A look at the inevitable failure of political coalitions

I have a deep appreciation for Cory Doctorow’s writings. (If you haven’t yet, read his post where he coined the term “Enshittification”). “Strange Bedfellows and Long Knives” is another look into the strange alignment of political forces that make up the current Republican party and MAGA: Evangelicals and The Finance Sector. Historically at odds, Reagan was able to bring this group together. And, still, many of their respective goals are at serious odds with each other. That will, most likely, feed the flames of failure. After the “war” is won, the members tend to shift towards bickering about the post-victory order. Someone will have to lose.

Another example of this type of powerful coalition? The alliance between the USSR and the USA during WWII. “…after WWII, when (spoilers) the USSR and the USA switched from being allies to being rivals even before anyone could (spoilers) clean Hitler’s brains off the walls of his bunker.”

Looking at the confused muddle that is Project 2025, we see the fault lines, and also see that no one faction looks strong enough to contain the coalition after the fractures form. Tariffs, healthcare, and Elon are all elements Doctorow cites and areas of friction.

I recommend taking a look at this post if you want a look at what the possible end of this currently political struggle looks like.

Fannypacks, Life, Death and Resurrection

Timbuk2 Fannypack Ad
Timbuk2 Fannypack Ad

Having come of age in the 80s, I spent several key years with the ever-glorious fannypack. I watched its death without concern, much like the supposed demise of disco and leg-warmers. Recently, I noticed the creeping resurgence of these little gems, along with up-turned collars on polo-shirts (I proudly support polo-shirts, even without the up-turned collar).

So, I found both joy and amusement when the ad above (for high-end bag-crafter Timbuk2) drifted through my inbox. A reminder, I guess, of the old adage “what goes around comes around”.

For some strange reason (weird, aberrant psychology, perhaps), I kept typing “up-terned” instead of “up-turned”. 

The Worst Things Ever Said To Grievers

Grief

I just read 64 of the Worst Things Ever Said to a Griever. Yeah, brings out awful memories. My personal worst: after my mom died, and evangelical type told me that if I’d prayed right, she would have been healed. I don’t remember my response, but I doubt it was pretty or polite. However, I expect I was so stunned that I remained silent. Most importantly, I remember this decades later. It deeply tainted my relationship with evangelical Christians.

Reading through the list, I see that most of these “worst” are very self-centered. Stepping out of your ego and seeking compassion are the best ways to be a decent human being.

Fortunately, these bloggers have created 64 of the Best Things Ever Said to a Griever. It’s not hard to be kind.

So, folks, simply be awesome to each other.

Today’s Word of the Day Challenge: Protest

Today’s Word of the Day Challenge: Protest

the call of protest
the deep need to find justice ~
a frog-song chorus

Benevolent, A Senryu

demanding my trust
grinning that sinister smile
I remain wary

“Benevolent” is today’s Word of the Day challenge. As I spent part of today reading the news, my trust in self-stated benevolence has evaporated.

The featured image is by Robert Zunikoff on Unsplash. 

DNA, Technology and Unintended Consequences

From Wired Magazine: “There’s No Such Thing as Family Secrets in the Age of 23andMe”

This looks at the fascinating intersection of biological tech with democratized data, laden with so many “unintended consequences” in the DNA market (is it right to call this a “market”?).

I believe there was no way to guess these issues would come up when humanity first developed medical insemination. DNA databases and the commodification of DNA data: I doubt we could’ve guessed this coming about 10 years ago, much less in the 1970s.

Many, many questions, so few answers. The way forward seems murky. I guess it always is.

What would you do? What are you doing?

One of the most powerful things I’ve read:

My friends, be the change you want to see.

Word of the Day Challenge: Senryu

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Today’s Word of the Day challenge is “Acid“. I found this pretty challenging. Finally, I came up with the notion below.

like a strong acid
such a corrosive people
crafting so much pain

Comic Art Inspired by Dune’s “Litany Against Fear”

Frank Herbert’s “Dune” holds a key spot in my soul. The “Litany Against Fear” that Herbert created spoke power to my soul back as a teen, carrying forth to this day. Gavin Aung Than’s art inspired by the litany holds power, too, speaking to today.

We love to quarrel so

We love to quarrel

Satisfied with petty spite

Yet the sun will rise