Thursday, May 18, 2006

I Have Seen My Alternate-Universe Self

The other day, whilst near 11th & Locust, I saw this obviously deranged homeless guy coming towards me, muttering to himself. I thought it was just standard psycho-mumbling, which every Center City dweller knows well, but it turned out to be way better. The homeless guy was not just talking to imaginary people, but complaining about the clothing of another man on the street who was wearing the straight-boy summer uniform (striped, short-sleeved polo shirt, khaki shorts and flip-flops) . Yes...he was disparaging the clothing of passers-by.

I love the city.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Answers, please

This being an election day, whilst out walking this morning I pondered this burning question: Should Americans who don't vote be penalized?

I used to be a dedicated non-voter, so for me to even consider such a thing is pretty darn surprising. Although I'm loath to penalize people for failing to exercise a right, at the same time our democracy* does not function properly when less than half the eligible population bothers to cast a ballot. I'm honestly divided about it, and I'm curious to hear what others think.

* BTW, don't tell me, "But we live in a republic, not a democracy", because it's the same damned thing. A republic is governed by democratically elected officials, so although the US is not a direct democracy, it's a democracy nonetheless. One of my pet peeves is pointing out the meaningless distinction between the two, so don't do it or I'll think mean things about you.