After reading the Sunday NYTimes today - a day late - I realized what an insular life I lead as a writer - insular as in "characteristic of isolated people" as opposed to "narrow and provincial." (At least I hope.) That's why I have friends - to give me perspective, challenge my beliefs, deepen my understanding, and broaden my horizon. I suppose we all lead lives with more restricted interests based on what we are required to do most of the day. Maybe writers have more responsibility to keep a finger on the pulse, to explore territory they might not otherwise broach, to question and ponder, turn over rocks and prod a little.

Speaking of insular, I can't believe we are one of only three nations who elect our judges. "In the rest of the world, the usual selection methods emphasize technical skill and insulate judges from the popular will, tilting in the direction of independence." (page 13 NYT) The French model seems admirable and less prone to cronyism - their judges take a battery of tests and study years at a special school. Echoing the political scientists quoted in the article, I wonder how we have enough information to elect qualified and trustworthy judges. Of course, we wouldn't want our judges managed by Congress or the President either, so how do we maintain the separation of power? If not friends, it's good to have the newspaper pull me from my limited perspective... and anyway then my drama feels insignificant compared to earthquakes and typhoons!