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Politics : Politics for Pros- moderated -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Lane3 who wrote (131568)	8/11/2005 11:19:59 AM
From: Ilaine	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 793706

And there's something "off" about "groupthinkers," who never had an original or incisive thought, imposing themselves on us over the airwaves like they were God's gift to politics. Actually, isn't it quite common for entertainers to attract audiences who hang on their every word? Those of us who don't feel the spell may wonder why, but at least we can comprehend that the phenomenon is genuine. And has been around for as long as mass media has been around. Perhaps the thoughts are not original or incisive, but if they are inspiring, people like to be inspired. Inspirational thinkers have had an extremely long run of popularity. I, myself, keep a copy of Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations" handy. The format suggests to me that it's really what used to be called a "commonplace book," where people wrote down little squiblets of thoughts that appealed to them, not necessarily (in fact probably not) something they thought of themselves. Or maybe old Marcus really thought of it all himself. Edit: forgot to mention Baltasar Gracian's "Art of Worldly Wisdom." Old Baltasar and old Marcus sometimes cancel each other out, but I enjoy the dry tone of the man who has seen everything, and is surprised by nothing. Edit again: I suggest to you that what you actually find offensive is "groupism" in general. Mass movements and so forth. It's not elitism so much as hating crowds.

To: Lane3 who wrote (131568)	8/11/2005 12:18:32 PM
From: KLP	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 793706

I would certainly agree with you here...That said, there is something "off" about those folks who audition for American Idol, can't sing a lick, but get all defensive and hostile and outraged when Simon tells them so. And there's something "off" about "groupthinkers," who never had an original or incisive thought, imposing themselves on us over the airwaves like they were God's gift to politics. Each is out of his element Don't know why the very vocal Hollywood folks come immediately to mind here, but they do. <faint grin> Don't know about American Idol....have only watched the last one for Ruben and Clay... and whoever it was last May while visiting a friend who had it on....Will take your word on it.