At long last, Friedman asks the big question!

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2020

How did we end up like this?:
At long last, Thomas L. Friedman has finally asked the big question.

"How did we get so inept?" he asked. He took this route to his query:
FRIEDMAN (7/29/20): When people ask me about my mood these days, I tell them that I feel like I’m a reporter for The Pompeii Daily News in A.D. 79, and I’m sitting in the foothills of Mount Vesuvius and someone just walked up and asked, “Hey, do you feel a rumbling?”

Do I ever.

The summer of 2020 could be remembered as one of those truly important dates in American history
...
Well actually, that's just the way he started.

For ourselves, we wonder how Friedman can be so upbeat. Given the way our societal downfall is cascading, we wonder what makes him think that there's going to be any history in the future—that any historians will be around to remember anything.

For ourselves, we have a hard time seeing a way out of our current mess. Selling The Crazy is big business now—and yes, it operates Over Here too, inside our own liberal tents.

We're just as crazy as they are. And they're out of their freaking minds!

Will we ever pull out of this headlong descent? Here's how Friedman got to his question:
FRIEDMAN (continuing directly); Everywhere you turn you see parents who don’t know where or if their kids will go to school this fall, renters who don’t know when or if they will be evicted, unemployed who don’t know what if any safety net Congress will put under them, businesses that don’t know how or if they can hold on another day—and none of us who know whether we’ll be able to vote in November.

That is a lot of hot, molten anxiety building up beneath our economy, society, schools and city streets—just waiting to blow the top off our country—because we have so failed at managing the coronavirus. We have 25 percent of all recorded infections in the world, and we’re only four percent of the world’s population. In the ultimate irony, Vietnam, which has a little less than one-third of our population but has reported only 416 cases and no deaths, is feeling sorry for us.

How did we get so inept?
How did we get so inept? We aren't entirely sure, but we started building this site in 1997 because we thought the ineptitude was no longer bearable then.

And yes, The Crazy runs all through our tribe. The simple fact that we still can't see that helps show how inept we are.

The plague seems to add to The Crazy. We've seen unbelievably bad work again and again in the past several weeks, and that includes this very day, in both the Post and the Times. The work is unbelievably bad, and the editors can't seem to tell.

As a species, we have perfectly decent technological and construction skills, virtually no skills after that. We can't reason our way out of a wet paper bag, and we're thinking of a bag which is very wet.

The president seems to be mentally ill; the journalists refuse to discuss it. And as for the rest of their work—well, we have almost no skills at all.

We still hope to discuss some of the work we've seen today. That said, the ineptitude is simply amazing, and we're speaking about the work which is done on the highest journalistic levels.

Spreading The Crazy is big business now. Meanwhile, neither of our warring tribes is blessed with a great deal of intellectual skill.

It's all about Storyline, plus tribal loathing. It's those two things all the way down.

Our tribal sachems have very few skills. Our cable stars are absurd circus clowns. Intellectual squalor is pimped every day.

"How did things ever get so far?" How did we, the rational animal, manage to get so inept?

Try to avoid this answer:
Over Here, in our own tribe's tents, it's easy to blame the whole thing on Trump. We refuse to see how many things our tribal stars did to help put Trump where he is.

We simply can't see ourselves as we are. Anthropologists tell us that this is the way the human brain is wired.

35 comments:

  1. "We're just as crazy as they are. And they're out of their freaking minds!"

    You're half way there, dear Bob. When you finally realize that "they" are not crazy at all, that your liberal-zombie cult is, in fact, the single source of all craziness in this modern world, then you'll be cured.

    And we will welcome you with open arms into our community. The community of humyn beings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fascinating. In another comment to another blog post, you mention "Liberal-Hitlerian." Here, you return to one of your favorite formulations, "liberal-zombie." Can I conclude that "Hitlerian" and "zombie" are the same thing? Or is that too facile of me? I defer to you as always, darling Mao -- your subtle mind and unsparing vision as always instruct me, galvanize me. Stay bold, stay true.

      Love, Gao

      Delete
    2. Speaking of zombie cults:

      https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0967067X15000604

      Delete
  2. Somerby twists himself into giant convoluted knots trying to avoid ascribing the bulk of the blame to Republicans, where it belongs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You watched MSNBC lately? The paranoia is ridiculous. They're like FOX.

      Delete
    2. Yeah. Not true. Not true.

      Delete
  3. Listening to Obama’s speech today and thinking about the life of John Lewis, then coming here to read Somerby’s repetitious hateful horse manure....

    Somerby does not come off well in the comparison.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Just watched Trump's press conference. It was remarkably sane. He read a prepared speech. Then he gave reasonable, intelligent answers to a few questions.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The bar is pretty low when you feel called upon to note that Trump can read and answer a couple of questions without shitting his pants or vomiting on the podium.

      Delete
    2. @7:23 You got that right! What a choice of candidates! Is this really the best we can do? :(

      Delete
    3. David, Leroi here. Did you get a boner when you watched Der Stumblebum's adderal-laced speech, or are you too old for that?


      Leroi

      Delete
    4. It's surprising when Trump is sane! It's notable. "Hey guys, wow, did you see that Trump was sane today??"

      That's how far from reality you have been pushed. You find it worth of mentioning that Trump acted sane for a few minutes.

      And the truth is it wasn't sane. It was ass-covering for his inept pandemic response and blatant propaganda against Democrats. It was pathetic.

      Delete
    5. Trump denied the country an appropriate response to Covid, letting them die in order to enhance his chances of re-election - all for naught as his approval keeps dropping. Still, David claps his sea lion fins at the reading of a prepared speech.

      Meanwhile Somerby focuses on racism denial.

      Delete
    6. Can David defend what the actual fuck a slum lord like Jared Kushner is doing making life and death decisions for American citizens? I mean really, what the actual fuck? Is that what DinC and the rest of the trump cult voted for? Jared Kushner?

      Delete
    7. It's wonderful how different phrases can be used to spin positively or negatively. Consider two ways of saying the same thing:

      "Kushner provided housing for many needy people"
      vs.
      "Kushner was a slum lord"

      Delete
    8. Leroi back, David. Pull the other one.


      Leroi

      Delete
    9. Two ways of saying the same thing:

      "All Lives Matter"
      vs.
      "I hate black people".

      Delete
  5. Anyone else notice what a hatefest MSNBC has become lately? Ridiculous conspiracy fears about Kodak, and the Post Office? I mean come on.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nah. I stay away from corporate propaganda if I can.

      Delete
    2. But Qanon speeks truth to power, right semi?

      Delete
  6. Tom Friedman of NYTimes, last person I would trust these times.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Am Laura Mildred by name, i was diagnosed with Herpes 4 years ago i lived in pain with the knowledge that i wasn't going to ever be well again i contacted so many herbal doctors on this issue and wasted a large sum of money but my condition never got better i was determined to get my life back so one day i saw Mr. Morrison Hansen post on how Dr. Emu saved him from Herpes with herbal medicine i contacted Dr. Emu on his Email: Emutemple@gmail.com we spoke on the issue i told him all that i went through and he told me not to worry that everything will be fine again so he prepared the medicine and send it to me and told me how to use it, after 14 days of usage I went to see the doctor for test,then the result was negative, am the happiest woman on earth now thanks to Dr. Emu God bless you. Email him at: Emutemple@gmail.com Call or Whats-app him: +2347012841542 

    ReplyDelete
  8. Urgent effective love Spell caster to help you bring back ex lover & save your marriage fast, (drogunsnya@gmail. com) is certainly the best spell caster online and his result is 100% guarantee!..a whole lot of people are still suffering from all manner of issues of life. What is that particular thing that bothers you? Sometimes, the problem is not the problem but the problem is the inability to identify those who have the solution. I'm Chloe Elizabeth From Edinburgh United Kingdom and I like to introduce you to Dr ogunsnya a man who is come to rescue humanity from all issues of life. Ever since the day I had an encounter with him, that was the day my problem got terminated. When wisdom is blinking, it becomes a word for the wise. I would encourage you to relate whatsoever problem you are facing with Dr ogunsnya and be rest assured that with God all things would work together for your good. You can contact Dr ogunsnya via email: (drogunsnya@gmail. com) I congratulate you as you do so, indeed you are the next testifier.you can also call him or add him on Whats-app: +2347064365391

    ReplyDelete
  9. Urgent effective love Spell caster to help you bring back ex lover & save your marriage fast, (drogunsnya@gmail. com) is certainly the best spell caster online and his result is 100% guarantee!..a whole lot of people are still suffering from all manner of issues of life. What is that particular thing that bothers you? Sometimes, the problem is not the problem but the problem is the inability to identify those who have the solution. I'm Chloe Elizabeth From Edinburgh United Kingdom and I like to introduce you to Dr ogunsnya a man who is come to rescue humanity from all issues of life. Ever since the day I had an encounter with him, that was the day my problem got terminated. When wisdom is blinking, it becomes a word for the wise. I would encourage you to relate whatsoever problem you are facing with Dr ogunsnya and be rest assured that with God all things would work together for your good. You can contact Dr ogunsnya via email: (drogunsnya@gmail. com) I congratulate you as you do so, indeed you are the next testifier.you can also call him or add him on Whats-app: +2347064365391

    ReplyDelete
  10. I want to testify on how I got cured from Herpes. I have been living with this disease for the past 11 months, i have done all i can to cure this disease but all my efforts proved abortive until i met an old friend of mine who told me about a herbal doctor called Dr Oniha, she told me that Dr Oniha have cure for all kinds of diseases, though i never believed in it because my believe was that there is no cure for Herpes disease. But I decided to give it a try when I contacted Dr Oniha, he told me he has a cure for herpes that he cured with herbal medicine. I order for the herbal medicine, which Dr Oniha sent to me through a courier service which i make use of and now behold the herpes is gone and i now have my life back,if you are out there living with this disease i will like you to also contact Dr Oniha and get this disease cured out of your body. I am a living testimony of Dr Oniha herbal cure. Thanks once again Dr Oniha for you are God sent. contact Dr oniha through his contact information.
    Email:drjohnsonlovespellcaster997@gmail.com
    Whatsapp number: +2347057052206

    ReplyDelete
  11. My husband and I have been married for over 10 years. We met when I was 18 and he was 21. We’ve been through a lot emotionally together. There were several HUGE fights and painful situations in our marriage, but we always seemed to come out stronger on the other side. Out of the blue my husband just sprung the divorce talk on me, I was totally depressed until I found Dr.Todd website online and I ordered for a Love spell. You won’t believe my husband called me at the exact time this spell caster finished his spell work in 48hrs. I was totally amazed! He is wonderful and his spells work so fast. His Email: manifestspellcast@ gmail. com manifestspellcast.wordpress.com
    WhatsApp:+1 604 901 9747

    ReplyDelete
  12. I’m thankful to those who have shared their stories and testimonies about Dr Ozigidon. I too went through infertility. I was married in 2016 and we tried for 3 years. I went through 2 failed IUI’s which then led to a miscarriage. We were heartbroken. My embryo was abnormal. We proceeded with a second IVF and went forward with genetic testing. I am 40 years old so unfortunately I have more abnormal embryos than normal. I wouldn’t put myself through another miscarriage. Randomly on the internet I was searching for a solution to my problem, I came across testimonies about a spell caster Dr Ozigidon who has been helping people with fertility issues through his powerful spell. I contacted him after so many thoughts and enough discussions with my husband about seeking the help of a spell caster for a trial. I wrote him through his email (drozigidonhenz.spell.net@gmail.com) Today I will proudly say, it is bigger thanks to the great Dr Ozigidon who genuinely helped me with fertility spells. I will say to anyone who has any issues to contact this spell caster. WhatsApp +2349054750112. I am 7 months pregnant now and I’m due in a few weeks from now now. Again, Thanks to him and I wish everyone out here all the best!

    ReplyDelete


  13. Hello I am CHIZZY PEACE ,I am out here to spreed this good news to the entire world on how I got my ex love back.I was going crazy when my love left me for another girl last month, But when i meet a friend that introduce me to Dr.kabaka the great messenger to the oracle that he serve,I narrated my problem to Dr.kabaka about how my ex love left me and also how i needed to get a job in a very big company.He only said to me that i have come to the right place were i will be getting my heart desire without any side effect.He told me what i need to do,After it was been done,In the next 2 days,My love called me on the phone and was saying sorry for living me before now and also in the next one week after my love called me to be pleading for forgiveness,I was called for interview in my desired company were i needed to work as the managing director..I am so happy and overwhelmed that i have to tell this to the entire world to contact Dr.kabaka at the following email address and get all your problem solve..No problem is too big for him to solve..Contact him direct on: drkabakaspiritualtemple@gmail.com and get your problems solve like me….. ONCE AGAIN email is drkabakaspiritualtemple@gmail.com Call or WhatsApp him. +2349015857861

    ReplyDelete
  14. LOVE SPELL CASTER (DR. OGEDEGBE) THAT HELPED ME BRING BACK MY EX BOYFRIEND CONTACT HIM NOW FOR ANY KIND OF HELP…….With so much joy in my heart i am here to express myself on how Dr. OGEDEGBE saved my relationship from breaking up. Myself and my boyfriend were having some misunderstanding and it was tearing our relationship apart to the extent my boyfriend was seeking for a break up. So I have no option than to go to the internet to seek a solution to my problem. It was there I came across Dr. OGEDEGBE details and about how he has helped a lot of people by restoring their relationship. I contacted Dr.OGEDEGBE and in less than 48 hours my boyfriend cancelled the break up. Now myself and my boyfriend live together in peace and harmony all thanks to Dr.OGEDEGBE for saving my relationship from breaking up. Dr. OGEDEGBE contact information are via email: dr.ogedegbe6@gmail.com or call his phone number or WhatsApp: +2348109374702 .

    ReplyDelete

  15. LOTTO, lottery,jackpot.
    Hello all my viewers, I am very happy for sharing this great testimonies,The best thing that has ever happened in my life is how I win the lottery euro million mega jackpot. I am a Woman who believe that one day I will win the lottery. finally my dreams came through when I email believelovespelltemple@gmail.com and tell him I need the lottery numbers. I have spend so much money on ticket just to make sure I win. But I never know that winning was so easy until the day I meant the spell caster online which so many people has talked about that he is very great in casting lottery spell, . so I decide to give it a try.I contacted this great Dr Believe and he did a spell and he gave me the winning lottery numbers. But believe me when the draws were out I was among winners. I win 30,000 million Dollar. Dr Believe truly you are the best, all thanks to you forever

    ReplyDelete
  16. DR ISIKOLO has done it again for me after helping me to get my husband back. i want to let the world know about DR ISIKOLO the Great spell caster that brought back my estranded husband to me when i thought all hope was lost. so i contacted him and complied with all he told me to do and indeed, i got the result in 48 hours as he assured me. DR ISIKOLO used his powerful spell to put a smile on my face by bring back my man with his spell, at first i thought i was dreaming when my husband came back to me on her knees begging me to forgive her and accept her back and even since then he loves me more than i ever expected so i made a vow to my self that i will let the World know about DR ISIKOLO because he is a great man. Do you have problems in your relationship? have your partner broke up with you and you still love and want him or her back? Do you have problem with your finance ? or do you need help of any kind then contact DR ISIKOLO today for i give you 100% guarantee that he will help you just as he helped me. DR ISIKOLO email address is: isikolosolutionhome@gmail.com or his WhatsApp/Telegram him on: +2348133261196.

    ReplyDelete
  17. my ex-boyfriend dumped me 7 months ago after I caught him of having an
    affair with someone else and insulting him. I want him back in my life but
    he refuse to have any contact with me. I was so confuse and don't know what
    to do, so I visited the INTERNET for help and I saw a testimony on how a
    spell caster help them to get their ex back so I contact the spell caster
    and explain my problems to him..... he cast a spell for me and assure me of
    15 hours that my ex will return to me and to my greatest surprise the third
    day my peter came knocking on my door and beg for forgiveness. I am so
    happy that my love is back again and not only that, we are about to get
    married. Once again thank you Dr Okosun , you are truly talented and gifted
    contact him on WhatsApp +2348133974847
    Okosunspelltemple33@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Life has not been easy with me after my marriage was broken when my husband filled for a divorced but I thank God for using LORD ZAKUZA who's like a God on Earth to get my broken marriage restored with his powerful spell. I suffered for depression for 6 months but today, I am so happy for getting to know LORD ZAKUZA for his spell has really made me to believe that of a truth spells are real and they work. I adhered to every bit of instructions given to me by LORD ZAKUZA for he promised me that he will make me happy and proud and really, all that happened and my husband came back to me with his knees on the ground begging me for forgiveness within 48 hours after I got in touch with him and now we are perfectly bonded again for life. I can boldly say to everyone out there that LORD ZAKUZA spells is really the best and most powerful. I'm forever grateful to him till the end of time. So, you can get connected with him on Email via: Lordzakuza7@gmail.com or WhatsApp with this number +1 (740) 573-9483.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Of a truth Dr LOJA is a legit , I said this because my husband who left me to be with another woman since two months now has returned home and I only contacted this link of dr LOJA website and he told me what to do.drlojasulutionsplace.godaddysites.com. for help. anyone with married issues to click on the link or +234 9159144552 to get your relationship and marriages restored . 

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hello everyone, I am from Wembley, Britain. I want to write this testimony to tell others and thank Dr. Odunga for what he has done for me. The first 12 years of my marriage I had 5 miscarriages and I was called all sorts of names by my mother-in-law and this made my marriage life very hectic and a burden of sorrow. I contacted Dr. Odunga for help and I will say that he is a very strong and honest man and he indeed helped me solve my problem. I saw his email in a testimony and I contacted him, little did I know it would be the end of all my problems. After 2 days of contact, I received a fertility herb and he told me to use it. The herb worked and my husband even loved me more and bought me expensive things. One afternoon, I went to a nearby hospital and came back home with the positive result of my pregnancy and after 9 months I gave birth to a baby boy. Ever since I contacted Dr. Odunga, my story has been different. I have 3 children at present and I am very happy in my marriage. Please, contact him at odungaspelltemple@gmail.com OR Whats App him +2348167159012 to help you too

    ReplyDelete