I Now Like Atlanta Again

I have to admit that I'm surprised, yet pleased by this ruling. To paraphrase the article, the Atlanta 11th circuit court of appeals ruled that the requirement of metal detectors at a protest outside of a military base was unconsitutional. The metal detectors had been implemented after September 11th, but the court said that we couldn't sacrifice the Constitution until the War on Terror is over because the War on Terror might never be over. Amen. I remember after September 11th when people were saying that they'd be willing to give up just a little bit of freedom for our safety which I always thought was bullshit. For one thing, there has to be a way to prevent terrorism without violating the Bill of Rights, and for another thing, the reason why I live here and not anywhere else is because of those rights and I'm willing to die for it. Although not in a military sense because I'm not really very strong. I'm a little surprised that this ruling came down in the very conservative Georgia, but relieved that there is still some common sense in the judicial process. I'm also interested to see how this sets a precedent for the Patriot Act and other future rulings on the violation of personal rights in the name of Homeland security.

The one where I make fun of serious mental issues

I was receiving special orders (i.e. books that nobody else but this one person wants therefore we don't carry it in the store) yesterday when I came across a book entitled A Bipolar Roadtrip. Usually I don't pay an enormous amount of attention to the books, after all if they were really interesting we'd probably already have them, but this one intrigued me. What the hell is a bipolar roadtrip? Maybe it meant that it was a roadtrip OF bipolars, like Crossroads. You know, it was really story of the wacky adventures of a manic depressive support group crossing the country on their quest for Zoloft. That's a fun read, right!

Or maybe the word bipolar didn't describe the people on the trip, but rather the theme of it. One day the participants go to Disneyland, the next a Holocaust museum. It's the emotional rollercoaster vacation! Really I think this is an untapped market in the travel industry, designing vacations after mental disorders. Try the social phobic vacation at our fabulous Buddhist monastery. It has beautiful scenery and you won't have to talk with anyone because they've all taken a vow of silence! How about the claustrophobic tour of the plains states. Just look at that wide open field. No closed in spaces there, plus Mmm, corn. Or how about the agoraphobic holiday where we take you to the place you like best, your living room! I'm not sure, but I think this tour just might include virtual reality. Yay! I'm just waiting for this idea to explode.

It turned out that the roadtrip was just a metaphor for this one chick's life with bipolar, but I think I like my ways better.