“Conservative reform, in fact, turns out to be a lot like liberal reform. Each involves a whirlwind of government activity. Each is a formula for politics without end–splendid indeed for politicians and government employees, but a bit tiring for the rest of us. Who can blame the public for beginning to show its weariness? The fatigue came to a head in the Schiavo case, and the president’s poll numbers have yet to recover … A lack of modesty and self-restraint is one excellent reason Americans grew to despise liberals in the first place. The high-water mark of American liberalism came in 1993 and 1994, when President Clinton and his wife, under the guise of “health care reform,” decided they would assume control of one-seventh of the nation’s economy in order to make it more rational and fair. Voters responded by handing the federal legislature to the Republican party. History may record that what offended them wasn’t liberalism but busybodyism – the endless, frenetic search by elected officials for ever-new ways to make the country more fabulous. Bush and his Republicans are close to proving that busybodyism can become a creature of the right as well as the left.” – Andrew Ferguson, joining the growing resistance on the right to “big government conservatism.” I’m also a little dumb-founded to find myself agreeing with almost everything in this John Derbyshire article. An even sharper critique of big government conservatism – from the left – can be read here.
EMAIL OF THE DAY: Here’s a sad tale:
“I’ve been reading your blog daily for a couple of years now and I must say, though I admired you for your bravery and intelligence, my admiration for you recently reached a new level. I must make a confession. I’ve lately been feeling like a societal outcast. On the social fringes. Sure, there are times when I’m comfortable around other people. In restaurants, churches, theaters. But then there are times when my shell closes around me. I’m afraid to peek my head out to see and experience the world. How I long for the smell of the ocean. Or a sun tan.
According to our culture, I’ve been struck with an affliction that is unacceptable. In certain places I’m seen as freakish, uncouth, unacceptable. Snickers and jeers follow me. Second and third glances follow my every step. I feel like a second class citizen – like someone who belongs in a carnie freak show – similar to the lobster boy or the 22-inch high woman.
Yes Andrew, I have, and this is difficult for me to admit, a hairy back.
A very hairy back.
Like Robin Williams’ arm hair hairy. You would think, when I take my shirt off in public that I have a tattoo of say, I dunno, President Bush jerking off a horse. There. I’ve said it. I’ve admitted it. The weight is off my shoulders, though the follicles remain. I feel much better. Knowing there are people out there like you, people who support folks with back hair almost makes life worth living again. I say almost because I do have a couple of other hurdles to clear. Like biting my fingernails rather than a manicure. And I like red meat and regular beer. But then, recovery is a process, right?”
I might add that we now have scientific evidence that pheromones – intensified by body hair – have a big effect on sexual attractiveness. I knew that already. I just cannot understand why men decide that it’s less sexy to be more male.
The Dish 