Politics/Obscenity/Censorship

In 1968 J.G Ballard wrote a short story called Why I Want To Fuck Ronald Reagan, which, almost 40 years later, remains one of the most beautifully perverse pieces of fiction ever published. It was written in the same detached, clinical style that is a feature of much of his work, an approach that quite possibly helped to spare Ballard and his publisher a jail term. In the trial that followed the defense lawyer asked Ballard why he thought that the book wasn’t obscene. He replied that he thought that it was entirely obscene, as that was the whole point. Legend has it that the story was given out at the 1980 Republican convention, packaged as a real scientific paper on Reagan’s subliminal sexual appeal to voters.

The Age Of Endarkenment

If all we had to worry about was a few potty homeopaths and astrologers, it might be better to shrug, and get on with some real science. But now the endarkenment extends to parliament, universities and schools, it is far too dangerous to ignore.

Check out this article by David Colquhoun on the increasing prevalence of homeopathy, spiritism and creationism and the dangers thereof. Personally I would hesitate to draw the line too sharply between “western medicine” and “alternative medicine” but this guy makes some excellent points.

Shayler’s latest blow

Former spook and leading conspiranoid David Shayler has upped the ante on his already large pile of spilled beans by claiming not only to be a new Messiah but also the reincarnation of Leonardo Da Vinci. Skunk user Dave, 41, is a prominent member of the 9/11 Truth Movement, and has gone on record as claiming that the aircraft used on that day were in fact holograms. According to a recent interview with Channel 4 his meditations can change the weather and influence football results. Shayler’s former career as an MI5 spy puts another dimension to this regrettable tale, and no doubt adds fuel to claims that his connections to his former employers have never been entirely extinguished – a tangled web indeed. But Shayler’s previous form does point to a rather “unusual” personality and these latest revelations, although odd, do not seem inconsistent with his other beliefs. The lingering spectre of a certain David Icke is too tempting not to mention here.