I am really, really tired of every modern social bloc (be it BoBos or Generation X or Generation Next or Internet capitalists or modern cheesecake workers) being declared some kind of messianic Third Way which will somehow fundamentally shatter the old categories of left and right. I am even more tired of summary swipes at affirmative action, the assumption that distrust of the government or the two-party system is somehow dangerous to the future of American democracy, and the incessant claim that voting for representatives (as opposed to, say, petitioning, boycotting, and even gasp! direct action) is the only way to make political change. Nevertheless, this analysis of the politics of Generation X is an interesting look at several of the phenomena going on in today’s generational divide.

Unfortunately, Kalamazoo Gazette reports have found continuing problems with abuse of minorities amongst the city’s police. Not too surprising, since the Police-Community Relations Board has two thirds of its seats occupied by police representatives and in the past officers accused of excessive force have sat on the review board. Gee, no wonder that every excessive force complaint filed with the board has been dismissed.

In welcome news, the Kalamazoo City Council has agreed to pay compensation to Beryl Wilson, Michael Moran, and Ricardo Montalvo—to the tune of $31,500—for stripping them of their clothing and jailing them naked. Beryl Wilson, who was awarded the highest of the three settlements, was left naked in a freezing-cold cell for 8 hours. Five other complainants are choosing to continue their lawsuits against the city.