Then, years later, by some quirk of happenstance, I came across a book, that once I started reading it, I wanted to kick myself in the head for what I'd been missing. Since it's the season for "atonement" in my tribe I can't think of a better item to atone for than my cessation of reading.

And, what was the book that lit the fire under my butt?, "Idiot America: How Stupidity Became a Virtue in the Land of the Free...." by Charles Pierce

He's the kind of writer who's Taylor made for me. Being a lazy bum Charlie's books, essays, articles, etc are the prototypical "once you start, you can't put them down." Finally, he's got that certain quality earning his writings the descriptive noun, "Perfection." That quality is, "brilliance." He is so smart you feel guilty having so much fun drenched in his genius.

Enough of the unsolicited plug already. I don't know if you're familiar with him, or not, so I`ll toss out just one bit more of unsolicited advise. That book I mentioned, "Idiot America....." began as an essay in Esquire, but once he got into the subject it was obvious he had just scratched the surface, and a book became mandatory. But the essay remains in Esquire's archives and I strongly suggest you retrieve it, print it out (its pretty long I believe) put on your warm, snuggly socks, boil up some water for a nice cup of tea, and get ready for a great, great evening.