So I initially was very excited to attend the Texas Book Festival, as Christian Lander would be there speaking – Lander being the author of one of the most snarky yet telling books about…well…white people. Stuff White People Like. Brilliant.
So I saw a handful of other authors while at the festival – amazing how large of a production this was. I love it. Anyway, I was really intrigued by Taylor Branch, author of The Clinton Tapes. The more I read, attend lectures, observe, think…the more I realize that is so much out there I don’t know. Mind blowing really.
Anyway, I won’t make this a novel like many other entries are (my b!) but rather I’ll post a scan of the notes I took during this lecture/symposium with my two main takeaways:
Thoughts?
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I really like the two take away’s from your notes, and I agree completely with the first statement. I would say that sadly, most of the opinions about our Presidents are largely based on SNL or big media, which is most definitely not a “sufficient research,” but it is often the most quoted. I’m including our Network News Channels in big media, because I think they do more harm than good when sharing “news” stories.
As far as the democrats vs. republicans issue, I really think the whole party system is pathetic. There are clear cultural vibes that are associated with the two parties, but those vibes are less about politics and more about popularity and self-interest.
I’ve not read the Clinton Tapes, but if those are your main take away’s I bet I would enjoy the book.
amen!
Hope San Fran. is still going well – let me know if you are ever back in Austin! I promise it’s not as hot now (=