critical condition and three are in fair to good condition.
aaahhh good to know - prayers for all the kiddies
Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2014 19:20:39
Hello Supernatural!
Star Crossed looks lame - so tired of the Romeo/Juliette storylines its lazy story telling
wickedpam on 02/19/2014 19:20:39
Quote by Scoopster:
People actually watch anything on the CW?
Hello Supernatural!
Star Crossed looks lame - so tired of the Romeo/Juliette storylines its lazy story telling
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 19:27:47
It has been on my mind today. I saw a meme from one of the firefly sites that had Mittens wearing blue surgical gloves.
Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 19:27:47
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Mala are you up to speed on the blue hands thing now?
mostly - when do you fall that far into the Firefly well? Not that I blame you its a great show
It has been on my mind today. I saw a meme from one of the firefly sites that had Mittens wearing blue surgical gloves.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2014 20:10:41
wickedpam on 02/19/2014 20:10:41
I think Randi read the blog
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 20:12:15
Is she talking about Firefly?
Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 20:12:15
Quote by wickedpam:
I think Randi read the blog
Is she talking about Firefly?
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 20:13:24
Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 20:13:24
Comment by wickedpam on 02/19/2014 20:15:58
I don't think Randi's a Browncoat.
No she was stating that we are de-evolving
wickedpam on 02/19/2014 20:15:58
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
I think Randi read the blog
Is she talking about Firefly?
I don't think Randi's a Browncoat.No she was stating that we are de-evolving
Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/19/2014 20:17:25
Very nice.
I am back from trying to shovel water away from the garage.
By the way, here is an article that argues that the Democratic Party has not lost much of the white working class vote -- once one section of the country is factored out.
Will in Chicago on 02/19/2014 20:17:25
Quote by Mondobubba:
Mala, Scoop and any other nerd, you know you want all of these!
Very nice.
I am back from trying to shovel water away from the garage.
By the way, here is an article that argues that the Democratic Party has not lost much of the white working class vote -- once one section of the country is factored out.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 20:18:57
You never know.
Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 20:18:57
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
I think Randi read the blog
Is she talking about Firefly?
No she was stating that we are de-evolving
You never know.
Comment by Raine on 02/19/2014 20:31:53
I heard that too!
Raine on 02/19/2014 20:31:53
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
I think Randi read the blog
Is she talking about Firefly?
No she was stating that we are de-evolving
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 20:40:04
The song that started it all!
Mondobubba on 02/19/2014 20:40:04
Quote by Raine:I heard that too!Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
I think Randi read the blog
Is she talking about Firefly?
No she was stating that we are de-evolving
The song that started it all!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 02/19/2014 21:52:19
Will in Chicago on 02/19/2014 21:52:19
Esquire has a profile of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel. As over a thousand teachers lost their jobs here, let's say I am not optimistic about my teaching job chances anywhere in Greater Chicagoland.