Disingenuous Useless Babble
I suppose this sort of bullshit is a necessity but the absurdity of it all is grating. Here is a perfect example of what I am alluding to:
"In their half-hour private audience at the Vatican, the two (the Pope and Obama) reviewed Mideast peace and anti-poverty efforts, aides reported. They also discussed abortion and stem cell research at length, subjects of disagreement between them."
Let me understand, 30 minutes of serious discussion about Mideast Peace, plus anti poverty methods, plus abortion, plus stem cell research. If nothing else was discussed that leaves roughly 7 minutes for each topic. And this is labeled as an 'at length' discussion. Huh? Add the fact the Pope is far along in his terminational years, and thus not too swift in pace verbally or physically, and one wonders what exactly would be the appropriate term for such a 'full length' discussion. Let's be a little honest here. This is merely a photo opt, some sort of pandering and posturing for pure image purposes. It has no meaning to the issues listed. No meaning whatsoever. Just like on Christmas Eve when the Pope, like clockwork, always prays for Peace. Is there anyone on Earth who can't sleep Christmas Eve waiting to see if the next day Peace has come? Is there anyone on Earth who thinks the issue of Mideast peace, poverty, abortion or stem cell research was impacted in anyway by this 'at length' discussion about these issues?
You can almost bet your ass (I always wonder who bets to win an ass?) that the appropriate aides pinpoint in advance which topics get to be MENTIONED in a 30 minute audience. Let's not even contemplate the cost of this charade. YET, having said all this, I guess one could say it is a nice gesture, a good symbol of unity, albeit a kind of silly one, and if it makes some people feel good---well, I am not going to be against that.
