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Here's more on Congressmen McDermott
There are exceptions to everything,
By way of Punditwatch, I
When Iraq is freed from
When it comes to the
121 years ago, a man
James Fallows has a "must
Trent Rezor is a sonic
11-year-olds will have access to
This is the music video
Nick Schulz takes the first
Lynn's fed up with ABC
Eugene Volokh's scenario is frightening,
Jim's list of things to
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September 30, 2002
It's the 1970s all over
It's the 1970s all over again. Back then, climate scientists feared a new ice age. In the 80s and 90s, the fear was global warming. They're now back to fearing an ice age.
"Triggering Abrupt Climate Change: Can Global Warming Cause an 'Ice Age'" [via blogdex]
Here's more on Congressmen McDermott
Here's more on Congressmen McDermott (D-Iraq), Bonior (D-Iraq), and Thompson (D-Iraq). While they're tooling around Iraq, they said they have total access to whatever they want to look at. "They have not kept us from doing anything we asked to do," said McDermott, who formerly represented Washington state. But Bonior, who formerly represented Michigan admitted "we're not looking as inspectors," so it doesn't matter where these men went. They wouldn't know a WMD even if they were staring straight at one.
To top it off, Bonior then blames the U.S. for increased leukemias and lymphomas in children because of all the uranium (depleated?) used on Iraq in the first Gulf War. He didn't put any blame on Saddam for being an egotistical, expansionistic thug who started this whole mess by invading Kuwait.
These three Congressmen should ease some of James Fallows' fears. Iraq's not even officially the fifty-first state and already they have three Democrats representing it in Congress.
"Democrats Blast U.S. Line on Iraq"
There are exceptions to everything,
There are exceptions to everything, including Minnesota Nice:
On Saturday, about 16 to 20 Minnesota College Republicans and staff members from Republican U.S. Senate candidate Norm Coleman's campaign stood in the rain in front of the Fine Line, chanting "Deport Baldwin" and waving signs that said "Paul Wellstone, bad for Minnesota farmers" and "Baldwin and PETA -- udderly ridiculous."
I then noticed this paragraph:
"This is so un-Minnesotan," said Randy Schubring, chairman of the DFL party's Fourth District, as a pickup truck plastered with Coleman signs pulled up and a man with a red T-shirt featuring Wellstone as Lenin jumped out.
Did the shirt look anything like this?
Here's a close-up of my favorite t-shirt.
Someone should send Alec Baldwin one. Do you think he'd appreciate it?
"Actor Alec Baldwin raises money for Moe, Wellstone"
By way of Punditwatch, I
By way of Punditwatch, I found out Congressmen Jim McDermott (D-WA), and David Bonoir (D-MI) are hanging out in Baghdad! Please tell me they're on a secret mission scoping out targets for the air force. No, McDermott was blasting away at his own government while on the soil of his nation's enemy. It's one thing to oppose war with Iraq. It's quite another to go there and appear sympathetic before Saddam. In some circles that's considered treason.
Bonior didn't look any better when he regurgitated Iraq's position on weapons inspections. Iraq would allow "unrestricted, unfettered" access, but the U.N. must have "their sovereignty respected." That doesn't sound like "unrestricted, unfettered" access to me.
Sen. Don Nickles (R-OK) blasted the Democrats. "They both sound somewhat like spokespersons for the Iraqi government." Indeed.
George Will hit it right on the head when he said the Congressmen's yapping was "the most disgraceful appearance in my lifetime." I can't wait for a column on this incident.
"Division Over Iraq Despite Bush Hopes for Unity"
ScrappleFace already has the follow up to this story. If The Onion ever wants a weblogger, Scott Ott MUST be put at the top of the list.
"Rep. Bonior to Host ABC's 'Salute to Neville Chamberlain'"
UPDATE: John Hawkins gets angrier than me:
Could there be any clearer example of why the Democrats can't be trusted to protect America? Here we have Democrats in Iraq, shilling for a maniacal dictator who's seeking nuclear weapons and collaborating with the people who murdered almost 3000 Americans last September. Which side are these guys on? Judging by what they're saying, it doesn't seem to be ours. In fact, as Don Nickles said in the article, "both sound somewhat like spokespersons for the Iraqi government." Can you trust a party full of people with this sort of mentality to protect America? Do you want your life, the life of your friends and family, and even the future of our country, in the hands of people like Bonoir & McDermott when there's a war in progress? The Democrats can complain about 'politicizing the war' all they want, but this issue needs to be in front of the voters in November for the sake of our country.
When Iraq is freed from
When Iraq is freed from Saddam's tyranny, what should happen to the country? David Pryce-Jones wouldn't mind a break-up into its ethnic parts. Iraq was just a state brought together by the British Empire.
"The End of the Pax Britannica"
When it comes to the
When it comes to the phrase "The American Mind," Google thinks TAM is more important than a famous book written in the 1980s. I'm flattered even though it's the result of some impersonal algorithm.
September 29, 2002
121 years ago, a man
121 years ago, a man was born who would turn out to be one of the most important social thinkers of the 20th Century. In 1881, Ludwig von Mises was born in Austria, went to college in Vienna, taught there as well as in Switzerland and the United States. His contributions to classical liberal thought stems from his devastating critique of socialism, his comprehensive exposition of economics, and his students who advanced Austrian economics into a refreshing challenge to orthodox economics.
Mises' most important book is Human Action. From a few basic premises about the way Man acts, Mises built a comprehensive intellectual edifice. It's magnificent in its logic and broad scope.
Mises' second most important work is Socialism. This is his argument against a socialist economy. Mises contends that since a socialist economy doesn't have market prices, such an economy will not be able to function as well as a capitalist economy. Prices contain valuable information that tell buyers and sellers what goods and services are relatively abundant or scarce. By not letting prices freely fluctuate, socialist economies do not allow information to move efficiently. (See this page on the Socialist Calculation Debate.)
In 1956, Mises' most famous student, Nobel Prize-winner, F. A. Hayek had these kind words to say about his teacher:
Professor Mises! It would be an impertinence to enlarge further on your learning and scholarship, on your wisdom and penetration, which has given you world renown. But you have shown other qualities which not all great thinkers possess. You have shown an undaunted courage, even when you stood alone. You have shown a relentless consistency and persistence in your thought, even when it led to unpopularity and isolation. You have for long not found the recognition from the official organization of science which was your due. You have seen your pupils reap some of the rewards which were due to you but which envy and prejudice have long withheld. But you have been more fortunate than most other sponsors of unpopular causes. You knew before today that the ideas for which you had so long fought alone or with little support would be victorious. You have seen an ever-growing group of pupils and admirers gather round you and, while you continue to push further, endeavor to follow up and elaborate your ideas. The torch which you have lighted has become the guide of a new movement for freedom which is gathering strength every day.
To become familiar with Mises' economics, Peter Boettke wrote a paper. In it, Boettke writes, "Mises developed a bold and enduring humanistic project for the study of man that invites our critical attention."
James Fallows has a "must
James Fallows has a "must read" article on what kind of situation a post-war Iraq could be. He delves into what an occupying American force would have to do from crumbling into anarchy. The possiblities aren't pleasant--having Iran as a "permanent enemy" doesn't sound appealing. Invasion could set back the rising democratic youth movement there. What Fallows' article does is force war advocates to look at the potential downsides to war. This allows for clearer and more nuanced thinking.
"The Fifty-first State?"
Trent Rezor is a sonic
Trent Rezor is a sonic genius who changed the way Rock music and machines interact. At his core, he knows it isn't how the music is made, but what the music is.
Just because you can buy a box of software now for a couple hundred bucks that can make a great-sounding album that doesn't mean you're going to make a great record. What matters are the songs.
"Trent Reznor's Pretty Hate Machines"
September 28, 2002
11-year-olds will have access to
11-year-olds will have access to morning-after pills without parental consent. What do you expect? 11-year-olds having sex is just another "lifestyle choice." We don't want to impose our old-fashion notions of right and wrong on the young and impressionable. Instead, we'll drop any moral pretenses and hand out pills so they can kill their children.
"School Offers Morning-After Pill to 11-Year-Olds" [via Drudge]
This is the music video
This is the music video Plant/Page/Jones should release to get all the kids hooked on Zeppelin. Don't tick off these felines.
Nick Schulz takes the first
Nick Schulz takes the first shot at The American Conservative. He wonders how conservative Pat Buchanan is anymore since his positions parallel many non-conservatives:
If the folks at TAC believe they can demonstrate that they are truer to some timeless "faith" than anyone else, they have a tough road ahead. Buchanan claims he and his gang speak for genuine conservatives. He's free to make that claim. But let's look at some specific issues. On the question of a potential Iraqi invasion, for example, TAC's positions are indistinguishable from those of Noam Chomsky, Al Gore, former Clinton advisor and Democratic intellectual William Galston, and Lewis Lapham, the editor of the left wing Harper's magazine. Indeed Lapham and Buchanan, in the current issues of their respective magazines, make strong arguments against Iraqi invasions that happen to make the exact same points. Take another issue, such as global trade. It doesn't help matters for TAC that on trade issues, Buchanan's views mirror those of Ralph Nader.
"Standing Pat" [via InstaPundit]
September 27, 2002
Lynn's fed up with ABC
Lynn's fed up with ABC News. I haven't bothered with Peter Jennings and the gang for years.
Eugene Volokh's scenario is frightening,
Eugene Volokh's scenario is frightening, yet plausible. The reason to take out Saddam and liberate Iraq is that if Iraq builds a bomb, it will be used against the United States. Either Saddam would use it as in Eugene's speculative fiction, or terrorists will use it. What I fear most is waking up one day and watching on CNNMSNBCFOXNEWS that Seattle, Chicago, or Houston is now a smoking, radioactive crater. Millions of Americans would be dead and soon after millions of Iraqis would be dead too. At its core, invading Iraq is a war to save lives.
"Some Say Deterrence Is Enough?"
Jim's list of things to
Jim's list of things to do with his new house gives me a whole bunch of reasons never to buy one.
Webloggers and readers with an
Webloggers and readers with an itch to write, Frontiers of Freedom's OpinonEditorials.com can be your chance to start your new career as the next George Will, Thomas Friedman, or--dare I say it--Ann Coulter. Send them a 500-750 word article, and they just might print it. I see this as the minor leagues of opinion writing. Jennifer Roberts of Townhall.com even wrote, "Columns accepted by OpEds.com will be publicized by Townhall through our What's New section and email, and some lucky ones will make our homepage."
USA Today has a lengthy
USA Today has a lengthy story on possible war tactics against Iraq, but here's the kicker: the whole story might just be a diversion put out by the military. As Dave Moniz writes,
The war will almost certainly be preceded by a lengthy disinformation campaign designed to keep Saddam guessing about U.S. intentions. That effort, some say, has already begun with the disclosure of plans to move a key military headquarters to the tiny Persian Gulf nation of Qatar and the continued leaking of ''war plans,'' including military training for Iraqi dissidents, to U.S. media. Says one former Gulf War planner: ''It's been wonderful to have all those stories out there to confuse Saddam.''
What you can guess is pretty accurate is that the war will be based on speed and accuracy. Bombers will use smart bombs like they did in Afghanistan with troops sweeping into Iraq from all parts of the world. If the guess of around 100,000 troops for this war is correct, it will an even greater accomplishment than Desert Storm.
"U.S. Aim in Iraq: 'Lightning' Action"
Stephen Silver didn't like The
Stephen Silver didn't like The West Wing season premiere and hopes the show becomes relevant again.
Brad DeLong on basic statistics:
Brad DeLong on basic statistics:
I wish the New York Times would talk of confidence intervals and sampling variability, but its editors have made a judgment that such discussions would lose too many of their readers. It doesn't. But this failure to talk about the uncertainties of sample-based estimates leaves the door open for sleazy attacks like Slate's.
I agree with him. Tossing around numbers the way the media does only confuses a public who is capable of understand concepts like confidence intervals and makes them more cynical toward statistics.
Jane Galt calls The West
Jane Galt calls The West Wing "Touched By An Angel for the political class." She's right. The liberal President and his staff are always right, and the opposition isn't just wrong, but stupid. I still like the show because it's about Washington, D.C. and the dialog is so zippy. A failing with the dialog is that any of the characters could say any of the lines, and it would fit. C.J. is just a female version of Sam, who is a male version of Donna, who is a female version of Josh. I'll still watch it because it's better than just about anything else in primetime, and I need something to pass the time until 24 begins its second season.
John Hawkins is tired of
John Hawkins is tired of the anti-war crowd's lack of an answer to the Islamist War:
This is the big problem I have with the anti-war people. There is a clear and present danger to the United States that in all likelihood will get worse unless some sort of immediate action is taken and the anti-war crowd's solution to that problem is **sound of crickets chirping**. Until the anti-war crowd has something of substance to say about a SOLUTION to the problem we're facing, there's no compelling reason to continue paying attention to their arguments.
Congress is putting together a resolution on the use of force against Iraq. Now is the time for the anti-war crowd to state their case. No longer can they cry out for a debate. The debate is now.
September 26, 2002
The agency in charge of
The agency in charge of rebuilding the WTC site has asked for ideas from six architecture teams. Since the state of modern architecture is abysmal, I worry about the resulting plans to be put together by November.
"Six Teams Chosen to Create New Designs for WTC Site"
Best British weblog, as determined
Best British weblog, as determined by the Guardian: Scaryduck.
"The Duck of the Draw"
Dawn writes, No one is
No one is Pro-Abortion. I am not. I think it is unfortunate and sad, but my desire to keep it accessible comes from the same concern the Pro-Lifers have, preserving the integrity of life.
If no one is pro-abortion then how come so many people scream when even the slightest restriction on abortion is merely considered? How come NARAL hasn't supported any ban on gruesome partial-birth abortion? The only way abortion can perserve the integrity of life is if the mother's life is in danger. That's it. I'm a hardliner. Self-defense is the only moral justification for killing an unborn child.
The University of California at
The University of California at San Diego wants a student group, the Che Cafe Collective, to remove a link to Columbian narco-terrorist group FARC. The univeristy claims it's a violation of the USA Patriot Act. It's not since, according to the law, supporting terrorists includes "currency or other financial securities, financial services, lodging, training, safehouses, false documentation or identification, communications equipment, facilities, weapons, lethal substances, explosives, personnel, transportation, and other physical assets, except medicine or religious materials." No one should claim that a hyperlink is equal to "communications equipment."
"University Bans Controversial Links"
In an e-mail, Chris Mosier
In an e-mail, Chris Mosier points out an error in Jacob Levy's post on the 17th Amendment. Levy wrote that before the 17th Amendment "Senators were elected for a stable seven years." A Senator's term has always been six years. The 17th Amendment didn't change anything about the length.
The the inaugural issue of
The the inaugural issue of The American Conservative, the Paleo/Neo Conservative wars have moved beyond the Internet and unknown magazines.
AC editors Pat Buchanan and Taki Theodoracopulos might be taking the term "Old Right" too literally. There's no real content on the magazine's web site. If they want influence beyond the D.C.-New York media center they need to take after Lew Rockwell and the Mises Institute gang who publish daily.
Bill Kristol may claim to not care about AC (he said, "I don't intend to pay much attention to it"), but don't be surprised to see a feature article in the next few months in The Weekly Standard skewering AC's political philosophy.
"On a Right Wing and a Player"
Clayton Cramer asserts that the
Clayton Cramer asserts that the Founders intended the Senate to represent wealthy interests. [via Volokh]
PALEO WATCH: The latest item
PALEO WATCH: The latest item is indirect. Lawrence Auster covers Pat Buchanan's new magazine and wrote this paragraph about paleos in general:
A similar ad hominem methodology can be seen at work among Buchanan's somewhat more extreme allies on the antiwar right, the paleo-libertarians and neo-Confederates whose main hangout is lewrockwell.com. For the neo-Confederates, the evil American empire does not begin (as it does for the Buchananites) with the Gulf War or the Kosovo War or the Cold War or World War II; it begins with the Civil War and Lincoln's unprecedented exertion of national power to suppress the Southern rebellion. The neo-Confederates hate Lincoln's policy both as unjust and wicked in itself and as prototypical of the current American empire and its client state Israel. Just as Buchanan smears the "rampaging bull" Sharon as the fons et origo of Mideast violence, the neo-Confederates rant about "the blood-thirsty Lincoln" as the sole cause of the South's ruin. This "blood-thirsty" slur contains two false inferences: that Lincoln's primary motive was to kill as many people as possible, rather than to save the United States from dismemberment; and that it was only the evil Lincoln (or Lincoln and his band of radical Republicans) who wanted a large-scale war on the South and forced the rest of the country to go along with that tyrannical policy. The truth, of course, is that it was the majority of the Northern people, Republicans and Democrats, who through their elected representatives supported the war; and that their motive was not to shed blood but to save the Union.Like Buchanan when he blames Mideast violence on the "rampaging bull" Sharon, and like the neo-Confederates when they blame the Civil War on the "blood-thirsty" Lincoln, McConnell when he singles out the "War Party" is suggesting two slanderous falsehoods. First, he is implying that it is only a small group of manipulative ideologues, the (largely Jewish) neoconservatives, who support the overthrow of the Iraqi regime, rather than, as is the case, the majority of Americans. Second, he is implying that those who support a war on Iraq are motivated by a love of war for its own sake ? for what else is meant by "War Party"? ? rather than by a responsible concern for America's security. For McConnell to admit that the majority of the American people agree with Bush's Iraq policy, and that they do so for rational and patriotic ? not ideological or imperialistic ? reasons, would compel him to engage in rational and respectful debate with them instead of trying to provoke fear and hatred of a neoconservative bogeyman. Unfortunately, it would appear that such restraint is beyond McConnell's ability or desire at this point, as it is for many others on the antiwar right.
"McConnell and Buchanan versus 'The War Party'" [via PunchtheBag]
Lynn Sislo found some links
Lynn Sislo found some links on John Cage's 4'33".
Christopher Hitchens is leaving The
Christopher Hitchens is leaving The Nation. He also offers a simple reason why attacking Iraq is part of the broader Islamist War:
And a friendly Iraq, free again to trade and to make contact with the outside world, could transform the atmosphere of the Middle East.To take one small example, Iraq would no longer be supplying the more thuggish elements around Yasser Arafat, or offering subsidies to suicide bombers.
And it might be noticed democratic forces among the Palestinians have begun to insist on a mini regime change of their own.
Take that Brent Scowcroft.
Hitchens also goes after the "war for oil" argument:
Just on the material aspect - I love it when people darkly describe the coming intervention as "blood for oil", or equivalent gibberish.Does this mean what it appears to mean, namely that oil is not worth fighting over?
Or that it's no cause for alarm that the oil resources of the region are permanently menaced by a crazy sadist who has already invaded two of his neighbours?
"We Must Fight Iraq" [via Drudge]
Lynne Stewart, radical lawyer, charged
Lynne Stewart, radical lawyer, charged with helping a convicted terrorist release calls to violence shows her cold, inhuman attitude toward the victims of September 11 and civilian casualities in general:
The Pentagon was ''a better target''; the people in the towers ''never knew what hit them. They had no idea that they could ever be a target for somebody's wrath, just by virtue of being American. They took it personally. And actually, it wasn't a personal thing.'' As for civilian deaths in general: ''I'm pretty inured to the notion that in a war or in an armed struggle, people die. They're in the wrong place, they're in a nightclub in Israel, they're at a stock market in London, they're in the Algerian outback -- whatever it is, people die.'' She mentions Hiroshima and Dresden. ''So I have a lot of trouble figuring out why that is wrong, especially when people are sort of placed in a position of having no other way.''
"Terrorist Lawyer" [via David Horowitz]
September 25, 2002
Chris points out a John
Chris points out a John Dean (of Watergate fame) article on the Seventeenth Amendment. That's the one that allows direct election of Senators. Chris calls it one of the worst changes to the constitution. Dean argues that it allowed the federal government to trample over states' rights because Senators were no longer beholden to the corporate interests of the states. Instead, they were beholden to the impulses of the voters.
Todd Zywicki's research was mentioned in Dean's article and he adds a little more to the discussion.
Jacob Levy responds [via InstaPundit] to Zywicki. He briefly describes other countries' upper legislative houses. Then he argues that the 17th Amendment may have prevented the Senate from becoming a powerless body.
"The Seventeenth Amendment: Should it be Repealed?"
A Vermont federal judge ruled
A Vermont federal judge ruled the federal death penalty unconstitutional.
"Federal Death Penalty Again Ruled Unconstitutional"
September 24, 2002
Gerhard Schroeder wins, but the
Gerhard Schroeder wins, but the U.S. government isn't happy. President Bush hasn't called Schroeder to congratulate him and Donald Rumsfeld didn't meet with the German defense minister in Warsaw.
Is Schroeder's use of the U.S. as boogie-man the sign of a trend in Europe? Will other center-left parties, even extreme right ones, use the threat of the "hyperpower" United States to scare voters into voting for them? Pundits pumped out plenty of words over the political burps of right-wing pols Jean-Marie Le Pen and Pim Fortuyn. One only got a small percentage of the vote (17% in the first round of elections), while the other was murdered days before the national election. Will there be as much examination of the long-term consequences of Schroeder's winning tactic and a deteriorated U.S.-German relationship?
One important consequence to examine is the future of NATO. While already on life support due to its irrelevance (no Soviet army to fight), the lack of support in ending Saddam's reign of terror over Iraq is the military alliance's final exhale. Europe sees itself as more of a competitor than partner to the U.S. Ironically, the best friends the U.S. has in NATO are the new ex-communist countries Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. In all likelihood, the war with Iraq will involve only the U.S. and Great Britain. The rest of NATO will wag their fingers at such awful unilateralism. Then the coffin will be sealed. Eventually, the public will agree with Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC) that U.S. troops need no longer be stationed in a country where its leaders compare the their President to Hitler.
"Schroeder Faces More US Anger"
A bunch of historians want
A bunch of historians want a debate over declaring war on Iraq. They don't want a debate over a Congressional resolution authorizing the use of force; they want one over a declaration of war. One problem: a Congressional resolution is equivalent to a formal declaration. Earlier this year, Eugene Volokh was kind enough to point me to a Q. & A. by Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE) where he said,
The answer is yes, and we did it. I happen to be a professor of Constitutional law. I'm the guy that drafted the Use of Force proposal that we passed. It was in conflict between the President and the House. I was the guy who finally drafted what we did pass. Under the Constitution, there is simply no distinction ... Louis Fisher(?) and others can tell you, there is no distinction between a formal declaration of war, and an authorization of use of force. There is none for Constitutional purposes. None whatsoever. And we defined in that Use of Force Act that we passed, what ... against whom we were moving, and what authority was granted to the President.
Could it be that these historians are not as concerned about upholding the constitution as much as preventing a war with Iraq? It's fine to be against a war, it's another to use intellectually dishonest means.
No one should construe that I oppose a Congressional debate over war with Iraq. I would actually like to see Congress have the guts to declare war. It hasn't been done since 1941. They didn't even declare war on al-Qaeda; they authorized the use of force. Declaring war has more moral force and seriousness behind it.
"American Historians Speak Out"
I'll add to Matt Welch's
I'll add to Matt Welch's comment on supposed U.S. anti-intellectualism by looking at the communications method he's using. Weblogging allows many to read and comment on what "Gore Chomskytag," hawks, doves, and anyone in between has to say. After reading many weblogs for a little bit, you can't help but notice that many of these people aren't mere cranks objecting to thinking. On the contrary, weblogging has given many people the opportunity to sharpen their thinking skills to better take part in the debate.
If the reviewer can really
If the reviewer can really write, it doesn't matter how bad the movie is. Case in point, uber-critic, Roger Ebert on Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever:
At one point in the movie, a man who will remain nameless is injected with one of these devices by a dart gun, and it kills him. All very well, but consider for a moment the problem of cost overruns in these times of economic uncertainty. A miniaturized assassination robot small enough to slip through the bloodstream would cost how much? Millions? And it is delivered by dart? How's this for an idea: use a poison dart, and spend the surplus on school lunches.
I'm waiting for DVD for this movie, but I laughed out loud after reading the review.
Is this a joke? Cage's
Is this a joke?
Cage's ground-breaking silent composition, 4'33," was first performed half a century ago. The piano piece, divided into three movements, consists entirely of silent notes and takes four minutes 33 seconds to perform.
Was the Reuters reporter just having fun? You can't call four and 1/2 minutes of silence a "piano piece" consisting or "silent notes." There aren't any notes, and the piece could have easily been played with a flute, trumpet, or kazoo. What makes four and 1/2 minutes of silence a "ground-breaking composition?" Cage didn't do anything to compose it. It's not like he invented the concept of silence.
"John Cage Silence Plagiarism Case Settled"
Charles Oliver makes a valid
Charles Oliver makes a valid point on states' rights:
But this really isn't about the wisdom of physician-assisted suicide. (I have some doubts about it myself.) It's about the right of states to make their own policies. Under what clause of the Constitution does Ashcroft justify his intervention into Oregon policies?
I don't approve of doctor-assisted suicide, but I don't live (or plan to die) in Oregon. Since I think the nation would be better off if the Supreme Court hadn't dictated abortion law on every state when it ruled on Roe v. Wade, it would be a bit disengenuous (hypocritical?) on my part to back something similar.
September 23, 2002
Not only is Bob Greene
Not only is Bob Greene a dirty old man who can't have the decency to fulfill his marriage vow, but when his former teenage lover contacts him, he sics the FBI after her.
"FBI Says Contact by Greene Led to Inquiry" [via Media News]
It's bad enough the Packers
It's bad enough the Packers almost lost to the lowly Detroit Lions--the Lions were only a finger-tip catch away from embarassing the Pack--what's worse is two starters on defense will be out for some time. The defense wasn't playing well even with a healthy Vonnie Holliday and Antaun Edwards. My 12-4 prediction? I'll be really happy with 10-6 and a wildcard birth.
"Holliday, Edwards Sidelined By Injuries"
Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) may
Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) may have lost her her seat in Congress, but she hasn't stopped telling everyone about the evil conspiracy behind the Bush administration. In her CounterPunch article (it appears to be taken from a Congressional committee speech), she claims that war with Iraq is all about oil:
However, just last Sunday, September 15, 2002, the Washington Post's lead story carried the banner headline "In Iraqi War Scenario, Oil is the Key Issue." The article then went on to describe how US oil companies were looking forward to taking advantage of the oil bonanza, which would follow Saddam Hussein's removal from office.Apparently, so the article says, CIA Director James Woolsey, indicated that non-US oil companies who sided with Hussein would most likely be excluded from sharing in Iraq's massive oil reserves a*" reserves said to be second only to Saudi Arabia.
The first thing that popped out to me was a glaring inaccuracy. James Woolsey, CIA Director? Isn't that George Tenet's job? McKinney sits on the International Relations and the Armed Services Committees and she doesn't know who currently runs the CIA? I know Tenet's been out of sight--no doubt because more people like me would be calling for his firing/resignation--but one would think that a Congressman who deals with foreign affairs as much as McKinney does would know this. While not as sexy a faux paus this public display of ignorance should be placed next to her claim that President Bush knew all about the September 11 attacks before they happened. (McKinney calls her accusation asking "pretty straightforward questions.")
But what really got to McKinney was plans to protect Iraq's oil fields in the event of war. She calls this sacrificing young men and women for the rich oil moguls. Instead of protecting Iraq's most valuable resource, something that could help immediately integrate Iraq's economy with the rest of the world, McKinney would rather have U.S. troops protect "the new parliament, or the schools or hospitals full of ravaged civilians." I'm pretty sure I'm standing on firm ground when I write this. Unless there was a serious military reason stopping them from acting, U.S. forces would not stand aside and watch civilians being slaughtered. In fact, they might be more inspired to intervene in such attacks because doing so would eradicate more of Saddam's forces--the primary reason for attacking.
"Another Oil War"
Dean Bartkiw offers this comment
Dean Bartkiw offers this comment on the GOP:
"The GOP hasn't done much wrong in the past 20+ years. "Let's not get carried away. Consider that even this President has sold out the taxpayer in favor of the "family farmer", and sold out the consumer, the longshoreman, the manufacturer, etc., in favor of the highest paid laborers in the world - US steelworkers.
This type of economic liberalism is nemesis of the thinking man, in the GOP. Sadly, we (presumably deep thinkers) are forced to vote GOP, simply for the general move to lower taxes.
Us "deep thinkers" will never find a candidate that perfectly fits our political vision. Dean opposes steel tariffs (as do I) while I oppose the death penalty. If we were to vote for the perfect candidate that fit all our policy positions both of us would have to write our own names in every time.
The goal of the GOP is to win elections. That means they must convince 50% + 1 of voters to pull the lever with the "R" by it. If the voting public moves away from backing GOP issues, then the party will move their position over to capture more votes. The name of the game is politics not political philosophy. It's the role of deep thinkers like Dean and I to constantly let the GOP know that conservative positions are political winners.
Now, let me re-address my point of 20+ years of national GOP leadership. When I wrote that the GOP hasn't really done anything wrong, I meant it in a general sense. During the time of GOP Presidents and a GOP Congress, the country has had continued economic growth (with a couple small recessions), a technological boom not seen since the early part of the 20th Century, and we won the Cold War. Historians will look at these past two decades and notice the peace and prosperity of the U.S.
That doesn't mean everything was hunky-dory. The culture continued to coarsen, and the Culture of Death permeates. But I think it would be a pretty easy case to make that 20 years of GOP leadership is better than 20 years of Democratic leadership. Young people who have lived through GOP leadership know instinctively that things went pretty well and are more comfortable with the Republicans.
Andrew Sullivan wonders about the
Andrew Sullivan wonders about the Democrats' young male gap. This poll shows men 18-44 support Republicans for Congress over Democrats 55% to 35%. Part of the popularity of the GOP among them is Social Security privatization. They don't believe it will be there for them, so they might as well invest their own money themselves. Another is the fact that those in this group have lived with Republicans in power for much of their lives. There were the Reagan/Bush Presidencies, then the Gingrich Revolution. During that time the country has been rolling. The economy grew by leaps and bounds, and the U.S. won the Cold War. I'll use Orrin Judd's words describing today's young:
They've always known conservatism to be a powerful and popular political movement, frequently wielding the power of government, always and quite publicly challenging liberalism, and to a great degree the sole source of ideas in our recent politics. They've witnessed the victory of conservative ideals in the Cold War and in tax fights and over unionism and in welfare reform. The military actions they've watched have been either won or exited so quickly that dissent has been rare and rather quiet. They've been governed by a Republican Congress. They can easily imagine that soon conservatism will effect reform of education and Social Security and abortion law. In short, they've lived through twenty-two years that have been much different than the preceding fifty, when conservatism was routed and liberalism not only the ascendant ideology of the West but seemingly the only possible ideology of thoughtful men and women[.]
The GOP hasn't done much wrong in the past 20+ years. Also, in a time of war, muscular talk and action are needed, and we don't find much of that from the Democrats.
An Enron auction starts on
An Enron auction starts on Wednesday. I'm looking for deals. I could use a cheap ThinkPad or a box of hacky sack balls. But Dovebid isn't eBay. To bid in real time they require you to download software AND have an open phone connection. It's kind of hard to be online and using the phone with dial-up.
"Enron Auction Begins this Week"
With a scribble, Gov. Gray
With a scribble, Gov. Gray Davis codified the Culture of Death into California's legal code.
"California Backs Embryonic Stem Cell Research"
HUMOR: Scientists discover the cause
HUMOR: Scientists discover the cause of evil: it's the United States. Damn, I hate it when the whiny French, Germans, and Canadians are right.
"Science Discovers Cause of Evil, Cure to Come Soon"
September 22, 2002
Who would have thunk? Arabs
Who would have thunk? Arabs against Saddam. Cato the Youngest adds some media criticism:
It probably won't get much major media play, because, according to the media, all Arabs oppose action against Saddam. If all Arabs oppose action against Saddam, this couldn't happen, so therefore, it didn't happen.
"Hundreds Show Up For Anti-Hussein Rally"
Israel will strike back if
Israel will strike back if attacked by Iraq. Bush, Rumsfeld, and the gang don't like that because it could enrage Arab countries. Unless, there's some really slick plan being developed to knock out Iraqi Scuds before they could be launched at Israel, expect Israeli retaliation to complicate matters.
"Israel Tells U.S. It Will Retaliate if Iraqis Attack" [via Drudge]
If someone really likes me
If someone really likes me and TAM, my birthday's coming up, and I'd love a set of Adam Smith's works. It's the perfect gift for the econ geek in all of us.
Orrin Judd may have the
Orrin Judd may have the smartest comments in the entire blogosphere (yuck, yuck, awful word!!). Where else would you find a comment like this?
It is not only the comparison to Marxism that is skewed. Rather, his "logic" is more like an impressionist painting full of non-Euclidian twists to produce the image in the artist's mind, than any linear construct.
September 21, 2002
How about Patrick's great beginning
How about Patrick's great beginning to an interesting discussion:
Considering this, can it really be said that both parties are really alike? Comparative advantage is a reality in all facets of life, and it's just the same in politics. Democrats write for the New York Times and Republicans blog. Democrats know how to emote for the TV cameras and Republicans know how to light up the radio airwaves. Democrats know how to win campaigns and Republicans know how to win wars.
He's trying to find an answer to which political party is more aggressive. My quick two cents is that Democrats/liberals are more stubborn. They may not win an election, but they don't stop the fight. They will continue to press their issues again and again until it becomes the conventional wisdom. Democrats are more inclined to take small victories while continuing on the long march to socialist nirvana, even if they don't realize it's the Road to Serfdom. Right now, Democrats are gung-ho over Medicare funding for prescription drugs. They cornered the issue so well everyone is for the feds paying for grandma's pills. But when it gets into law it won't stop Democrats from continuing to push for more government intervention into medicine. With their efforts they hope to claim the holy grail: "free," socialized health care.
Republicans/conservatives get frustrated over defeats and seek other angles to achieve their goals. For instance, many conservatives have abandoned the moral black hole of many public schools and opted for private, religious education or home schooling. They got fed up with losing battles at school board meetings and at the ballot box. So, they voted with their feet.
How Republicans/conservatives communicate demonstrates their ability to flank the current state of affairs. Conservatives got fed up with the endless liberal blather in newspapers and television. Their response: they jumped all over talk radio and now are some of the loudest, most intelligent voices on the Internet.
To sum up my few observations: Democrats/liberals are stubborn institutionalists while Republicans/conservatives are fickle entrepreneurs.
Because many of the benefits
Because many of the benefits from our free economy are intangible, quality of life items, they're not counted in GDP. Michael Cox and Richard Alm write,
Inflation-adjusted GDP figures indicate economic growth at an annual average of 3 percent during the last two decades. GDP may be entirely accurate as a tally of how much our farms, factories, and offices produce, but it?s increasingly inadequate as a measure of how well the economy provides us with what we want. Our ability to choose a balanced life is one of the market?s most important success stories.
Throughout their article, the authors describe how well off Americans are. We're living longer, healthier, and in more safety. We have an abundance of goods, and we're working less. Cox and Alm write, "Americans may find themselves pressed for time, but it's not because we're working harder than we used to. We're busy having fun."
"Off the Books"
How about combining my last
How about combining my last two posts and creating a show called Apple's Board of Directors? Contestants from around the world would compete in contests like "Business Buzzword Scrabble," "Thinking Different," or "Diversify Your Workforce." The winner would not only get a seat on Apple's board but would get a lifetime supply of Steve Jobs-style black turtlenecks.
I'd jump at this chance
I'd jump at this chance at the Presidency, but, alas, I'm too young. Will I watch the show? You better believe it. Would the show's winner have a chance of winning the whole shabang? Nope.
"A New Political Reality Comes to TV" [via Jeff Jarvis]
September 20, 2002
Since Larry Ellison stepped down
Since Larry Ellison stepped down from Apple's board, I'm offering my services to represent Apple's stockholders. While I don't use any Apple products (but am willing to switch), I think the iPod is really cool, and I have no connection to Silicon Valley. I would show up for every meeting and would bring a very outside voice to Apple. Steve, I'll be waiting for your phone call.
"Ellison Resigns From Apple Board"
Milwaukee Police Chief Art Jones
Milwaukee Police Chief Art Jones tried to look tough with his little War on Drugs. On Wednesday, he sent dozens of police officers into three Latino businesses. Their crime: they were selling prescription antibiotics without prescriptions. Antibiotics aren't controlled substances and usually authorities don't send out the S.W.A.T. team to frighten people. Instead, they use get an injuction and ask the businesses to stop selling the drugs.
"Police Raid Outrages Community"
September 19, 2002
President Bush asked Congress for
President Bush asked Congress for a resolution allowing military force against Iraq. Congressional leaders told Bush that action on the resolution would happen in a few weeks. The sticking point is the wording of the resolution.
This doesn't have to be a slow process. Despite anti-war critics' assertions, there has been a lengthy public debate over the merits of invading Iraq. It started soon after Afghanistan was liberated. After that quick victory, pundits wondered where the next battle in the Islamist War would be. The most obvious answer was Iraq. Saddam has thumbed his nose at the world community for years and yearns to acquire weapons of mass destruction (WMD). You combine that with the Saddam-Bush history and that was enough for any columnist or policy wonk to run with.
In the Spring, President Bush inflamed the debate by calling for pre-emptive strikes against threatening nations. While never saying Iraq, that was the first nation to come to mind.
Then we've had the debate in op-ed pages, on yapping-head cable talk shows, and across the Internet. We've had a Democrat go hawk and people from the Bush I administration go dove. To say that all the words spoken and written for and against war with Iraq don't amount to a serious debate is to ignore the definition of debate.
Why not a Declaration of War? Why not a firm resolution declaring to the world that Saddam is such a threat that the U.S. is willing to pledge its lives, fortunes, and sacred honor?
Is it too politically correct to use such stern language? Would the U.N. and the Europeans consider a declaration of war to be too "unilateral"? Too harsh for the world's "hyperpower"?
In his West Point speech, President Bush said, "Some worry that it is somehow undiplomatic or impolite to speak the language of right and wrong. I disagree." He believes and isn't afraid to acknowledge moral absolutes. So why does he not ask for a declaration of war instead of a Congressional resolution that sounds like the weak-willed wording of a U.N. Security Council resolution?
Last September, after 3,000 people were murdered by Islamist terrorists, Congress didn't pass a declaration of war. Both Houses of Congress passed an "Authorization for Use of Military Force."
Sure, the resolution has the same legal meaning as a declaration of war, but it lacks the same rhetorical seriousness. It's bureaucratic. Congress didn't call for war, it "authorizes" the President to "use all necessary and appropriate force." This is a far cry from President Bush's calls for going after the "evildoers." Some can laugh as Bush's comic book language, but it's morally serious and straightforward.
Maybe I'm overreacting. I support the President and think the war is going well. Afghanistan has been liberated and Iraq will be next. While I'm not as optimistic as some as to the outcome of a new Iraq, great change is in store for the Middle East. It's just that words mean things. Words and the ideas behind them are important for shaping debate and pursuing Truth. What started on September 11, 2001 wasn't a crime spree, skirmish, or military action. Was began that day.
"Bush to Seek Approval for Action Against Iraq"
Leonard Pitts comments on the
Leonard Pitts comments on the recent claim that the Notorious B.I.G. paid to have Tupac Shakur killed:
I'm not here to defend -- or condemn -- the Times report and have no way of knowing whether Christopher Wallace [aka Notorious B.I.G.] actually did what he's accused of doing. No, what has me shaking my head is that we're even forced to take the allegation seriously.What does that tell you about the world we have made? ''We'' meaning consumers of American pop culture in general, but African Americans in particular. We've created -- or simply countenanced -- a world in which the line between video fantasy and street-corner reality is all but erased, where thug values and gangster mores demand blood for the faintest slights and we -- still talking African Americans -- walk around acting as if this were as unremarkable as fluorescent lights and traffic jams.
We do not criticize or hold accountable, particularly in forums where whites may be watching, because some of us regard that as an act of racial betrayal. So nobody says the obvious: Pop stars don't shoot each other! There's something wrong when it becomes impossible to distinguish music acts from street gangs.
I understand the corrosive effects of drugs and poverty on the African-American community. I also understand that those effects have been with us for generations. Not to sound dismissive, but that's old news. What's new is these diseased mores and this collective shrug in the face of them.
The Culture of Death has firmly planted its claws in the Black community.
"Pop Culture's Ugly Side"
Here are some alt-press stories
Here are some alt-press stories Matt Palmquist is tired of reading:
The lionization of Mumia Abu-Jamal. You've seen him on T-shirts, buttons, fliers, posters, radio shows, Web sites, bumper stickers, and flags. You've read his books, heard his tape-recorded speeches, and watched with disbelief as he's transformed himself from a journalist-turned-cabdriver into a cabdriver-turned-political prisoner. But his story must be heard! Again! Ignore the hundreds of other death row inmates whose guilt has been questioned far more convincingly than Mumia Abu-Jamal's -- free Mumia, and the prison-industrial system will crumble!
and
The war in Afghanistan is really being waged so oil companies can build a pipeline. Come on, does anyone really think the U.S. military is in Afghanistan to chase the terrorists behind the Sept. 11 attacks? If our armed forces were looking for Osama bin Laden, they would have found him by now, right? Don't believe what you hear about the uncaring United States packing up and moving out once the bombing finishes. We're in Afghanistan to stay -- and to build a gigantic oil pipeline without attracting the notice of thousands of journalists, diplomats, human rights workers, and international military personnel. Not to mention Afghan warlords.
and
How a big media company imposed its CEO's ideology on every single employee of every single affiliate (even janitors). Once a corporation takes over your formerly independent media enterprise, look out! Everyone will drink Starbucks, listen to Jewel, and forget everything he's always believed about editorial free will. Because, as we all know, that's how journalism works: Every story idea and editorial angle is dictated from the top, and even the most experienced editors, station managers, and columnists are powerless to resist.
and let's not forget
The annual unveiling of Project Censored. "We define censorship as any interference with the free flow of information in American society," says project director Peter Phillips in this year's press release. "Corporate media in the United States is [sic] interested primarily in entertainment news to feed their bottom-line priorities. Very important news stories that should reach the American public often fall on the cutting-room floor to be replaced by sex scandals and celebrity updates." And, once every year in the altie press, those stories are replaced by a meaningless list.
By the way, that oil pipeline supposedly going through Afghanistan. It's going through Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey.
"Project Censored"
Stratfor.com considers an Iraq-for-Georgia deal
Stratfor.com considers an Iraq-for-Georgia deal where Russia accepts a U.S. invasion of Iraq in exchange for a Russian operation in Georgia to root out Islamist terrorists.
If you have a PDA, you can read the whole report by subscribing for free to AvantGo.
"Possible Iraq-for-Georgia Deal Could Seal Baghdad's Fate"
Finding a Jeff Jacoby column
Finding a Jeff Jacoby column on the Boston Globe web site is a pleasant surprise, since I thought he got axed a few years ago. I was wrong about that. Jacoby only suffered a three-month suspension for failing to properly cite sources in a July 4th piece. Since the weblog world loves Mark Steyn, I would have figured there'd be lots of links to Jacoby. I didn't notice any and forgot about the guy.
"Repentance Comes First"
The Milwaukee Brewers must read
The Milwaukee Brewers must read this New Yorker article and get everything they can get about "sabermetrics." Billy Beane uses the approach to get quality players on the cheap. It's working for the Oakland A's, and the Brewers really don't have anything to lose.
"The Buffett of Baseball" [via SportsFilter]
September 18, 2002
The Minneapolis Fed interviewed Nobel
The Minneapolis Fed interviewed Nobel Prize winning economist Gary Becker. In the interview, Becker defines the term "social capital":
REGION: What is the relationship of social capital to human capital?BECKER: I consider social capital to be a particular type of human capital. Human capital, so to speak, usually looks at a person. It is her knowledge, or her skills. Social capital looks at a person's link to other individuals. If I am involved in AA, I may be obligated to help members who are tempted to drink. In turn, I can call on them if I am having trouble with my alcohol consumption. That is an example of social capital. It is a form of human capital because it is part of me. However, it is very different from the skills I have as an educated person, or the training I have or the knowledge I have. Social capital involves a linkage among individuals. That is why it is "social." It is capital because it has some durability, where depreciation rate may be endogenous. Anyway, that is how I look at it.
Becker along with Kevin Murphy develop this concept in their book Social Economics.
Also in the interview, Becker opposes bank bailouts for "moral hazard" reasons. Interestingly, he also opposed the Fed bailout of Long-Term Capital Management.
"Interview with Gary Becker" [via In the News]
An odd point about fixing
An odd point about fixing intelligence methods to counter future terrorist attacks is that the public will never really know if it's been successful. If terrorist attacks are few and far between the average person or weblogging pundit will not be able to tell if it's because terrorists aren't trying elaborate attacks or intelligence agencies are stopping them.
"Probe: U.S. Knew of Jet Terror Plots"
Tunku Varadarajan reviewed some of
Tunku Varadarajan reviewed some of the many, many September 11 books. He recommends Michael Ledeen's The War Against the Terror Masters and Victor Davis Hanson's An Autumn of War. He also liked the haunting pictorial Here is New York: A Democracy of Photographs--a book selling well in my store. While not explicit September 11 books, I recommend Bernard Lewis' What Went Wrong. I'm also curious about Tom Friedman's new book Longitudes and Attitudes. He really delves into the psyche of the Islamic countries and is more right than wrong with his conclusions.
"Hard Times Between Hardcovers"
HUMOR: ScrappleFace reports Iraq's problems
HUMOR: ScrappleFace reports Iraq's problems with U.N. inspectors: "In Iraqi culture, shampooing is appropriate, but conditioning is taboo."
"Inspectors Allowed in Without Conditioner"
September 17, 2002
Wow, there's already a grassroots
Wow, there's already a grassroots movement to prepare for a Condi Rice Presidential run.
How about a new political
How about a new political term: "Knee-jerk Libertarian." I was inspired by this comment from Floyd McWilliams on a set of questions on Iraq from Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX):
Even an isolationist (like myself) believes in self-defense. I don't remember any of the Congressional isolationists raising a fuss about declaring war on Japan after Pearl Harbor. We need another word to describe Ron Paul's head-in-the-sand approach.Paul has a disease which I have also noticed in the magazine Liberty post-9/11: whatever it is that the government is doing, he is automatically against it.
Bob Greene: great writer, but
Bob Greene: great writer, but dirty old man?
"Columnist Resigns After Acknowledging Sexual Conduct With Teenager" [via Samizdata]
John Hawkins reminds us that
John Hawkins reminds us that allowing weapons inspectors back into Iraq is only one of the conditions President Bush set out last week.
"Iraq Is Allowing Inspections? Doesn't Change A Thing"
September 16, 2002
Patrick plays expensive polling guru.
Patrick plays expensive polling guru. My one sentence summary of The Ruffini Group's memo goes like this:
Webloggers are war-loving, Bush-loving, Republican men who prefer Condi to Hillary.
I learned from Samizdata's weblog
I learned from Samizdata's weblog glossary that I suffer from a severe case of hitnosis.
Daypop needs to invest in
Daypop needs to invest in hard drives, and it's still out of commission.
The Dreamhost moved must have
The Dreamhost moved must have worked out well. It looks like TAM was off-line until 5 a.m. I haven't noticed anything goofy with the site. If you find a page missing or some other problem. Just e-mail me or comment.
September 15, 2002
That Green Bay Packers' defense
That Green Bay Packers' defense I thought would be the strength of the team is non-existent after two games. My 12-4 prediction isn't looking good.
"New Orleans 35, Green Bay 20"
September 14, 2002
My web hosting company will
My web hosting company will be moving their servers tonight, so there will be an interruption of your TAM reading pleasure. Don't be scared. TAM should be back early Sunday morning.
HUMOR: Patience pays off. "Castro
HUMOR: Patience pays off.
"Castro Resigns! Kennedy's Cuba Policy Pays Off"
Because of movement of materials
Because of movement of materials and personel, analysts think the U.S. could attack Iraq in as little as three weeks. That could be as soon as 10.5. Colin Powell is working on a U.N. resolution and Congress has planned on recessing for the fall elections around 10.4. I won't be surprised if there's a real "October Surprise." I'm just not sure how this report squares with Bush officals saying in July that there wouldn't be an attack around the November elections.
"US Could Strike in 3 Weeks, Some Analysts Say"
September 13, 2002
How about this idea from
How about this idea from Rich Galen:
Article 5 of the NATO charter contains the following:
The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all ...
Article 13 says:
After the Treaty has been in force for twenty years, any Party may cease to be a Party one year after its notice of denunciation has been given to the Government of the United States of America, which will inform the Governments of the other Parties of the deposit of each notice of denunciation.
If our allies don't support us in the United Nations here's the Mullings Big Idea du Jour:
MEMORANDUM
To: The Government of the United States of America
From: The Government of the United States of America
Re: Denunciation of NATO Membership
Body: Start the clock.
"Iraq and Roll"
The first big exhibit since
The first big exhibit since the Milwaukee Art Museum's new Calatrava extention opened begins today. "Leonardo da Vinci and the Splendor of Poland" is showcased by Leonardo's Lady with an Ermine.
"Potent Exhibit of Art from Poland Sets New Standard for Future Offerings"
PALEO WATCH: Thomas DiLorenzo dubs
PALEO WATCH:
Thomas DiLorenzo dubs FreeRepublic a "Neo-conservative website." Since most average conservatives think of East Coast (sometimes Jewish) eggheads (think The Weekly Standard and Commentary) as neoconservatives, this label my come as a shock to the fiery voices of the Freepers.
***
Robert Higgs just gets nasty over President Bush's book selection. First, Higgs is shocked Bush can read and declares, "I know what you're thinking, but the First Shrub swears that he has been reading more than just the funny papers lately." Then he wonders if Bush really did read Eliot Cohen's Supreme Command. Next there's Higgs' insult that Bush has a "childish imagination." (Higgs probably objects to Bush accurately calling terrorists "evildoers.") Higgs goes on to write that Bush "has a mind that never matured, if indeed it had the potential for such maturation in the first place."
It's one thing to oppose war with Iraq because Iraq is "a small, impoverished country halfway around the world that does not now pose a serious threat to the security of the American people." Higgs is wrong, but we can debate his points. It's not possible to have a serious discussion with a paleo who tosses insults and only has contempt for his opponents.
I am very disappointed with Higgs' article. He's a smart man who used to have important things to say. His Crisis and Leviathan<