In Occasional Planet’s “<100 Words” slot, contributors can cheer for, gripe about, react to, and/or simply muse on the news of the day—as long as they restrict their comments to fewer than—of course–100 words. This box will self-destruct and reincarnate once a week. [Word count for this intro: 50]
- Robert Frost once said, “If we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane”. If I could give one piece of advice to people who are concerned or angry about a violently polarized America it would be to laugh at yourselves. Progressives could stand to watch some Dennis Miller; particularly his [funnier] pre-Fox News bits. Conservatives could stand to watch some David Cross. There is humbleness in laughing at one’s self and if anything can heal our ideological wounds, it is comedy. —Stacy Mergenthal