h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

'The whole world is festering with unhappy souls,
The French hate the Germans, the Germans hate the Poles,
Italians hate Yugoslavs, South Africans hate the Dutch,
And I don't like anybody very much.'
--Sheldon Harnick, 1948

They're rioting in Hamburg. The streets are a mess. Europeans want to know, what fool thought it would be a good idea to have a G20 summit in a major city? Look: you helicopter all those world leaders into a meadow on a mountaintop somewhere, preferably in the Alps. Let them ruminate among the goat herds. If they're lucky, Heidi will show up and sing 'Edelweiss'. You do not plunk them down where the protestors can get at them. That just leads to flaming Porsches. And it solves nothing.

This afternoon, the Ku Klux Klan is marching in Charlottesville, Virginia, a place you've never heard of. Why are they marching, you ask? Besides the fact that it's summer, the weather is good, and they've got leftover vacation time for the 4th of July? Because Charlottesville has renamed Lee Park to Emancipation Park, and is planning to sell off the equestrian statue of Confederate general Robert E Lee. Good for them. It's their statue, they may sell it. May the new owner enjoy it.

What kind of backyard do you have to have before you look at your lawn and say, 'You know what this landscaping needs? An equestrian statue. I know: I'll buy a Confederate general.' They're going cheap these days, as they're a glut on the market.

Now, I am indifferent to the presence of awkward political statuary. I think everyone should leave the ornamental historical figures right where they are (unless it's Hitler or Stalin) and use them for talking points when you take the kids for a stroll. 'See that? That's what happens when people do dumb things.' But if the statue bothers the neighbours, why, take it down, by all means. Nobody needs an eyesore. Now, if we could just do the same with the flamingo flocks in the neighbourhood, life would be perfect. Alternatively, you can designate a park just for old political statues. Why not call it 'The Trash Heap of History', or some such?

I think the Hungarians have got the right idea: http://www.mementopark.hu/

Anyway, the KKK is marching. We wish they'd take up LARPing, and get better costumes. They would look so much better as hobbits and elves than in what they will be wearing, don't you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPHZXqd4qpQ

Barring the chance to turn the rally into an LOTR fan weekend, the Charlottesville authorities have decided to hold alternative events away from the statue. They're asking everybody to go to the ice cream social instead, or go listen to bands, etc.

http://cvillepride.org/2017/07/04/july-8-a-day-of-community-building/

A fabulous idea, and we wish them luck. The local Quakers will be out in force, praying for everyone, visibly but silently, as is their wont.

It is a beautiful summer day. Why waste it shouting at one another? Will this improve things? I think not. If only humans would spend some of the energy they expend on this kind of activity actually *thinking* about problems, and then having quiet discussions...

Oh, well. I suppose that's why the 1948 song is still relevant. As Charlottesville says, 'Have a buddy, carry water, and have an exit strategy. And, please, spread love.'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIlJ8ZCs4jY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIlJ8ZCs4jY

Update: According to Twitter posts, hundreds of people showed up to heap scorn upon the KKK.

According to this same source, estimates of the actual crowd of be-costumed KKK range between 20-40. There are also claims of 50 Confederate flags, which must mean some of them are carrying two apiece.

Anyway, they apparently stood around a bit, and are now being escorted away by the police, as their permit has expired.

The police probably want to leave and get to where everyone else is before the ice cream runs out. It's too nice a day for yelling.

Me, I'm going to a picnic and fireworks display. Have a good evening!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAWn4FO1MOw

a 5 mile across asteroid impact and it can be done