411 Mania Politics Exclusive: Julia of Sisyphus Shrugged Speaks!

Posted by Shawn Struck on 03.26.2007

One of the liberal blogosphere's most articulate voices talks about Andrew Sullivan, outrage, and Air America with 411 Politics.

One of the left's something bloggers and writers, Julia at Sisyphus Shrugged has turned her keen eye on everything from the intricacies of New York politics, city and state government to conservatives and the nation at large. 411 Politics got a change to catch up with her recently. Here's what she had to say about what we had to ask.

Shawn Struck, for 411 Mania Politics: You've being writing at "Sisyphus Shrugged" for 5 years. Why did
you first start your blog, and why did you choose the name "Sisyphus Shrugged"?

Julia: A friend of mine used it as his entry into a bad band names contest. I fell in love with it and asked him if I could use it.

Giving it more consideration than I did at the time, it seems to me that our society would be in far more trouble if the people who get up and do the same thing every day gave up than if the people who've decided that their overpaid labors are making the world turn took some time off.

As a matter of fact, I encourage them to do just that.

411 Politics: Tell us a little about your appearances on [AM radio Network] "Air America"-- what was that like, and how did they happen?

Julia:I was terrified into incoherence is what happened. Also I went to have a cigarette with one of the producers and got locked out in a stairwell until about fifteen seconds before airtime.

I was recommended to them by Jeanne, of [the blog] Body and Soul, who was the first popular blogger to link to me and whose voice I miss terribly.

411 Politics: One recurring feature is the "Claude Raines Memorial Gambling Awareness Awards"-- who has been the most deserving, and why?

Julia: Well, historically it's pretty much always been Andrew Sullivan. I've never quite been able to understand why it is that a man whose academic record suggests that he has at least some base level of intellect was able to completely ignore any realities that contradicted his grandiose political theories. I decided early on that Occam's razor probably left us with Mr. Sullivan being well compensated to ignore reality. I still haven't come up with a theory to explain what appeared to have been actual shock when he figured out that the people in charge actually thought he was One Of Those People.

It's one of the tragedies of snob life that no-one really sympathizes when you find out you're someone else's untouchable.

411 Politics: With the current political climate and administration, do you ever find yourself suffering from "outrage fatigue"?

Julia: Nah. I frequently find myself suffering from outrage paralysis - if I can't find anything to say other than "You have to be fucking kidding", I don't say anything. Increasingly I don't say anything.

411 Politics: How do you handle staying fresh and creative after all these years?

Julia: Oh dear. If I did, I'd credit it to my kid. I'm not sure I do.

411 Politics: Who are your biggest influences, and why?

Julia: Molly Ivins and Dean Swift, because they had absolutely no use for pieties in the service of unfairness. I miss Molly.

411 Politics: What mainstream media do you regularly use? Online?

Julia: Google News, the NYT, the WP, Capitol Confidential (NYS news)

411 Politics: In honor of our other 411Mania Zones: Name a favorite: TV Show, Musician, video game, and sports team.

Julia: Star Trek (the original series), the Beatles, the husband and the kid like Age of Empires, sports is that thing where you exert yourself voluntarily, right?

411 Politics: If you could collaborate with any blogger or blog group, on any subject, what would it be?

Julia: I've been invited to contribute to some blogs, but I tend to feel as if I'd piss off as many people as I'd draw, so I generally don't.

I'm really proud to be an emerita of the American Street.

411 Politics: And finally, what words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers?

Julia: Pay attention. At the very least, it makes fascinating conversation.

Julia has contributed to The American Street, and maintains her own widely-read blog at Sissyphus Shrugged. She is also an indifferent dresser, takeout menu ninja and the proud owner of a major percentage of the partially finished crafts projects on the east coast of the continental United States.