My brain almost never shuts off, it is in constant thought unless I can distract it with some external stimulus. Which is why I read so much, watch tv or movies, surf the internet, etc. I had about 3 or four posts worth of thought last night as I was reading the new issue of TIME Magazine, specifically the articles on Thomas Jefferson. I have always been a great admirer of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. I think I have always been drawn to their roles as the men behind some of our philosophy of American Democracy. Not the nuts and bolts of government, but the raw ideals that symbolize American Freedom.
It is funny though when you read about any of the founding fathers, because every author has their favorites, and usually that means they are very biased against who ever may have been a rival of said favorite.
Aside from the usual worship of Jefferson complete with the apologists who squirm with regards to Jefferson and slavery, and of course the ones who vilify Jefferson as some racist slave-monger who opposed the government and for no good reason also opposed Hamilton and his economic goals...there are those who can create a balanced view of Jefferson and put things into the proper context.
I liked the fact that TIME featured Jefferson, but I was concerned over some of the crap that kept creeping into the articles. A few of them were trying to draw Iraq and Bush into them for no reason.
Everybody has an agenda. The trick is to keep a sharp eye out and be aware of it.
I have too much to say on the subject of Jefferson, so I think I will go watch the Joe Schmo Show and relax.