Interesting discussion with Kev and the Finn tonight for about an hour. A fairly varied political spectrum. Kev’s primarily conservative, Finn’s a Left-leaning Centrist, and I’m more of a Moderate (depending on which topic you ask me about.)

Discussion covered presidents, Korea (N&S), China, India, Iraq, and the news media in general. I feel that Kev is weighted toward the “Fox News” perspectives, and Finn forms very strong opinions before evaluating the situation for more than a little while. I feel that I may do too much research before forming an opinion.

We were at an impasse, when the Finn didn’t want to “agree to disagree” when I decided to impugn her beliefs regarding people’s desire to be educated. I feel that most people *don’t* want to do any hard stuff. The preference lies with Ricki Lake or other fluff TV… very few people want to educate themselves about history, or the world around them, unless it’s presented in an entertaining way. You can teach folks with sex, gore, humor and melodrama… but dry facts appeal to precious few. The trick lies in getting the mix right.

Both of them disagree with me regarding what it is to have truly free speech… though I agree with the idea that there should be accountability for what folks say in a public forum, I’m of the belief that if you don’t like what’s on television…you can turn it off. If you don’t like it, turn the channel. If you really don’t like it, don’t buy products advertised on the show being broadcast.

I like the idea of a Jeffersonian Democracy. “The government governs best which governs least” I hold a strong belief in a free press, freedom of religion and speech.

Kev likes speech control (via limiting celebrities being able to buy TV time, and editorialize at whim), is against gun control. He finds Iraq a more immediate threat than North Korea. He truly is concerned about how China will react if/when the USA starts getting tough with Korea.

Finn’s also in favor of censoring people’s opinions.

Bleh, tired of writing about this. Too rambly. I’ll come back to it later.

Nighty night, dear journal.

I really like that Newt will lay on a pillowcase on top of the futon… that saves me from having to rub down the whole thing when the inevitable cat hair accumulates.

Went to bed *really* early last night.. Like 10:30ish. I slept all the way through to 7am. I’m not sure why I needed the rest, but I’m confident that I needed it. Maybe all the time out in the sun?

Schools, banks and federal offices are closed today… I wonder how well Danny’ll do at the RenFaire today with his students? (Unofficial field trip.) I bet that they’ll have a grand time, but I think the performers will suffer… School kids aren’t known to be great tippers when pass the hat time rolls around. I’d like to go with ’em, but I’ve got work-duties to fulfill.

Appointment tomorrow at Holy Cross to talk to the doctor about upcoming surgery. Possibly the same as my last day at current work?

I was expecting the brother to come over this morning, to call about his appointment with Marcie re: a short-term gig… but he didn’t make it. I hope he goes over!

Criminy… 11 again! Time for me to fly. Until later, dear Journal.