Here's a timely article by Zizek on the limits of democracy - against the backdrop of the West's financial crisis.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jan/16/west-crisis-democracy-finance-spirit-dictators

Humility obliges me to thank the flock for voting me Pope.
I was never comfortable with the popularity contest, masquerading as intellectualism (the real thing is of course despicable--by decree) among the regulars at OLO, and so am content to pronounce ex-cathedra, though it fall ever on deaf ears.
I shall drop-in, God-like, whenever the omniscient whim takes me and delight at confounding your troubled peace.
Shalom.

Are you right there, Squeers?

It occurred to me that you were familiar with Zizek, and considering his article was pertinent to this topic, when I came across it this avo, I thought I'd drop it in.

Seems I misjudged on that one.

Dear Poirot,
One too many glasses of red last night.
Of course you are exempt from my rebukes above.
I have several of Zizek's books and presumed his article was for the benefit of others--though of course he's of the wrong political persuasion.

I think I'll get Eisentstein's book and give it a go.

Ta ta.

I thought a popularity contest plus bribery was traditionally how one got the votes to be elected Pope, Squeers... no problem to me as a lapsed Methodist, if the crown fits, wear it.

You might, though, want to have a word with your news agency as to who the real villains are:

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/author-warns-of-anti-humanisms-global-effects/

Squeers, you correctly mention the Philistines who still inhabit the Earth. Unfortunately.

As long as they can enrich themselves by exploiting others they are happy, like pigs in swill. Philosophical reflection, sadly, is beyond them.

You mention red wine. You must be a supporter of Omar Khayyam as am I.

Don't let the Phillies get you down. They deserve your pity!