Poor Richard's Anorak

Tony Judt obituary | Books | The Guardian

Tony Judt obituary | Books | The Guardian.

Truthdig - Reports - The Age of Paine

Truthdig - Reports - The Age of Paine.

“Let it be told to the future world … that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive … that the city and country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it.” 

Orcinus: Ideology First

Orcinus.

Brooklyn Heights Blog: Yassky, New-York Historical Society Launch “Brooklyn Revealed”

Brooklyn Heights Blog � Yassky, New-York Historical Society Launch “Brooklyn Revealed”.

Alex Ross: The Rest Is Noise: Paper noise

Alex Ross: The Rest Is Noise: Paper noise.

American Fez: Romans on Twitter

American Fez: Romans on Twitter.

Alex Ross: The Rest Is Noise: Inaugural music (updated)

Alex Ross: The Rest Is Noise: Inaugural music (updated).

History Begins Again: Barack Obama as 44th President of the United States - The Washington Note

History Begins Again: Barack Obama as 44th President of the United States - The Washington Note.

"On This Day..."

Today was so excellent I couldn't believe it was really happening. I was totally enthralled with the inaugural ceremony, and the attendant ceremonies and luncheon. 

I thought Obama's speech was superb, and his luncheon remarks were simply incredibly real and down-to-earth. I am so proud that he and his family will live in the White House for the next four years.

From '66 through '69 I was in the army in Arlingrton, VA; and after that I drove a cab for nine months. I got to know D.C. and its environs very well, which made today's events even more fascinating for me. It was a miracle that the crowd came and went with such seeming efficiency, though I'm sure I wouldn't be talking about efficiency if I waited on a subway platform for hours, or couldn't find a porta-potty.

I kept thinking about MLK's Poor Peoples' March on Washington, and the Vietnam War Moratorium. Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger singing near the Washington Memorial, and Nixon in the White House watching pro football on TV. I also remember seeing dozens of troop carriers go into the underground parking garage across the street from Constitution Hall the night before the Moratorium. I was the only person on the street to see them, which gave me cold chills. I had no idea if the troops would storm us at the rally the next day. They didn't.

The country is different tonight. The world is different tonight. May President Obama thrive in his honorable service to his country.

Think Progress: Vice President Cheney and former Attorney General Gonzales indicted in Texas

Think Progress � Vice President Cheney and former Attorney General Gonzales indicted in Texas. .

This is going to take a brave judge, and brave prosecutors.