Are we now a "Kinder, Gentler Nation?"

This power outage has gotten me thinking. Not that long ago, a power outage like we've experienced would have undoubtedly led to rioting, looting, and other general unpleasantness. Yet, at least from media reports, everybody seems to be behaving calmly and rationally. Are we maturing as a nation, or is it that people are too scared to act on their baser instincts?

I don't know, but would appreciate your comments.

But our media reports serious looting in Ottawa, Canada and sporadic looting in Brooklyn.

Edit: added Brooklyn.

Actually, I think that when a blackout happens during the day, the authorities have time to take steps to get things under control, and the novelty of sudden darkness does not produce the mayham that a night blackout would.

We've heard NOTHING about it. Why am I not surprised?

Neighbors and strangers alike generally help each other out. The ones who aren't good are ignorant to borrow the Buddha's perspective. Gauged by the number of cable channels, ignorance is growing. Judged by Bush's falling popularity polls, the truth is out there.

BTW: Is this your official website, Chthulhu_ 2004? If so, would endorsing your candidacy publicly on DU delay my unavoidable fate? Please don't get mad, just asking.

http://www.cthulhu.org/

and the kind of "Iraqi" Americans who praise everything and see the upside. That wasn't news like "what happened?" or "how serious is this terrible situation which should have been prevented?"

Generally, a few hours without air-conditioning didn't tip us to the breaking point. Knowing finally it wasn't a nuke made one feel "relieved". And there wasn't much to do but relax, talk to people, etc.

Of course, basically good, and basically not very badly tested and basically very in the dark about the real issues.

And yes, we are NOT brutalized to the extent we were dripping paranoia and rage and rebellion during the Cold War and Vietnam. Not yet, but nobody seems working hard enough not to backslide.

and depending on who the Dems nominate, I think Cthulu has a chance in 2004.

Bush is evil. A couple of the "mainstream" Dem candidates are just as bad. (Dean and Kucinich aren't)

They pretend to give us candidates, and we pretend to vote.

I, for one, am SICK of it.

If the election comes down to Bush against Leiberman, I'd have to consider Cthulu as a viable alternative.