February 27, 2002

Central Asia could become

Central Asia could become the next Beirut. That's what Pat Buchanan fears about U.S. involvement in the area. Today, Buchanan was in the Milwaukee area promoting his book The Death of the West and stopped into the store I work at for a brief book signing. Despite his harsh rhetoric toward the Left and conservatives who, he claims, care more about economics than national sovereignty and Western culture, Pat is an affable man. He was pleasant to every customer and bookseller he spoke with. The short discussions stretched from Afghanistan to The West Wing (unlike the show, none of the offices are lined with windows) to Shakespeare.

His wife, Shelly, is also very charming. We chatted about London and the weather.

Did he win me over to his arguments? No, but I will read his latest tome, and give him a fair hearing. Like it or not, Buchanan echoes the feelings of many Americans. His ideas shouldn't be ignored for that reason alone.

On John McLaughlin:
"I gave him his job in the White House."

On Eleanor Clift:
"She's like the little sister you just love to tease."