“Silence that dreadful bell: it frights the isle(Othello, act 2, sc. 3)
Comments. The clairvoyant power of the Oracle of Delphi was not necessary to guess the winner of the presidential elections. According to this webmaster one good thing about them now is that the associated noise has stopped. Had it been in his powers Continue reading
“…I may neither choose whom I would nor refuse whom I dislike” (Merchant of Venice, act 1, sc. 2)
Comments. Irrespective of who wins (the Presidential Elections), the basic policy of the ruling elite will continue. The 2012 campaign has been (one might say, as usual) a low rate spectacle. For all the billions of dollars spent, the unending advertisements and the saturation media coverage, nothing of substance has been seriously discussed or debated.
The Republican candidate Continue reading
“…whose tongue soe’er speaks false,(King John, act 4, sc. 3)
Comments. All comments are welcome, even from those who disagree with one or more of the views proposed, always inspired or stemming from a Shakespearean quote.
For those who still believe that there is a difference between the Democratic and Republican party platforms here are statements from three prominent figures in US history.
“The two parties Continue reading
There are some, actually and probably many, who are very indifferent to the fakery, charade, travesty, pantomime, PR exercise, Shakespearean comedy (?), burlesque mask, embodied by the soon-to-be-held presidential elections.
That Obama will be the winner few doubt. That the platforms of both parties are essentially identical (behind a facade of feigned difference), has been amply proven and supported by incontrovertible evidence.
Anecdotally, Romney’s reference that America runs the risk of ending up like Italy, has a touch of the ironic. Not that Italy is exempt from problems, caused by too many reasons to even start an analysis. But, macroscopically speaking, as they say, Romney has nothing Continue reading
“That time of year thou mayst in me behold
When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,
Bare ruin’d choirs where late the sweet birds sang.
In me thou seest the twilight of such day
As after sunset fadeth in the west,
Which by and by black night doth take away,
Death’s second self, that seals up all in rest.
In me thou see’st the glowing of such fire
That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,
As the death-bed whereon it must expire
Consumed with that which it was nourish’d by.
This thou perceivest, which makes thy love more strong,
To love that well which thou must leave ere long.” (Sonnet 73)
Comments. This sonnet does not require comments. It best expresses the feelings associated with the fading away of the year, the Fall colors and the natural melancholy that goes along with the passing of irrecoverable time.
Tips for Use. You can memorize the first four lines and use them when you are not afraid to admit to your (advancing) age but prefer to use a metaphor. Could go well even in a job interview.
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Image source: a tree in Portland, Oregon
“How use doth breed a habit in a man!”Comments. In this entry’s instance the “use” refers to voting in the presidential elections to sustain two beliefs (through habit), that have proven false and documentably so. One is that voting is the essence of democracy. It would or it can be if the voter had any say in the selection of the candidates – but he has none. The belief stems from the habit of unconsciously comparing the voting in presidential elections to the voting during, say, the election of a club member Continue reading
“Here comes the countess: now heaven walks on earth.”Comments. We must, we should, we have to change the subject of political elections. If not else, in an attempt to forget that millions of well-intended citizens will go to vote in the totally unsupported belief that their vote will make a difference. The evidence is in front of everybody’s eyes but, as Imogen finds out in Cymbeline, “… our very eyes are sometimes like our judgments, blind!”. If you wish you can check out the entry “Shakespeare and Democracy in America” from last April 17 for a good graphic rendition of the electoral process (and associated Shakespeare line).
Still, to change the subject, Continue reading
“Hopeless and helpless doth Aegeon wend,Comments. What is most extraordinary (about the presidential elections) is the incredible success of the propaganda machine. And the consequent belief, also held by obviously intelligent people, that their vote makes any difference. Notwithstanding the overwhelming data, some in front of their very eyes, about the obvious Continue reading
“… like one
Comments. George McGovern, presidential candidate in 1972 who valiantly opposed the Vietnam War, (and when doing so was considered “anti-American”), died this month. Those who followed McGovern’s memorial in Sioux Falls will no doubt have been reminded of his stand against the Vietnam War. Just about all said they had been inspired by his courage in taking the anti-war position he did. The most extraordinary of the eulogists Continue reading
“… One that is well-nigh worn to pieces with age to show himself a young gallant.”Comments. The character of the aging Romeo has been the subject and the butt of a large number of novels, plays and comedies, in the major European languages and (probably) in the minor ones as well. Still, it would seem that the lessons to be derived from all the mentioned sources are sometimes lost. Typical is the case of the ex-prime Continue reading