I read a great column the other day about the Columbia disaster. Actually, it was about how the feds handled it. I wish I had the link, but I don't. The author's basic point was that the government immediately resorted to threats to get back the space shuttle debris. They could have politely asked the public for their help in recovering the remains - why was their first instinct to bark orders and threaten jail time? Because the idea the government serves the people is a sham. Government employees always resort to the threat of force. You can see this with police officers. Doctors are expected to have a bedside manner when dealing with patients. Shouldn't we expect a little politeness from the police when you have to deal with them? Not if you're being arrested, of course, but I'm not talking about that. Police these days treat everybody like potential criminals instead of law-abiding citizens. Man, I really hate government employees who wield power. From the police to the President, they all have a god complex.

Not Watching What You Say, Part I

I actually heard a Redneck say this to a girl today: "Baby, I'm like the rattlesnake. I can be mean and loveable at the same time."

And speaking of watching things, I also completed the first season of The Shield. I personally think it's the best cop show ever. Good directing, good acting, good scripts. It's pretty violent at times, but only by basic cable standards. It's enough violence to be real and provocative, but doesn't go overboard, a la Oz or occasionally The Sopranos.

Well, I watched the Japanese version of The Ring. All I can say is that now I'm pissed I didn't watch this version first. The American version was a total re-tread, but not as good. It spoiled the climax of the Japanese version, which would have scared me had I not known what was going to happen. Oh well, that'll learn me.