I really ought to make some sort of remarks on Eric Benjamin’s antiLus/goberment tirade in this week’s “Marijuana” edition of The Times of Acadiana. But its hard to know exactly how to think about it. When I first saw it I was really pissed. For a full 10 minutes. Then I read it again, and while still angry, puzzlement and confusion took over. The thing is just too hallucinogenic to be treated really seriously. Whatever the guy was smoking he really ought to cut down on whatever he’s mixing in. Oh yea, and in the print version the article is placed facing a particularly misleading full-page anti-fiber Cox ad. A mean-spirited observer might think that sows a little doubt about the Times’ objectivity. How dumb was that placement?
The opinion piece presents itself as satire that features an oily salesman trying to sell you a pig in a poke. But the weird, hallucinogenic right-wing fantasy it occupies is hypnotizing in that horrific watching-the-poisonous-snake-coil-to-strike way: User fees are new taxes. People who buy services like this (and water and electricity) therefore pay more taxes than their neighbors. You won’t get to watch the Sopranos. The local government is the one to be afraid of if you go to the Al Jeezera site. (Can you say misdirected? I cite the Patriot Act for your reasonable, legal locus of fear on this count. For the city to track you would be illegal, but not for your “Justice” department.) And then there is this particularly disconnected moment when Lester U Smiley (really, that’s the salesman’s name) says:
“What’s more,” he continues, “after we’re through with fiber-optics we’re moving on to roads and infrastructure, then to trash collections, police, fire and the schools.”
Hunh? That just floored me. The successful local provision of these essential natural monopoly services is the rhetorical and logical basis for making sure the fiber monopoly is locally controlled. Doesn’t he understand who provides these services locally? Local Goberment, Eric. …He really, really needs to cut way back. Hypnotic strangeness.
However, the angry part of my reaction remains: the article, done in the brand new general manager’s personal column (he’s been in Lafayette just a month), is an unbelievable pastiche of far right fear mongering, misdirection, and outright lies. Just introducing these poisonous little memes into the public discourse, especially in a context where no one has to take responsability for it since it can all be laughed off as a stupid joke, is criminal.
(You know there used to be these things called editors and publishers at papers that took responsibility for them. But apparently nobody bothers with that stuff at the Times any more. Maybe it’s that with Gannett owning it they really aren’t the ones responsible. …Hmmn, like local utilities, maybe local newspapers ought to be locally owned; else they never have anyone making decisions who really has to live with the consequences of their actions. These guys are all angling for a job at a bigger Gannett paper. Like the Advertiser. As general manager (aka business manager) this little bit of journalistic poison probably won’t affect Benjamin’s performance reviews. He can probably count on moving on to something better if he doesn’t get caught with his hand in the till.)
But read it yourself; it really is fascinating in that hypnotically horrifying little way. And maybe you can tell me what he is thinking.
Hackdra has revolutionized the web3 with its Free cyber security trainings, ethical hacking courses and artificial intelligence courses.
Hackdra Cybersecurity! This amazing platform offers the best solutions to secure your digital world. If you want to protect your own data and take measures against cyber attacks, Hackdra is exactly what you need. Its professional team detects current threats and provides customized solutions. Visit https://hackdra.io now and take a step towards securing your safety. Rest assured, with Hackdra, you’ll be safe in the digital world!
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it. Cami Halısı ve Cami Halıları Website: https://www.melekhali.com.tr/
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Nice article inspiring thanks. Hello Administ .
Thank you for great content. Hello Administ.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.
Great post thank you. Hello Administ .
Thank you great post. Hello Administ .
Thank you for great information. Hello Administ .
Thank you for content. Area rugs and online home decor store. Hello Administ .
After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.
Thank you great post. Hello Administ . hdxvipizle hdxvipizle
I really love to read such an excellent article. Helpful article. Hello Administ . casinolevant casinolevant
Thank you for great article. Hello Administ . sollet extension sollet
Thank you for content. Area rugs and online home decor store. Hello Administ . venusbet deneme bonusu veren siteler
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
I really love to read such an excellent article. Helpful article. Hello Administ .
Thank you for content. Area rugs and online home decor store. Hello Administ .
Thank you great posting about essential oil. Hello Administ .
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. Website : https://www.saricahali.com.tr/
Thank you for great information. Hello Administ . Casibom Website Giriş : Casibom
Great post thank you. Hello Administ . Onwin , Onwin Giriş onwin
Thank you for great information. Hello Administ . Website : cami halısı
Thank you great posting about essential oil. Hello Administ .
Thank you great post. Hello Administ .
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.
Thank you for great content. Hello Administ.
Great post thank you. Hello Administ .
Thank you for great article. Hello Administ .
Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information.Onwin Giriş Website: onwin
Thank you for content. Area rugs and online home decor store. Hello Administ .
Great post thank you. Hello Administ . Website : cami halısı
Diyarbet , Diyarbet Giriş , Diyarbet Güncel Giriş , Diyarbet yeni Giriş , Website:
Great post thank you. Hello Administ . Diyarbet , Diyarbet Giriş , Diyarbet Güncel Giriş , Diyarbet yeni Giriş , Website:
Nice article inspiring thanks. Hello Administ . Diyarbet , Diyarbet Giriş , Diyarbet Güncel Giriş , Diyarbet yeni Giriş , Website:
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it. Diyarbet , Diyarbet Giriş , Diyarbet Güncel Giriş , Diyarbet yeni Giriş , Website:
Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information. Diyarbet , Diyarbet Giriş , Diyarbet Güncel Giriş , Diyarbet yeni Giriş , Website:
Great post thank you. Hello Administ .
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.Diyarbet , Diyarbet Giriş , Diyarbet Güncel Giriş , Diyarbet yeni Giriş , Website:
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.Diyarbet , Diyarbet Giriş , Diyarbet Güncel Giriş , Diyarbet yeni Giriş , Website:
I really love to read such an excellent article. Helpful article. Hello Administ . Diyarbet , Diyarbet Giriş , Diyarbet Güncel Giriş , Diyarbet yeni Giriş , Website:
Thank you for great content. Hello Administ. Diyarbet , Diyarbet Giriş , Diyarbet Güncel Giriş , Diyarbet yeni Giriş , Website:
Thank you great post. Hello Administ .
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.
Nice article inspiring thanks. Hello Administ . Website : cami halısı
After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.
Thank you for content. Area rugs and online home decor store. Hello Administ .
Thank you great posting about essential oil. Hello Administ .
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.
Thank you great post. Hello Administ .
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Thank you for great information. Hello Administ .
Thank you great post. Hello Administ .
Thank you great post. Hello Administ .
Thank you for great information. Hello Administ .
Thank you for great information. Hello Administ .
Thank you for great content. Hello Administ.
Thank you for great content. Hello Administ. Diyarbet
Great post thank you. Hello Administ . Onwin Giriş için Tıklayın onwin
Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information. Websiteye Giriş için Tıklayın. a href=”https://cutt.ly/SahabetSosyal/” title=”Sahabet” rel=”dofollow”>Sahabet
Thank you great posting about essential oil. Hello Administ . Websiteye Giriş için Tıklayın. a href=”https://cutt.ly/SahabetSosyal/” title=”Sahabet” rel=”dofollow”>Sahabet
Great post thank you. Hello Administ . Onwin Giriş için Tıklayın onwin
Thank you for great information. Hello Administ . Website Giriş için Tıklayın. Starzbet
Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information. Websiteye Giriş için Tıklayın. a href=”https://cutt.ly/SahabetSosyal/” title=”Sahabet” rel=”dofollow”>Sahabet
Thank you for content. Area rugs and online home decor store. Hello Administ . Website Giriş için Tıklayın. Starzbet
Thank you great posting about essential oil. Hello Administ . Website Giriş için Tıklayın. Starzbet
After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.Website Giriş için Tıklayın: tipobet
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.Website Giriş için Tıklayın: tipobet
Thank you great post. Hello Administ .Website Giriş için Tıklayın: tipobet
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.Website Giriş için Tıklayın: tipobet
Great post thank you. Hello Administ . Website Giriş için Tıklayın: tipobet
Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information.Website Giriş için Tıklayın: tipobet
Thank you for great article. Hello Administ .Website Giriş için Tıklayın: tipobet
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.Website Giriş için Tıklayın: tipobet
I really love to read such an excellent article. Helpful article. Hello Administ . Website Giriş için Tıklayın: tipobet
Thank you great posting about essential oil. Hello Administ . Website Giriş için Tıklayın: tipobet
Nice article inspiring thanks. Hello Administ . Website Giriş için Tıklayın: tipobet
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.Website Giriş için Tıklayın: tipobet
naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.
I really love to read such an excellent article. Helpful article. Hello Administ .
Nice article inspiring thanks. Hello Administ .
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.
Thank you for content. Area rugs and online home decor store. Hello Administ .
Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information.
Thank you for great article. Hello Administ .
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.
Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information.
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.
Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information.
Nice article inspiring thanks. Hello Administ .
I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites
This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.
I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
Great post thank you. Hello Administ .
Thank you great posting about essential oil. Hello Administ .
Thank you for great article. Hello Administ .
Nice article inspiring thanks. Hello Administ .
Nice article inspiring thanks. Hello Administ .
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
I’m often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and maintain checking for brand spanking new information.
Hi there to all, for the reason that I am genuinely keen of reading this website’s post to be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
Nice article inspiring thanks. Hello Administ .
Nice article inspiring thanks. Hello Administ .
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.
Thank you for content. Area rugs and online home decor store. Hello Administ .
Thank you great posting about essential oil. Hello Administ .
Your posts always provide me with a new perspective and encourage me to look at things differently Thank you for broadening my horizons
Thank you for great information. Hello Administ .
Thank you for great article. Hello Administ .
Thank you for great content. Hello Administ.
I really love to read such an excellent article. Helpful article. Hello Administ . Website Giriş için Tıklayın: jojobet
I really love to read such an excellent article. Helpful article. Hello Administ . Website Giri� i�in T�klay�n: Bahisal Giri�
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across.Website Giriş için Tıklayın: jojobet
I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great
I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav
I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
Good post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the great writing
After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.
Thank you for great content. Hello Administ.
Your posts always provide me with a new perspective and encourage me to look at things differently Thank you for broadening my horizons
Your posts always provide me with a new perspective and encourage me to look at things differently Thank you for broadening my horizons
Thank you for great information. Hello Administ .
Your posts always provide me with a new perspective and encourage me to look at things differently Thank you for broadening my horizons
I really love to read such an excellent article. Helpful article. Hello Administ .
Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information.
Thank you for great content. Hello Administ.
After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.
Your posts always provide me with a new perspective and encourage me to look at things differently Thank you for broadening my horizons
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
There is definately a lot to find out about this subject. I like all the points you made
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will
very informative articles or reviews at this time.