Israel: How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways…

Why do most conservatives (though they are by no means ideologically alone) seem to be so infatuated with Israel? It's more than just an ally-of-the-US kind of relationship to them. It's almost like a father-son thing, though I'm not sure Israel would characterize it that way (or want it to be). But every time I turn around there's always so much talk of protecting Israel militarily, donating aid, supporting their policies and goals at every opportunity, and above all demonizing anyone who even considers maybe not giving them such a cherished status anymore.

A major complaint I've heard from self-described Republicans against Ron Paul (besides the principles-compromising admission of “Romney’s more electable”) is that he would “throw Israel to the wolves”…

Political Nicknamery

I recently saw a comment on some political blog by someone ranting about the GOP primary (who isn't these days?) wherein they called her "Michele Botchman"…

I'll pause while you finish chuckling.

Honestly, while it's kinda funny and clever, mostly I find these kind of pejorative parody names to be vexing. They are nothing more than ad hominem attacks worthy of a junior high schoolyard. Are these people so awful that you must personally disparage them in such a juvenile way? Really?

Well, it's certainly easier than intelligently criticizing their policies, which should be the focus of these debates and elections. But man, that's no fun…!

Your Useless Gossip Trivia For the Month

Recently held: the People’s Choice Awards! (Dun dundun duuuun!)

Now, I’m not one to normally pay attention to celeb gossip like this, but the shit storm that erupted on Twitter about it caught my eye. I found it hilarious that everyone was shocked (shocked!) that Chloe Moretz won in the Favorite Movie Star Under 25 category, particularly when she was up against four (four!) Harry Potter stars in a year when the finale to end all finales, Deathly Hallows Part 2 was sweeping every other award (it won Favorite Book Adaptation, Favorite Ensemble Movie Cast, Favorite Action Movie, and the top spot of Favorite Movie).

She’s a fairly good actress who is popular enough, but how did she manage to win against the HP fandom’s sheer numbers? Well, ol’ Sean is here to school you all. It’s simple really, though I cannot confirm since the PCA folks don’t give out final vote counts as far as I can find.

She won because the HP vote was split.

Much like Ross Perot ensured Slick Willy would win (and he did, with a measly 43% even) by splitting the Republican and independent vote, Ms. Moretz won because HP fans were split between Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Draco.

I also kind of feel bad for her, since it’s gotta be just a teensy bit annoying to hear all this “how did she win against four HP actors!!!” instead of “OMG GRATZ!” and the like.