4 ms·

> We need politics 101, streetwise edition, which ironically, isn't about going to the streets. The first step is to to discuss the policies of the Democratic p

> We need politics 101, streetwise edition, which ironically, isn't about going to the streets. The first step is to to discuss the policies of the Democratic party, motivations aside, they appear to be more of an aid than a deterrent of the process unfolding before us. I, personally, think we should separate it from the Democratic party to start. The operating paradigm is wrong there. You need to define the new ideal party and then co-opt.

mrandish 1y ago
> The operating paradigm is wrong there. Agreed. In the U.S., the two-party duopoly is a manifestation of the problem. Neither party really stands for any long-term principle anymore (if they ever did). Although both parties will still sometimes selectively campaign on some historical principle, once in power they'll strategically weaken legislation, craft loopholes, defund enforcement or stage manage their votes so nothing that really matters to their stakeholders changes meaningfully. Anyone still invested in the Kabuki theater of party vs party, even on a 'lesser of evils' basis, is missing the real meta that's unfolding.
- bigbadfeline 1y ago
  Funny that, I just looked at your profile, obviously, one (or two) can't sell magic tricks to a magician... Cheers.
  - mrandish 1y ago
    Yeah, as a teenager I was fortunate to get early formal training and direct mentoring in the 'magical arts' from some well-known masters of the craft. While my career as a full-time performing pro didn't outlast my early 20s, that way of thinking and seeing does tend to inform my perceptions in ways I can't really turn off. I used to jokingly refer to it as 'my misspent youth' but training in the creative aspects of magic has also proven surprisingly useful in my tech startup career. The most valuable part was studying formal magic theory - a rather academic specialty focused on human perception and psychology. Very few magicians ever get into it because the vast majority of magicians don't invent their own tricks. Even David Copperfield buys almost all of his tricks from specialized magical inventors you've never heard of, often under exclusive 'performance rights' contracts (which can be fairly lucrative). Most magical inventors don't actually perform magic professionally themselves, in much the same way that many great song writers and music producers aren't singers. To me, magic theory is still the most fascinating and enjoyable part of magic.

mrandish 1y ago

> The operating paradigm is wrong there. Agreed. In the U.S., the two-party duopoly is a manifestation of the problem. Neither party really stands for any long-term principle anymore (if they ever did). Although both parties will still sometimes selectively campaign on some historical principle, once in power they'll strategically weaken legislation, craft loopholes, defund enforcement or stage manage their votes so nothing that really matters to their stakeholders changes meaningfully. Anyone still invested in the Kabuki theater of party vs party, even on a 'lesser of evils' basis, is missing the real meta that's unfolding.

bigbadfeline 1y ago
Funny that, I just looked at your profile, obviously, one (or two) can't sell magic tricks to a magician... Cheers.
- mrandish 1y ago
  Yeah, as a teenager I was fortunate to get early formal training and direct mentoring in the 'magical arts' from some well-known masters of the craft. While my career as a full-time performing pro didn't outlast my early 20s, that way of thinking and seeing does tend to inform my perceptions in ways I can't really turn off. I used to jokingly refer to it as 'my misspent youth' but training in the creative aspects of magic has also proven surprisingly useful in my tech startup career. The most valuable part was studying formal magic theory - a rather academic specialty focused on human perception and psychology. Very few magicians ever get into it because the vast majority of magicians don't invent their own tricks. Even David Copperfield buys almost all of his tricks from specialized magical inventors you've never heard of, often under exclusive 'performance rights' contracts (which can be fairly lucrative). Most magical inventors don't actually perform magic professionally themselves, in much the same way that many great song writers and music producers aren't singers. To me, magic theory is still the most fascinating and enjoyable part of magic.