Buzz Kill

I’ve been in Denver, up to my eyeballs in fresh air and mountains, completely oblivious to world events. This is my vow: never again tease sister as she stares blankly when I ask opinion of CAFTA. After all, with a view like the Rocky Mountains, who the hell wants to talk about global politics?

Me, of course. Try as I might to escape for a bit, Tim Russert and company pull me back.

What’s up with Dumbya’s speech this week? Was he kidding anyone? If you’re saying, “Yes, I buy his bullshit” please give me a call. I’d love to talk to someone who really believes our country is safer now than before we invaded Iraq. Don’t be offended if I ask for a toke of whatever you’re smoking. My five year-olds believe Peter Parker lives in New York, secretly saving people as Spiderman, yet they’d even tell you Saddam had nothing to do with 9/11. Far be it from me to suggest reality therapy for a bunch of people who still think Darwin got it wrong.

Apparently, Sandra Day O’Connor is bailing on us. I didn’t see this one coming. Our moderate Supreme Court Justice (or “the one thing Reagan did right”) announced her retirement Friday. It’s already hard to breathe Colorado air and this doesn’t help. Neocons are all uptight because Bush might nominate Attorney General Alberto Gonzales for Sandy’s spot. It seems the same right winger who thought torturing prisoners at Gitmo was morally sound policy isn’t nutty enough. They want someone who is going to take away women’s rights and put up God’s law (Christian version) in every public building from the redwood forest to the gulf stream waters. Liberals like me are frightened for exactly the same reason. Be afraid people, be very afraid.

Poverty in Africa is getting well-deserved publicity this week with the Live 8 concert Saturday and the G8 meeting beginning Wednesday. Hopefully someone other than a serious Coldplay fan is listening. We do have poor people here in America, but to paraphrase Chris Rock, it’s not “flies on lips” poor. Lots of people (read: old farts) complain musicians shouldn’t be involved in global affairs. I say the fate of the world is everyone’s business. If Bono and Chris Martin can use their celebrity for something other than buying houses and jewelry, more power to them. DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa) is one of many organizations appealing to the richest countries that forgiving debt, making medicine available to help those suffering from AIDS, and fair trade is the only way to save the African continent. How can a president with Christian values continue to break his promises to the world’s poorest people? Perhaps he’s only a Christian when it’s convenient.

Maybe in a few days I can laugh about escapades in Boulder or sticking Vaseline up children’s dry noses. I’m out for now.