Global Wandering

I am nursing an odd combination of injuries. Blister on my right thumb. Blister on the middle finger of my left hand. Massive bruise on my left thigh. Sore left shoulder.

An astute observer will recognize this unique injury combination can only arise from a certain activity: The repeated firing up of a chainsaw and using it to chase visitors down the hallway at a Halloween spook house. Such was my privilege last Saturday night at Camden’s school fundraiser. The chainsaw of course was without the chain in order to prevent injury to myself and others.

Spook houses are strange things. Why would people pay money to be frightened?

While my body was occupied in this tasteless activity, I sought enlightenment by listening to Barack Obama's The Audacity of Hope on my iPod. Well, I at least tried to listen until I realized that even with a chainsaw I’m not particularly scary. Consequently, fulfilling my assignment with exactness required my undivided attention.

I returned to listening to Obama’s book last night on the airplane. I don’t post much on politics. I find the constant bickering and partisan attacks by both the left and the right to be repugnant. I am not against debate and discussion⎯I actually enjoy it⎯ but that is not what occurs anymore. True debate is complex and has nuances. It can’t be distilled into sound bites and one liners.

Which is why I find Obama’s book is so thoroughly enjoyable. Finally, here is someone who actually thinks like I do on what politics could and should be. I’ll leave it at that. I encourage you to read his book.