Andrea Batista Schlesinger

Phyllis Schlafly, Michael Crichton, and why I’m laughing this afternoon

For mid-day inspiration, I like to take a look at what our competition, the think tanks of the Right, are up to.

Sometimes this makes me sad, as I look on with envy at their ability to crank out product at the speed of light, courtesy of the kind of money think tanks on the left never see.

But today, it made me happy. Happy from hysterical laughter at what's coming from the forces that supposedly "have control of the market for political ideas" (say the authors of "The Right Nation.")

Over at Heritage, we have an upcoming event featuring, none other than, Phyllis Schlafly on "Grassroots Conservatism: A Woman's Crusade." Too bad it's in DC, because I would've appreciated the opportunity to hear some words of wisdom from the author of such pearls as:

"Sex education classes are like in-home sales parties for abortions"
"Sexual harassment on the job is not a problem for virtuous women"
"How can we protect homeland security unless the government stops the invasion of illegal aliens?"

Over at the American Enterprise Institute, we've got a talk about a new paper that "provides striking and counterintuitive evidence that tort reforms at the state level contribute to a decrease in accidental deaths." So... eliminating the incentive for corporations to stop introducing bad products by preventing regular people from suing them for doing so makes them less likely to do so?

Like why, out of the kindness of their hearts?

Well they got this right -- the notion that allowing corporations more leeway to kill and injure people with impunity somehow results in them magically killing less people is indeed "striking and counterintuitive." Okey-dokey!

And lastly, the Heartland Institute has written a paper called "Michael Crichton Is Right!" (Exclamation point in original). Unable to make a compelling case against the obvious relationship between our actions and global warming, the Right has now turned to a noted author of FICTION to make it for them. Crichton's latest book, State of Fear, is "a devastating critique of mainstream environmentalism today and an eloquent call for change." Well - I suppose Heartland can't be blamed, after all, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works invited Crichton to testify last month.

Thanks, guys. Consider me inspired!

Andrea Batista Schlesinger: Author Bio | Other Posts
Posted at 6:08 PM, Oct 12, 2005 in Progressive Agenda
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