happy birthday, America

On this fourth of July, to celebrate the American colonies declaring their independence from the British crown, I thought it seemed appropriate to post articles about British and Mexican politics. ...what?

The way I see it, despite the fact they're talking about other countries, they address issues that are at the heart of American potential. Ideas that it's important to remember. Particularly that these United States of America are supposed to be the land of opportunity. Somewhere along the line, we've forgotten this in our politics--ceaselessly bickering about health care, taxes, and immigration. Which brings me to the articles.

First up, a well written piece by J K Rowling addressing the state and direction of Britain's social programs. It succinctly explains why I'm in favor of social welfare programs. When you get down to it, if a person has to choose between rent and groceries, the rest of us have failed as human beings. If it happens systemically, we've failed as individuals and as a nation.

Second, the immigration issue. My problem with the vast majority of anti-immigrant discourse is that it's stunningly ignorant of the conditions faced by people in other countries. Many of the so-called "first-world" countries have no idea what abject poverty and widespread corruption even look like. If you want to slow immigration, you need to help others up. When the tables start to turn and things get better in your own neighborhood, the grass looks a little less green on the other side. Case in point.

Anyway, here's to a great anniversary, America. Let's hope we get our priorities straight and become the country we have so much potential to be.

barbecue patriots

A digression from my normal posts on sustainability, politics, business, etc., but deeply relevant to my interests nonetheless.

A narrative examination of what makes traditional wood-cooked NC barbecue so great.

Having wood-cooked my own whole-hog and shoulder-only barbecue over wood and only wood, I can definitely concur that it's tough work, and even harder to get right. The places that consistently serve up a good plate have worked barbecue magic and learned lessons only time and practice can teach.

Appreciate the work that goes into your foods. And don't mess with the basics of what makes it great. Barbecue is simple, but made with sweat and care. "Artisanal" is just a fancy term for how we've always been doing it.