"Every Little Thing He Does Is Magic"

The hugely talented singer-songwriter Sting recently extolled the new American President in messianically reverential tones, declaring that, "In many ways, he's sent from God."

Perhaps so, but let's not forget that God has also been known to send swarms of locusts, frogs, hail, pestilence and other plagues (c.f., Exodus chapters 5-11). I'm just saying.

Sting affirms that Dear Leader is "very genuine, very present, clearly super-smart, and exactly what we need in the world. . . . I can't think of any be better qualified because of his background, his education, particularly in regard to Islam."

Huh?

Anyway, I'm not much persuaded by Sting's views on this subject. I LOVE his music, but I just don't think he's seeing things clearly here. Even so, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for at least being sincere, if naive. After all, he's the one who also also said, "When the world is running down, you make the best of what's still around."

Walk Like a Man (Robot Style)

I'll tell you what. I don't ever want to see one of these things walking (or running) in my direction. [Strains of David Bowie: "Put on your red shoes and dance the blues . . ."

Switzerland Trying to Squelch "Suicide Tourism"

The Times Online reports:

Switzerland announced plans yesterday to crack down on “suicide tourism”, signalling that it might close the Dignitas clinic that has helped hundreds of terminally ill people to take their lives.

The plans — in the form of two draft Bills that will be offered for public debate — are likely to set off a rush of patients from Britain and elsewhere in Europe since Switzerland has become the main destination for those seeking assisted suicide.

Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, the Justice Minister, said that two options would be presented to parliament. Either clinics such as Dignitas and Exit, which deals chiefly with Swiss patients, will have to accept much stricter regulation or they will be closed down.

The tightening of the rules would require patients to present two medical opinions declaring their disease incurable, that death is expected within months and that they have made their decision of sound mind and fully aware of their options.

These guidelines, said the minister, appeal to common sense. And even in the most controversial clinic, Dignitas, these rules are already broadly adhered to. But critics have accused Dignitas of widening its criteria. Some patients are not terminally ill and at least a few would-be suicides are suffering from clinical depression.

The plan is thus to slow down the process and make it a more considered, and carefully policed, decision. . . . (continue reading)

I Just Saw This Crazy Thing. How'd They Do That?