Bits of Tid: August 25, 2009

• For those of you who don't know (since it has been a while since I explained it), Bits of Tid is my semi-regular compilation of news and other items. The name comes from reversing the syllables in 'Tidbits' and sticking 'of' in between.
  
• Mention that the public option is just that - an option - and people are much more supportive of it.
• It's a start: Attorney General Holder has appointed a special investigator to look at detainee abuse.
• Barack Obama's vacation reading list includes five books totaling more than 2,300 pages.
  
• A group of local Republican leaders in Illinois

  held a meeting and prepared to recite the pledge. Oops. There was no flag in the room for them to face while reciting. What to do?
  
  Why, call on a fellow named Gene to come to the rescue. Gene was wearing a shirt decked out in an American flag pattern. He came forward, and the group of assembled Republicans pledged allegiance to his shirt.

• Tigers' magic number: 35. Ironically they've scored fewer runs than three of the other four teams in the AL Central, but they've also allowed the fewest runs. Possible proof that defense wins championships?
  
• Yesterday was my 18th - and, for now, final - first day of school. Where has the time gone?
  

Bits of Tid: May 15, 2009

• I don't think the Obama Administration should oppose the release of torture photos. I'd understand if releasing said photos would cause a backlash, but I just don't see how releasing more such photos would cause a backlash when some have already been released.
• Speaking of torture, did WE commit torture, as many suggest, or did certain members of the Bush Administration commit torture? Here's something I found regarding controversies surrounding the concept of collective responsibility that may explain why I don't think we should be blamed:

  The first controversy focuses on the relationship between collective responsibility, on the one hand, and the values of individual liberty, justice, and non-suffering, on the other. How, participants in this controversy ask, can we ascribe moral responsibility to groups in society for harms that only a few of its members directly caused without eroding individual responsibility or violating principles of individual freedom? How can we ascribe collective responsibility in such cases without treating those individuals who did not directly cause harm unjustly?

  Of course, that's different from the notion of civic responsibility, which says that as Americans we each must do our part to fight for what's right, including voting, speaking out, and the like.
• Here's a twist on eco-activism.
  
• Suddenly the diploma I got four years ago seems less prestigious.
• The line from Obama near the top of this blog is from his commencement address at Arizona State.
  
• Michigan First Gentleman and leadership enthusiast Dan Mulhern has a new page on Facebook.
• I am working on getting another blog going. Of course, GLGTGS will still be here to infotain you. Stay tuned!