There are a lot of people whose livelihoods depend on keeping lots of conservatives terrified and ill-informed. The groups that exist to raise funds raise more funds when they endorse the crazier candidate. Alex Pareene candidateconservativecrazy share on social
For most of the millions of people who watch TED videos at the office, it's a middlebrow diversion and a source of factoids to use on your friends. Except TED thinks it's changing the world, like if 'This American Life' suddenly mistook itself for Doctors Without Borders. Alex Pareene americanborderchange share on social
Because TED is for, and by, unbelievably rich people, they tiptoe around questions of the justness of a society that rewards TED attendees so much for what usually amounts to a series of lucky breaks. Alex Pareene amountattendeebreak Change image and share on social
CNN will always be the channel people turn on when wars and horrible disasters happen. The 'trick' is getting people to also want to watch it when there aren't hundreds or thousands of people somewhere in the world currently in mortal peril. Alex Pareene channelcnndisaster share on social
Co-opting the conservative line on anti-poverty programs did nothing to halt conservative attacks on anti-poverty programs. Alex Pareene antiattackconservative Change image and share on social
Conservatives don't want to read good, smart books. They mostly want to read Fox and talk radio hosts writing about presidents. Alex Pareene bookconservativefox Change image and share on social
I grew up in a politically aware household: very civically-minded, good Minnesota liberals. Alex Pareene awarecivicallygood Change image and share on social
Only a small rich fringe hates Social Security for disincentivizing 80-year-olds from seeking full-time employment. Alex Pareene disincentivizingemploymentfringe Change image and share on social
The song 'Take This Job and Shove It' spent 18 weeks on the country charts in 1977. 1970s country music fans had a clearer understanding of the ennui of wage-slavery than modern elites. Alex Pareene 1970schartclear Change image and share on social
It's easy for the thought-leader and executive classes to embrace a 'do what you love and love what you do' philosophy when they are wealthy enough to work hard only voluntarily, and when their jobs grant them status. Alex Pareene classeasyembrace share on social