Friday, January 1, 2010

Recommended Viewing

This morning, there are only about ninety thousand "top ten of 2009" lists to which I could link you. Here's one: Talking Points Memo selects ten great bits of political comedy, mostly from The Daily Show. If you didn't see #1, which is Jon Stewart's impression of Glenn Beck, make sure you watch at least that one.

• Posted at 12:35 PM · LINK

Onward and Upward

This is the time o' year when everyone says things like, "Good riddance to the old year...here's hoping that the new year will be a lot better." It's always nice to think things will get better and I always think they will. It's just a matter of how long that's going to take.

At least around here, 2009 wasn't so horrible that I'm unduly thrilled to be rid of it. The worst parts of it for me were in the pain and problems (and occasional deaths) of friends, mainly due to financial distress. Some who write me in opposition to Health Care Reform do not seem to get that I'm militant on this issue not because I have some deep-seated yearning to turn this country into Sweden but because I believe that people I know, some of whom have been eulogized on this site, have died for want of affordable health care. Others have either gone into serious debt or emptied their bank accounts. I don't want to get into the argument over whether reasonably-priced insurance is a privilege or a right. I just think people shouldn't lose their lives or homes because of hospital bills.

Other friends are simply suffering from the bad economy. I don't know what to tell them except to offer some heartfelt optimism and remind them they're not alone. Others have their problem...and others are around to help in whatever way they can. This past year, I've also witnessed some heartwarming acts of generosity and compassion. And one of those can balance out a dozen acts of craven selfishness. I hope they become less necessary in 2010...but that they're still around for those who need them.

• Posted at 3:02 AM · LINK