Tag Archives: American Society

We Are Settling for a Child’s Bargain

Even the symbols of Amerikkkan politics are child’s toys. When will we find the courage to end the cycle of destructive, fear-based politics and throw out the people who wish it upon us? When will we grow up? Richard Jehn … Continue reading

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged , | Leave a comment

S. Russell on Obama and Civility

Obama and this matter of negative politicsBy Steve Russell / May 7, 2008 / The Rag Blog [Steve Russell wrote the following to introduce an article entitled “Outright Barbarism vs. The Civil Society” by Sara Robinson. It is a fascinating … Continue reading

Posted in Rag Bloggers | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Death and the D.C. Madam

Deborah Jean Palfrey aka the D.C. Madam. Photo by Nikki Kahn, The Washington PostCall girls speak out about the suicide of Deborah Jeane Palfrey and the complicated truths it reveals about their lives.By Susannah Breslin / May 5, 2008 May … Continue reading

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

We Must Also Save Ourselves from Ourselves

The Epitome of Conspicuous ConsumptionThe Gospel of Consumptionby Jeffrey Kaplan / May 3, 2008 Private cars were relatively scarce in 1919 and horse-drawn conveyances were still common. In residential districts, electric streetlights had not yet replaced many of the old … Continue reading

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A. Pogue : The Sad Tale of a Good Samaritan

Alan Pogue’s new look: “All I need is the two knobs, one on either side of my neck, for the perfect Halloween mask.” Painful self-portrait by Alan Pogue / The Rag Blog.“No good deed goes unpunished”: A cautionary tale of … Continue reading

Posted in Rag Bloggers | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Today is No Pants Day!

Illustration by Kevin PeakePants: Just say no!By Susie C. / May 2, 2008 Well, every day is like No Pants Day for me — I’m a blogger! So why not join me in leg liberation? Just say no to pants … Continue reading

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

American Society : Dick and Jane in Plastic Playland

Children’s play equipment and the decline of the American yard.By Tom Vanderbilt / April 2, 2008 The next time you drive down a street in suburban or exurban America, pay careful attention to the yards. Lurking somewhere, either peeping out … Continue reading

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged , | Leave a comment

How We Love Our Children

A Fagin NationBy Jerome Doolittle / May 1, 2008 One of the many things we believe about ourselves that just ain’t so is that Americans, God love us, are absolutely crazy about children. Dote on them. Pamper them. Protect them … Continue reading

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged | Leave a comment

Quote of the Day – Noam Chomsky

Chomsky on American elections: If one is flipping a coin to pick the king, it is of no great concern if the coin is biased. Failed States, p.223.

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Red Headed Stranger Turns 75

Part of Willie Nelson’s appeal has been the lack of certainty about his life, including the exact date of his birth. Some sources say it is April 28, some say it’s April 30. Photo by Bill Olive / Houston ChronicleFriends … Continue reading

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Albert Hofman, Who Took Hundreds of Trips, 1906-2008

Dr. Hofmann, date unknown, with a chemical model of LSD.Photo by Novartis, Getty ImagesAlbert Hofmann, the Father of LSD, Dies at 102By Craig S. Smith / April 30, 2008 PARIS — Albert Hofmann, the mystical Swiss chemist who gave the … Continue reading

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Iraq Moratorium : Americans Saying "NO!"

Almost 40 people turned out on Iraq Moratorium Day #8 in Hayward Wisconsin at a Vigil for Peace sponsored by Peace North and Veterans for Peace Chapter 153.From Dennis O’Neil / April 27, 2008 Dear Friends, Reports from Moratorium Day … Continue reading

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment