#682 Musings Beyond the Bunker (Monday June 12)
Good morning,
Now and then, I’ve resorted to the headlines of the week for amusement, raised eyebrows and bewilderment. I haven’t done this in a while. Here are a few recent headlines:
Iran has been appointed the rapporteur for the U.N.’s first committee on disarmament and international security. You just can’t make up the irony of the UN’s workings. Iran also is now holds the Vice Presidecy of the UN General Assembly.
At Cornell University, the College of Arts and Sciences and a famous scholarship were named after Goldwin Smith, a noted misogynist, bigot and anti-semite. In 2020, Cornell’s Board of Trustees renamed the scholarship named for this man because he “authored many bigoted essays that put forth antisemitic, anti-feminist, anti-suffrage and anti-coeducational views.” That seems the right move, yet Goldwin Smith Hall retains its name. It’s difficult to understand why the College also wasn’t renamed.
Both Ted Lasso and Succession had their finales at the end of May. Both had satisfying endings that kept with their basic plot, tenor, and genre. Ted Lasso tied up the loose ends in an overly sweet and satisfying way, consistent with its message of kindness, empathy, and warmth. Meanwhile, Succession carried on the darkness that has dominated its run through the death of Logan Roy, whose poisonous presence continues to poison his children and associates, even after his death. I won’t give any information on either, other than to suggest they were among the most consistent and satisfying endings of a television show. Quite a cry from the mishmash that was the Seinfeld finale but not nearly as sardonic as Bob Newhart’s goodbye on his final show:
How can democracy continue to be effective when there are 39 states in which one party controls the governorship and the legislature? 22 are Republican and 17 are Democratic. Not surprisingly, the legislation coming out of each generally is reflective of the most hard-core of their party’s positions.
Disney World welcomed Gay Days, notwithstanding the attacks Disney has sustained from Governor DeSantis. Mickey Mouse waved a Pride flag and people had a good time. In the meantime, Florida continues to restrict even talking about sexual orientation in school and books continue to be banned. Oy…
If you want to see how thoroughly the Chinese government is repressing Hong Kong, check this out from The Washington Post, showing how history slowly is being erased: Tiananmen anniversary provides a picture of repression in Hong Kong:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/interactive/2023/tiananmen-anniversary-photos-hong-kong-repression-protest/A debt deal was signed. Sure, the periodic lunacy of the debt ceiling debate will continue, but economic calamity was avoided. I had thought the hard right would at least test the deadline for a few weeks of tension and risk, but it didn’t happen and a bipartisan agreement was adopted. Bipartisanship? In 2023? Thank goodness for small favors—and the legislative negotiation acumen of President Biden.
David Tennant is slated to appear in three Dr. Who specials this year. He was the 11th doctor and apparently will also be the 14th doctor (the 15th already has been cast for after these specials). Mr. Tennant, in my opinion the clearly best doctor, will be joined by British comedian Catherine Tate, his partner from his earlier days. Can’t wait…
A quick shout-out to Ted Lasso for using Cat Stevens’ “Father and Son” in its closing scenes. I love Cat Stevens (aka Yusuf) and I love this song.
Have a great day,
Glenn