The Oil Drum

Maybe you would enjoy Joe Bageant. Great Writer.
I call him the NASCAR Kunstler.

GREAT PROSE.

http://www.joebageant.com/

Madmen and Sedatives: Inside the Iron Theater
http://www.joebageant.com/joe/2006/09/madmen_and_seda.html

Back to the Ancient Future
http://www.joebageant.com/joe/2005/04/back_to_the_anc.html

Somewhere a Banker Smiles
http://www.joebageant.com/joe/2006/12/somewhere_a_ban.html

Poor, White and Pissed
A Guide to the White Trash Planet for Urban Liberals
http://www.joebageant.com/joe/2005/02/poor_white_and_.html

AND TheOilDrum just got mentioned in this posting on his site by a reader....

Tired of fear and loathing in Los Angeles

Hey Joe,

I have been reading your articles for about a year running now and each paragraph pushes me a little closer to escape. Each article shines more light on the psychotic vampire of a socio-economic system we live under. I can see the blood dripping from its fangs. But I am confused, lost. You see, I happen to have a very specific skill that the Hollywood mythmakers find very appealing. As a result, I am 23 and making more money than 99% of the world's citizens. Yet it does not feel that way. Living in this city drains you as fast as it fills you, be it gas, food, rent or entertainment. I spent $40 on four drinks Friday.

I can't stand it here anymore, yet I find it impossible to leave. I used to like my job, but now I can't see it outside of the context of the greater machine: I create amazing visual events for people to be awed by. A modern shaman. Instead of spinning tales of heroism or epic journeys, I merely create the vast explosions and immense destruction demanded by the modern audience. But why do they need this? To pepper their lives with some element of the spectacular? I wonder if what I am doing is any good. Sure, people have a good time going to the movies, but more and more, I leave the cinema feeling worthless, controlled and foolish. I don't think entertainment in its current incarnation has much to offer the world.

So I wish to escape. I want to run, to leave what this nation has become, even though I love what is was. But all the signs are pointing, the klaxons are blaring. This is the time. I need to leave. But I am scared. My father is dying, I am young and stupid, and no one seems to understand what it is that upsets me so much about this American life, beyond my sister and fellow bloggers like JHK and The Oil Drum crowd.

I first got into this through the peak oil connection, and now peak oil is starting to get major press. But it seems that the whole horrible affair goes much deeper than mere oil supplies. I think I am watching my fellow countrymen be mentally crippled, incapable of thought or action. Incapable of organization and fearful of his peers.

http://www.joebageant.com/joe/2007/06/tired_of_fear_a.html