Lies, Damned Lies, & the News
I heard the a fascinating exchange yesterday on N.P.R.'s All Things Considered, in a piece discussing the rough first year of President Obama's second term. The Obama "magic," as they termed it, was so diluted that they even felt free to take right-wing-style potshots at the excesses of the cult of personality in '08 & '09:

Host: "He was given the Nobel Peace Prize, essentially, for being Barack Obama."
Guest: "And for not being George W. Bush."

The tribunes of the self-anointed "Fourth Estate" are a little late to the party, having for too many years been active members of that selfsame cult of personality, but we here at The Secret Base are firm believes that late is better than never. I'm not asking the journos at N.P.R. to join the Vast Right-wing Conspiracy, for that would be as improper as their formerly cultish devotion to Mr. Obama. But I greet with warmth & enthusiasm every small sign of responsible journalism's return, however halting & halfway. Don't be right-wing mouthpieces & don't be left-wing bomb-throwers, just be the dogged pursuers of the truth & defenders of the public interest that you've always claimed to be. Thank you, & welcome back.

The Rebel Black D.O.T. Song of the Day
Cake, "Long Line of Cars" from Comfort Eagle (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary:

"From the streets of Sacramento to the freeways of L.A.,
We've got to keep this fire burning and accept a little gray,
So this long line of cars is trying to break free,
And this long line of cars, it's all because of me…"