san francisco has the lofty ideal held by the intelligentsia across the country that this is a bastion of philosophical, intellectual, and progressive thought. Any transgression by our government that impinges on our democracy and its ideals will surely be addressed by this city's engaged and informed activists, right? Wrong. I have come to realize that there really is nothing going on in this city as far as socio-political consciousness. If you take time to search for political groups, book discussions, current events forums and meetings, lectures, and other intellectual meetings, you'll find the usual distractions and indulgences that you'd find in any other city. Their are plenty of groups and activities centered around small businesses, investing, real estate, relationships, gaming, movies, and all of the other subjects which basically have the common category of diversion. We have large expos on how to become wealthy in our convention centers. Starbucks is filled with people all trying to further their careers, get their next degree, and mostly - engaging in IT. Yes IT that ubuiquitous social medium which exemplifies consumerism to its highest potential. People salivate over the next gadget, the next accessory, and then put it to use in one of their 300 text messages or e-mails throughout their self edifying social network with purposes of maintaining their poplularity and connectedness which satiates their self appraisal of worth and belonging. They feel compelled to know the latest on Paris, Lindsey, and Britney and then strive to know the real Brad Pitt and David Beckham. Show after show after show contrived by the corporate owned media networks serve our whetted appetite for sex, drama, conflict, and illustrations of what image is desirable and in need of emulation. Meanwhile we are no longer living in a democracy. A democracy is a government for the people by the people and every man is created equal. This government does not represent in any way shape or form what the people want and as we sit distracted, the greatest diffusion of wealth to a burgeoning aristocracy is happening before our very eyes. Yes, one would look to San Francisco for help - but no, not any longer. The 1500 dollar rents and million dollar homes have pushed all enlightenment to the periphery. Now we wake up on a day to day basis and simply battle for self accumulation and comfort and equate liberty and freedom with the ability to consume the latest material du jour. right now i-pod, something else next month. We are a nation of addicts and San Francisco is probably one of the shining monuments to this age of ignorance and philistinism. There's no progressivism going on here..the only thing this city is progressing towards is cosmopolitan plutocracy. (anonymous, july 26, 2007)