Authors to Visit Ohio but . . .

. . . but not exactly in the way I would prefer. News comes from Maud Newton that some well known authors will be visiting Ohio. I will admit to a little jealousy on occasion when big city bloggers get to hobnob with the literati and so was interested to see what these authors might be doing in the Buckeye State.

Well it turns out they are all coming here to campaign against President Bush (or for John Kerry I suppose). Nice. So instead of hearing them discuss literature, writing, and their work I get to hear them pontificate on the evils of the GOP. No thanks. Despite an appreciation for some of the author’s work, I am not really all that interested in their political views. I guess this is one of the perils of living in a crucial swing state. Suddenly fly-over country becomes battleground country.

UPDATE: Since I am getting all political today, let me note this rather hysterical rant by Neal Pollack. Now I can understand his frustration with John Kerry. I think we can all agree he is a terrible campaigner whatever the virtues of his platform. But this is what Pollack thinks is on the line:

Senator Kerry, you are all that stands between us and the theocratic fascism. I don’t care if it diminishes you. You have to stoop to their level. You HAVE to fucking win. You HAVE to. Do you understand? Attack!
Attack!
Attack!
ATTACK!

Yup, theocratic fascism right around the corner. Sure you can’t even put a nativity seen on public property or hang the ten commandments in a public building but theocratic fascism is going to be the result of a very public and open election that citizens – those “easily manipulated farm animals” that Pollack refers to – mistakenly think is about choosing between candidates from different political parties. How about a little less caffeine Neal? Maybe a nice vacation away from it all? And while your at it, perhaps you could do a little historical research into what actual fascism looks like . . .

Kevin Holtsberry
I work in communications and public affairs. I try to squeeze in as much reading as I can while still spending time with my wife and two kids (and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Michigan Wolverines during football season).