Meander

I gave up on the Lincoln/Douglas book.  The writing was not good, and it took far too long to get to any point.  I mention this because I normally finish up non-fiction even when very poorly written.  The aim is usual to learn something and I am more tolerant of bad presentation when there is something I want from the text.  This time, no.  Not that the writing was notably bad -- it wasn't.  Maybe the stack of other books is weighing on me. The standard which led to ending that book prematurely is close to the standard I use for fiction (excepting airports when I am desperate for something, then it is a book in hand is a book read).  As a result of the book, I am thinking of re-reading the LOA volumes of Lincoln writings, or selection anyway.  The fall in quality of speech since Lincoln is scandalous.  When I watched West Wing, it seemed even that made-up land of oratory and posturing could not offer up a moderately well-written speech.  Certainly not the President or McCain.  The point not being about Republicans ("Republicans Make Good Barbie -- Throw One on Today") but about speeches.  Clinton did not give very interesting speeches.  Seems the country is not much interested in oratory, at least outside the church. 

Or maybe a sour mood.  van Inwagen's book, a nice piece of writing, but ultimately a disappointment.  he arguments really came to a very thin couple of reeds, unbound.  Free will and what looks to me a version of compossibility, which ends up being some special pleading or pleading for faith at key points.  Omnipotence that isn't really, and the secret plan.