January 2, 2016

The Horatio Alger myth (debunked).

Some recent posts made me think about this. I've actually read a number of his books and enjoyed them a great deal. But they are not what the myth says and (side note), he was apparently not a very nice man.

So, presented for your consideration.

Amazingly, a staple of Horatio Alger stories was wealthy benefactors who gave the heroes gifts and helped them on their way, thus contradicting the basis of the idea of a self-made man achieving success through hard work. Dick, the star of Alger’s Ragged Dick series and his most famous creation, once said in a story, “I’d like it if some rich man would adopt me, and give me plenty to eat and drink and wear, without my havin’ to look so sharp after it.”

http://www.bachelorsdegreeonline.com/blog/2012/11-myths-about-horatio-alger-every-american-should-know/

Please rec this - it's a Republican/conservative/capitalist useful lie/meme that, IMHO, needs to be smacked down.

January 2, 2016

If he wins the nomination,

then the party should throw everything it can behind him. Since he will then, of course, be the nominee of the party.

January 1, 2016

Happy new year from maybe my favorite living person.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/12855.Neil_deGrasse_Tyson

January 1, 2016

Thank you.

I love that man so much. I really think he did the best he thought he could, and I am infinitely appreciative that he was willing to put himself out there.