Dreaming War

Before i forget. The Gore Vidal essays, Dreaming War, etc. are worth reading. The only trouble is that he's far too outspoken to be taken seriously by anyone who doesn't already believe that there is an imperialist agenda. It's a shame really, he obviously has an amazing insight into american history but is portrayed as a complete crank.

We got cable t.v. a few weeks ago. Periodically, when i feel the anger subsiding, i watch a little CNN. It's a little like watch car crashes or people jumping off buildings, it's horrific but you just can't look away. Yesterday, there was a little "debate" between two columnist about whether it was a good idea that airlines were going to start running back ground checks on passengers before boarding. Things like, criminal record, credit rating, etc. Not clean? No flying for you.

Perhaps the logic is that terrorist will be the only ones who can actually get on the plan, because, from what i understand, this certainly wouldn't have flagged any of them.

Papers. Jack boots. Secret police. Records. All the cliches are worn out.