Arranged Delirium

Our political projects continue in ITL 361. And, I have to give considerable praise to the students this term, who have done a marvelous job in discussing some truly challenging content without getting rude or obstinate. This comes while discussing topics such as: underage drinking, the genocide in Darfur, abortion (both pro-choice and pro-life), digital copyrights, among others. Well done!

Despite my liberal leanings (I’m a Moderate - but my Conservative friends all think I’m a Liberal), I’ve developed a lot of respect for Peggy Noonan and her writing over the years. She has a well developed piece in the Wall Street Journal regarding Obama’s presidency and his perceived disconnect that has led to policy conflict. I’m not sure that I agree with her - I think that the previous administration was so slow to act that many things were put off and have seemed untimely as a result (nonetheless the reflect stages of recovery that we had to go through). But, I do think she’s articulated carefully and quite clearly the approach Conservatives should take int he next batch of elections if they want to win: separate Obama’s personality (overwhelmingly popular) from his policies (unpopular). The independent vote will always swing the election - in 2008 we looked like Democrats, in 2010 we may very well look like Republicans.

I think this comes primarily from economic policies. The President has been patient and collaborative, as a leader should be, but it’s enabled the liberal leadership in Congress to put forth some agenda’s that are more extreme that the independent vote will likely care for. The interesting observation in my opinion will be seeing whether a congressional swing back to the right in 2010 results in an executive shift in 2012. I hope not - I like Obama and I think he’s been a good President thus far. He’s also had a lot to deal with. But as Noonan says- it’s his now. So, he’ll have to own whatever happens from this point on, including the eventual outcomes of the elections of 2010 and 2012. And no matter how important the actual work is, democratic government is the outcome of elected office. You can’t shape policy of you are not in office.

Students in ITL 361 are working on their political poster assignments. For some its a challenge to become engaged in a topic; for others, it’s a challenge to think through the process of communicating visually. For all, its a chance to face discourse that it frequently contentious and try to find a way to talk about the issues without descending into invective and platitudes.

As I consider on the nature of political discourse in this country - and especially the polarizing process of the last decade or so - I often reflect on the role that media has played in shaping that discourse. I’m appalled by folks like Rush Limbaugh and Bill O’reilly, and concerned that FoxNews enjoys the viewership that it seems to possess given its extreme bias in programming. But before you label me as a liberal extremist, let me say that I’m also concerned some of the writing in the New York Times.

But at least with the Times, I can get access to David Brooks. He’s an example of a thoughtful conservative. I may find myself frequently drawn to his writing even if I disagree ideologically. At least I can see his point of view. One recent article of his actually relates to my earlier topic above: the power of the mediated voice of Conservatism. The perceived power is a result of the medium; and I need to relax when I get frustrated by idiots like Limbaugh or O’reilly. They don’t have any real power. The great fallacy is to believe that they do. That’s a failure that draw conservatives and liberals together!

Although I’ve been slow to report it, Apple also released several updates to their product line this week while the Technorati were also caught up in the release of Windows 7. Specifically, they refreshed the iMac, Mini, and Macbooks. They also introduced the new Magic Mouse. Of particular note is the 27” screen on the larger iMacs (the low end is now 21.5”) and the power/price point of the Macbook. $999 is very good for what you get.

Windows 7 ships next week, and its a welcome update for a challenged Vista. Most of the reviews are very positive, and I think for good cause in most instances. I certainly think MS has been revisiting its position on forcing folks to do things in specific ways - it almost seems as though they are taking user feedback into consideration. You can read more via these articles:

Walt Mossberg’s take

BusinessWeek article

If you make movies on your PC, you’ll want to note that MovieMaker’s is no longer bundled, but must be downloaded separately…