Atlas Wept

From Gore Vidal's latest book:

"A current pejorative adjective is narcissistic. Generally, a narcissist is anyone better looking than you are, but lately the adjective is often applied to those 'liberals' who prefer to improve the lives of others rather than exploit them. Apparently, a concern for others is self-love at its least attractive, while greed is now a sign of the highest altruism. But then to reverse, periodically, the meanings of words is a very small price to pay for our vast freedom not only to conform but to consume."

Digby adds:

I have two words of explanation: Ayn Rand. The wingnut geeks have never emotionally or intellectually matured since they read their first sizzling romance novel, "Atlas Shrugged" in the 10th grade. ("So self-centered, greedy assholes are sexy man candy to the ladies? Awesome.") It forms the emotional core of their worldview and their political philosophy. I'm sure it still gives them a honking "big tent party" just thinking about it.

Ah yes, it's Monday

So I ran out of the house this morning and completely forgot to take my vitamins, my allergy meds and my stomach med...it's going to be a long day.