Day 111

I've had the opportunity in the last couple of days to watch some actual tv, for the first significant time since I cancelled my cable back around new years. I watch online periodically, and it is free of commercials, so when I went back to watching some television I was shocked at the sheer quantity of commercials!

After the hiatus (which will continue indefinitely; this was an exception at someone else's house) and re-introduction I've realized how conditioned I had become to advertizing content. Just something to think about for all you tv-watchers out there!

About two years ago I had a dream in which I was watching a tv show just like American Idol. But, instead of singers, it was murder suspects on trial, and the public voted in to decide who was guilty and who was innocent. All that was required for a verdict was a majority vote, of course. The trial, evidence, even the execution were broadcast publicly, and it was up to the country who lived and who died.

Whenever I am arguing in favour of democracy to people of other political minds, I find myself silently humbled by this dream. "I can't imagine wanting such a justice syetem ever to work in such a detestable way! Democratic votes are good and valuable, but not when it comes to the important things." But I don't say this aloud...

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