Douthat

Found his article in the NYT is very thoughtful. Of course the Times has a bunch of conservative writers liberals can agree with. Sometimes. Or at least in tone. By his account a return to darwinian capitalism has made possible vast increases in productivity and has maintained the country's leading position. But those who lost need to be taken care of. Somewhat. At least in speeches.
Think of Bush transforming FEMA in a terrorism fighting agency and then leaving New Orleans to sink.
I see serious problems with the Douthat view.  Who cares if productivity is high? When one is without prospects or a job (when one is not involved in production) one  cannot make a living by being happy that the country is first in productivity. You might feel good when your wins, but if you cannot afford a six-pack..

no fun highbrow

Everything seems to have been said about the campaign. Everything imaginable. By an infinite number of bloggers and  pundits and etc.  But to label the campaign boring, like David Brooks does, seems to me a novel idea. All these ups and downs and the debates....Wonder how does Brooks get his kicks? True, the ending is dull.

Ringtone

In the hospital. Listening to a discussion on the other side of the curtain.
-Mrs. Post you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
 When the Saints Go Marching In played loudly covers the conversation.
-It's me