12 / 31 / 07

We’re in Washington DC to perform at a pagan / BDSM / polysexual mansion party for New Year's Eve. Very “Eyes Wide Shut” minus the Scientology. I’ve never been here before and it’s making my head explode.

We spent the day walking around the national mall, looking at the monuments, and reading the stirring words of the nation’s founding fathers. It lifts your spirit and breaks your heart all at the same time. The USA was founded on a belief in reason and science, on tolerance, on freedom from tyranny, and on the meaningful participation of every citizen in their government. There’s a demanding purity to that vision which every American should be proud of. But when you compare the original vision with the messy realities of the country today, the shortfall just hits you in the kidney. The National Mall is also the site of several war memorials. They’re much smaller than the monuments to the politicians, so there’s plenty of room for more.

Best Washington DC road sign: “George Bush Center for Intelligence – Far Right”. You can’t make this stuff up.

Happy New Year!

John