After being closed the last several months - more like a year - the Little Red Blog is returning shortly. Older archives will be available in a re-sorted manner. And other features will be added.
All archives listed prior to this entry are from the prior versions of the LRB.
While sitting with a determination to write on subjects that have come, shifted, realigned and even come and gone over the past two weeks, when I’ve written little for this space, I have once again been unable to do so. Earlier today I heard that Pope John Paul II had passed away. Within minutes the story was retracted, yet the news that he was close to death has stayed with me. Keep writing I would say, so many significant events have passed and despite their importance I’ve not commented on them. Just keep writing… whether it is Kyrgyzstan, Zimbabwe, Lebanon, Ukraine, Sudan or any other part of the world facing the challenge of reform, the terrible weight of bigotry, the unyielding passion of fanaticism, or the struggle to find hope in an increasingly dangerous world, I had something to say. But again, I was unable.
The imminent death of a man of character and influence like few others in our recent history binds my mind and heart just as two weeks ago I was bound by concern for the unheard voice of one soul in Florida. Why is it that distant loss reaches so deep into my heart that breathing becomes a challenge? Just keep writing, even if it has nothing to do with the spread of democracy, I tell myself again. Just keep writing.
I don’t know any more about the passing Pope than you or many others. What I know is that he held firm to his beliefs at a time when the world needed a man willing, able and ready to do just that. Like Ronald Reagan he stood for something and by doing so played a significant part in the ending of the Soviet Union. But many stand for something, that can’t be it. It must be what he stood for. At a time when self supplants selflessness, Pope John Paul II was a selfless servant of his faith and the traditions of the Catholic Church. Had I been a Catholic, perhaps I’d been more able to express the cause of my admiration and respect for the man. I can’t.
All I know is that the sight of this frail man over the last few weeks has wrenched my heart. It is simply a great loss for the world to see him leaving us. A shepherd of men and women of all faiths, standing on a foundation of moral and ethical thought with a depth beyond my capacity is about to leave the flock. Did we learn the value of life, the significance of liberty, the necessity of responsibility or the promise of hope that this shepherd of men so ardently taught? It must be the fear that not enough has been learned and that another of the simple, yet profound, men who stood guard over a flock more concerned with fool and fancy will be lost. Our world is in need of more men with an eye toward good, a forgiving ear, an eloquent and sharp way with words and most of all a love for us all.
Just heard on the radio that Terri Schiavo has passed away. To her family, I offer my deepest sympathies and condolences. May God bless her soul.
UPDATE: First AP report online.
To all those who visited, emailed and commented over the weekend and yesterday, thank you. As a general rule, I blog very little on weekends. Mondays, however, are usually filled with rambling post. I didn't have it in me yesterday to write (blog or otherwise), so I worked on the new non-blogger based version of this site. It's not quite done, but I'm getting there.
Now it's Tuesday, Terri isn't being fed, the federal judge who heard the case yesterday has turned down her parent's request. There are lots of other issues I'd like to discuss, and will today, if things go as expected. Back soon with much more.
Yesterday was a conflicting day in many ways. The day starts out hopeful, as do all, but with an odd heaviness upon me that I’d not anticipated. Terri Schiavo was on my mind. Throughout the day while I tried to go about writing on this or that topic, reading about the potential for good or bad around the world, and waiting on the gangly near-seven footers to take the floor in Carolina blue, I was unable to express my concern for Terri. And for myself. Or you. Or all of us.
I managed to post a few pieces of little real note, mind and heart still filled with concern. Afterwards, Carolina blue having been victorious, Terri being without her feeding tube, Marvin being concerned, perplexed, tired and yet somehow wanting to believe that hope remained, I headed out to Blogfest with Hugh Hewitt and the Rocky Mountain Alliance of Bloggers.
At 4, when I arrived, Hugh was about to take the air, the crowd was settled into the chairs and, as is the norm, I felt… well, out of place. I had decided that I would stay and hear the show live, speak with the RMA bloggers, and any others I could meet, so I stood between the middle earth master writings of J.R.R. Tolkien and colorful books that couldn’t find a place in my memory. No names, no topics, just small colorful potential additions for those so inclined. I wasn’t.
Hugh’s primary topic for the day, Terri Schiavo. After a little more than a half hour, I was not sure I’d make it. I walked around during breaks hoping that somehow the topic would shift. That my heart would be diverted from this matter to one of more lightness, one where hope seemed appropriate and moreover, one that didn’t hold such damnation for us all. Hugh prevailed. His everyday optimism and energy brought the story to those present and far away and he pressed on and on. And on. His guest by and large were superb, more on them perhaps later. Hugh had won me over again. I’d stay longer and moreover, I got in line to get my book signed.
When I walked up to Hugh, he shook my hand and asked what I did. Blog, I said. Duh. After telling Hugh where I blog, he recognizes the title and has very kind words to say and encourages me to keep going. I tried to express my appreciation. Tried. It didn’t really come out that well. Back to middle earth I head. And with a chocolate milk from the bookstore’s coffee shop.
Later during the show, Hugh mentions the Little Red Blog on the air, and again has nice things to say. He is kind and generous with his praise for others. An honorable trait, unless you are a headmaster. Perhaps he isn’t really cut out for leading CU. I remind myself to email the regents, just as Hugh has reminded us all. Several times. Terri is again the topic as the show closes with a beautiful poem by Tarzana Joe. I have to bite my lip and cover my eyes.
Shows over. Time to mingle. An art I once felt I’d mastered, but after years of inactivity and isolation, I was sorely in need of assistance. Hugh’s mentioning the LRB so kindly would help, even if he did say I looked like ZZ Top. Several folks came by and chatted. That was another big help. After a time, I met with Ben, Jared, Clay, Jim, Bob, Jonathan and Lisa, and many other bloggers and readers. Then off to dinner at Tucano’s. It was excellent, as was the company. And finally, the return home.
While driving home, I couldn’t help but think that Terri is hungry by now. This morning while I type this, having not yet had breakfast. I’m sure Terri is hungry. And thirsty.
Follow the links from family.org and let the Florida legislature know that something must be done. And then pray. Pray for Terri, for her family, for her comfort during her ordeal, and for our leaders who have as of yet not led us to a better place.
There was plenty to blog about yesterday. Unfortunately, my "news and notes" post was lost by blogger, and other projects prevented further attempts. So long as blogger cooperates, I'll have several posts to add today. If you dropped by and were disappointed, please accept my apology.
For St. Patrick's Day, here are a couple of poems from W.B. Yeats.
PEACEBack soon.AH, that Time could touch a form
That could show what Homer's age
Bred to be a hero's wage.
'Were not all her life but storm
Would not painters paint a form
Of such noble lines,' I said,
'Such a delicate high head,
All that sternness amid charm,
All that sweetness amid strength?'
Ah, but peace that comes at length,
Came when Time had touched her form.HER PRAISE
SHE is foremost of those that I would hear praised.
I have gone about the house, gone up and down
As a man does who has published a new book,
Or a young girl dressed out in her new gown,
And though I have turned the talk by hook or crook
Until her praise should be the uppermost theme,
A woman spoke of some new tale she had read,
A man confusedly in a half dream
As though some other name ran in his head.
She is foremost of those that I would hear praised.
I will talk no more of books or the long war
But walk by the dry thorn until I have found
Some beggar sheltering from the wind, and there
Manage the talk until her name come round.
If there be rags enough he will know her name
And be well pleased remembering it, for in the old days,
Though she had young men's praise and old men's blame,
Among the poor both old and young gave her praise.
Yesterday I posted the story of an American citizen indicted for plotting to assassinate the President and being a supporter of al-Qaeda. The press reported that Ahmed Omar Abu Ali was a high school valedictorian.
Rusty reports, at the Jawa Report, that the valedictorian attended the Islamic Saudi Academy (ISA). Not a public school in Virginia but a Saudi run school that teaches first graders how to condemn Judaism and Christianity as false religions. And lots more.
He notes that the MSM is picking up the details, with a Philadelphia Enquirer report that quotes Daniel Pipes: "It's like the Nazis having little Hitler schools in America during the 1930s."
Excellent work Rusty! [HT: LGF]
He set the standard. 42 others have held the title, few have met the standard.
Ahmed Omar Abu Ali, a 23 year old U.S. citizen, has been charged with conspiring to assassinate the President and being an al-Qaeda supporter. From the AP:
"The federal indictment said that in 2002 and 2003 Abu Ali and an unidentified co-conspirator discussed plans for Abu Ali to assassinate Bush. They discussed two scenarios, the indictment said, one in which Abu Ali "would get close enough to the president to shoot him on the street" and, alternatively, "an operation in which Abu Ali would detonate a car bomb."Counsel for Abu Ali, Ashraf Nubani, told the court that his client had been tortured while held in Saudi Arabia, and offered to show the magistrate the defendants scars. FNC has the indictment [pdf - 456k]. [HT: LGF][snip]
According to the indictment, Abu Ali obtained a religious blessing from another unidentified co-conspirator to assassinate the president. One of the unidentified co-conspirators in the plot is among 19 people the Saudi government said in 2003 was seeking to launch terror attacks in that country, according to the indictment."
Get the facts and you too will support Terri Schiavo. [HT: Curtis]
Arthur Herman has an excellent column in the WSJ.
I once lived next door to an Iwo Jima veteran. He had lost a leg on Iwo Jima, had throat cancer of one sort or another, drank beer as a primary source of nourishment, and despite being as stubborn as the summer day is long, he was a gentleman through and through. Tough as nails and sharper than a knife, he was a good neighbor and a fellow Marine.
Clarence is no longer alive. But the memory of him, and the many who served with him on that island will never be lost.
Today, the eve of Ashoura, has seen a marked increase in the number and scale of attacks by terrorist on the people of Iraq, and particularly on Shi’a Muslims. This is Muslim on Muslim violence and yet, the worldwide Sunni population has not stepped forward to demand it stop, to stand between the terrorist and their intended victims or to support the brave American, Iraqi and allied troops who are doing so.
How long must we wait?
Before I go on, I am aware that there are small groups of Muslims, in the U.S. and abroad, who have spoken out against the terrorists and their tactics. Yet they’ve not taken to the streets, the governments (none democratically elected and representative of their citizenry) have remained silent and absent in Iraq, and no cry or call to admonish their behavior has been made. Is it because they fear being next? Perhaps some do, Faud and company for example, but clearly that isn’t the totality of the reason.
For far to many years the Muslim people have silently and not so silently supported the Palestinian terrorist attacks against Israel. Having made the arguments that the murder of Israeli people, attacks on the military, government and civilian targets are warranted and even called for by their faith and its demand for struggle against those who oppose the will of God. This jihad has now been turned against fellow Muslims and the voice of the majority is absent.
So I ask again: How long must we wait?
I believe that we’ll have to wait a very long time. Imams, mullahs and sheikhs around the world have abandoned reason, moral and ethical teachings within the Qur’an, and the real and terrible consequences of sitting in silent support of evil. And in response, that evil now strikes at their own. The streets of the world have been filled with men and women who believed they had been wronged, that injustice was being done, and that their voices must be heard. Whether in protest of war, electoral shenanigans, or political corruption the memories are clear. Yet the last time we recall the Muslims taking to the streets it was in celebration of the worst attack ever on this nation. How many Muslims will die at the hand of terrorist before they see the terrible error of their past and present and take to the streets to demand an end to such acts. How long will Muslim children have to wait before their parents and grandparents demand an end to terror in their names or in the name of their god?
I’m waiting, but not holding my breath.
The NY Times has a lengthy piece on the development of combat ready robots. It's an interesting look at a portion of our future arsenal. It does, of course, eventual question the idea of robots fighting instead of men, and the doctrine of use that is yet to be developed. The following image is copyrighted by the New York Times Company.
A national journey is underway. And like any journey, a national journey requires the knowledge of not only where one wants to end up, but also, from what point one begins the journey. Who among us would question that the Iraqi people more than any foreign observer or policy maker knows both the starting point of their journey, and where they would like to be?
Our character at the outset of our nation was set and firm. It had been forged by years of economic repression, religious persecution, and various ignoble attacks on the very nature of those who made the colonies their home. No matter what course of action the crown had taken, the character that had developed within the hearts and minds of the colonial leaders was such that their course could be set not just against the crown, but rather toward their own objective. They knew were they wanted to be and where they were.
The setting of the course within, as seen in the founders of the United States, took place prior to the first efforts at creating a nation. Over the years that have come and gone, many within our borders have lost sight of the necessity for such an internal course setting. They represent a hodgepodge of special interest groups lost but for their singular vision for the issue de jour and as such are bound together wandering toward no particular destination. Thankfully, there are those whose course remains firmly set nearly the same as our founders. They defend the true principles held in the founding documents. And in a similar vane, the people of Iraq are soon to set their course and pass on to their progeny the values for which their course should use as guideposts.
We know little of what the course will hold for Iraq. Its guiding values will most certainly be the creation and extension of their various ethnic and religious heritages into a national heritage. Like our founding fathers, the Iraqi people have known repression in any and all areas of their lives. This too will have an impact on their choice of guiding principles and on their aspirations for untangling the biases that have previously caused dissension between them. And with newfound bearing, the Iraqi’s will set out to become that which they’ve never been.
Of course, there are those who are not yet adjusted to the new reality, or who hold no course settings for which to guide them toward something new, seeking rather to return to the old. They too will be heard. The point is that Iraq’s course is to be determined by the hearts and minds of Iraq’s people, putting their values into action, and setting sail on a course of their choice. And to guide them, the course within. We may not know, or ever understand the destination they chose, who around the world understands the American ideal so well as Americans, but our guiding principles should assure us that it is right and honorable that they are at the helm. Finally.
As previously discussed here, the stamp to honor President Ronald W. Reagan is now available. Be sure and purchase them, to use or save.
I may be in the minority on this one. The A&E movie, See Arnold Run, was not fine fare. It has its moments of positive depiction, it left the general feeling that all the negatives thrown out, by the LA Times, where true, and that by political savvy and manipulation, Arnold persevered. Perhaps having lived in LA at the time, and seeing the level of animosity that the Times and others showed toward Arnold, I am overly sensitive to the issue. Either way, the acting, Arianna and the younger Arnold, in particular were excellent, and Arnold's girlfriend from the 70's was excellent as well. It was a challenge to see Mariel Hemingway as Maria, but even that became less challenging as the movie wore on.
The vote in Iraq is nearly 3 hours from beginning. In 14 countries it has begun. There are few things I’d like to offer prior to the elections. To the coalition forces in Iraq, to the men and women who are working to build a free nation, to the citizens voting for a free and democratic nation, to the morally confused media, and finally, to the terrorist who are threatening those who vote, I have a short number of things to share with you.
No matter the nation that sent you, no matter your service, religion, race, or political ideology, I want to thank those who serve in the coalition of the willing. Your efforts are not forgotten. Your sacrifice, and the lives of those who’ve been injured or died beside you, will not be forgotten. What was once a despotic regime of terror is no more. And in its place, the people of Iraq will build a more free and hopeful nation. Thank you.
To the American military who serves in Iraq, or elsewhere, a special thanks, for you are leading the effort to do that which is right and just in defense of your nation, and for those who may not recognize your sacrifice. Thank you.
To the employees and aid workers of all sorts who have taken to the streets of Iraq, your hours of toil, your personal risk, and your desire to be a part of something greater than yourself will not be in vain. You too, have lost friends and coworkers to the hands of villains of the worst kind, and they too are not to be forgotten. I will not, nor will those who stand with me, forget your diligence and perseverance. Thank you.
To the Iraqi voters, I don’t know where to start. You, like the brave men who liberated your nation, are heroes. Vote! Hold your blue tipped index fingers in the sky in defiance and yell to the heavens that you’ve voted. While night envelopes my home and you will be in my prayers; morning on your streets will be a new beginning for you and your nation. And here at home, far from the danger you will face, I will be thankful to those of you who will brave the streets and take what is yours. Take Iraq and make her anew.
To the media… I will not read your headlines, no matter what violence may or may not occur; I will not fall for your condemnations or your dour predictions. I understand that you are supposed to be free and objective. I await evidence of your ability to be.
And finally, to the filth of man, the most abhorrent of all, the supposed holy warriors fighting against the occupiers or the new government, to you I offer but one thing. Be warned. You had the gall to threaten those who vote not out of vice or avarice, but out of duty to build, where there was nothing, something great. You have attacked and killed men, women and children who serve the same god that you claim to serve, but we know better. You serve yourself and none other. Be warned! Our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are looking for you. They’ll bring you to justice. And long after they’ve gone, the good people of Iraq will recall your warnings, your bombs and your murder, it is you who will perish. The eternal desert of hell will be your home. For Iraq will again rise to be an oasis, a blooming flower for all to see that hope is never to be lost. Not while we remember.
Israpundit is leading a blogburst to remember Auschwitz and the anniversary of its liberation. The list of participants is available here. Joseph Alexander Norland has an excellent remembrance available for those seeking to participate, and as you’ll see, he is welcoming your thoughts, essays and posts as well. I didn’t request inclusion, although I should have.
In Pogrom, I noted how the United Nations had commemorated the anniversary in an attempt to deflect criticisms of being anti-Semitic. That, along with the UN’s inability to recognize, prevent or end other genocides, remains a heavy concern and one this space has often been used to discuss. It is a simple gesture hold a ceremony of remembrance; of much greater value though would be to act upon the lessons learned and strive not only in words but also in deed to never forget. Among the nations taking part in the ceremonies today, nearly all have at one time or another ignored the actions of those who have persecuted the Jews, and today most are unfortunately ignoring the persecution of other innocents in Darfur and elsewhere, either at the hand of the government or the heel of the ignorant and bigoted.
We should all be pleased by the progress shown between Israel and the new Palestinian leadership, we should be hopeful and proud of the people of Iraq standing at the ready to vote, and we should demand, at all times, that the world body, if it is to remain such, act with an appropriate and just focus to call evil by its name and to fight it with all available means. Otherwise, we have not yet learned, we only remember.
Some mornings are, well, not the sort that make you happy that you got out of bed. This morning, I’d expected to see the vote on Dr. Rice’s confirmation and to finish a post covering the grandstanding, or debate in Senate speak, which lasted 10 hours. It will come, but first news of the helicopter crash that killed 31 Marines, and of the train crash in LA where apparently someone purposefully parked an SUV, of course, on the tracks. This led to the derailment of a commuter train and the death of 10 people.
In choosing to comment on the news and politics, it doesn’t take long to realize that much of what will be discussed is negative, often tragic, and only rarely positive. There is good news, I’m sure.
Yesterday the United Nations marked the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz with a special commemoration ceremony. Over the last 30 years the U.N. has been seen a progressively becoming more anti-Semitic and the commemoration was an effort to deflect some of that criticism. The same U.N. which still has not determined if genocide is taking place in the Sudan, or defined terrorism due to the unwillingness of Arab and Muslim nations to come to terms with Islamist and Palestinian terror. And then there is the news that a group of Russian lawmakers are attempting to outlaw Jewish religious and ethnic organizations as extremist.
The pogroms of years gone by are quickly forgotten in much of the world where men attribute their woes to those who, for no other reason than being Jewish, are seen as the cause of all ills. Putin, and the Duma, should act immediately to secure the religious freedom of Jews in Russia, or else, the sentiments of a minority, given the inaction of men of good will, will once again have a foothold in a nation known for its history of persecuting Jews. In just the last 130 years, the Russian’s under the Czar, guided by Constantine Pobedonostev, or the Soviet Union, and it’s state sponsored anti-Semitism, the Jews of Russia, and allied states, have been under nearly constant attack.
Pobedonostev advocated that one third of all Jews be converted to Christianity, one third be expelled from Russia, and one third be put to death. Being a Jew in Russia was to be illegal. In the Soviet Union, from its outset, being Jewish was a high risk, even among the non-practicing Jews, three of the five leaders of the Revolution where non-practicing Jews, the Jewish people and Judaism where seen as a threat to the state.
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Today, we fight an islamofascist movement hell-bent on destroying Western civilization, both from within, and from afar. One of the primary characteristics of this movement is its anti-Semitism. And at a time when many of us are concerned that Vladimir Putin has taken steps that limit freedom and public participation in government in Russia, we witness a reminder of the fickle nature of man and his ability to forget the lessons of history. Our silence on the murders in Darfur, the moral ambiguity of the United Nations, and our inability to recognize the nature of islamofascism, whether in the Palestinian territories or Iraq, are not signs that bode well for our ability to recognize the warning signs of a renewal of anti-Semitic movements around the world. Our eyes and ears must remain attuned to the threats within us, just as we are watchful to the threats from abroad. Link via Sherry.
As you've no doubt heard or read, a new threat has the FBI and other agencies focusing on a potential "dirty bomb" in Boston. The stories are available here, here, and here. And no doubt, the San Diego office of the FBI continues to seek more info from the informant in Mexico.
Winds of Change has all the latest news and a roundup of the blogosphere's response thus far.
If nothing more, David Gelernter’s Commentary column is provocative and challenging. While its titled Americanism -- and Its Enemies, the column serves primarily as a means to present a theory of Americanism as the continuation of Puritanism. The questionable contention is that Americanism is a religion, as is anti-Americanism. It is powerful stuff, as Gelernter states, and no less than G. K. Chesterton said that America is "the nation with the soul of a church." Is this enough?
Clearly not, yet Gelernter moves on as if for no other reason that his stating it, it should be enough. While this may be that no other evidence exists, unlikely, it is more likely that Gelernter recognizes that those who share his view of America, and her place in the world, are likely to share his creedo for Americanism. We may share it, many will, yet we do not all achieve the same understanding from the same basis, as he notes in admitting that those from outside the Judeo-Christian religions are capable of sharing in the beliefs of Americanism, although he states it is harder than most recognize. The reason - Americanism, as he defines it can be found in a creed built upon "one fundamental fact [that] creates two premises that create three conclusions."
The fundamental fact: the Bible is God’s word. Two premises: first, every member of the American community has his own individual dignity, insofar as he deals individually with God; second, the community has a divine mission to all mankind. Three conclusions: every human being everywhere is entitled to freedom, equality, and democracy.Had Gelernter described Americanism as a value system, a moral belief system, or an ethos, anything short of a religion, much of the challenge would have been alleviated. We would consider how Puritans evolved into the mainstream of America just as did the many other peoples making up the melting pot, and more importantly, we could seek to find the influence of Puritan thought on the fundamental makeup of Americanism. Yet, as a religion, moreover, the religious continuation of Puritanism, Americanism is somehow defunct and unacceptable to many. Perhaps this is because many of those who are advocates of Americanism, even as defined above, are incapable of considering the notion as a religion. To share the conclusions of Gelernter’s Americanism creed, it is not a necessity that we share faith in God, only that we share the belief that in the conclusions and the moral value of Life and Liberty. This is quite different than religious teachings whereby the believer is expected to believe not only the conclusions, but to believe in, if not understand, the genesis of the faith or the source, God.
It was with that clarity, that the founders made the statement in the Declaration of Independence:
That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.As this statement shows our allegiance to the truths that preceded it, rather than to the government that we are both subject to and participants in.
It would have been grand had Gelernter chosen to examine Americanism and anti-Americanism based on the communicated and un-communicated values associated with both. In lieu of that discussion, we are discussing Americanism as an evolutionary extension of Puritanism. Of course, it is possible that had the column not focused on the religiosity of Americanism; little would have been made of it. As for this blogger, a discussion of our moral foundations, and that of our enemies, is always welcome; as is Americanism, by any definition.
It is arguable that we are hated for the values we hold. The ideals we accept, and in many ways seek to extend to others are foreign and dangerous to many, and in as much so are likely to generate hatred and rivalry on par with religious bigotry. While we did experience the now politically incorrect notion of Manifest Destiny, we are now, even more so, advocates of our ideals beyond our borders. It isn’t that men, Afghan or Zimbabwean, are more entitled to freedom today than in previous generations; it is that we recognize that our continued success as a nation requires that we foster a system of beliefs similar to our own throughout the world. The reason lies in the defense of our ability to live free. As nineteen islamo-fascist have shown us, our world is no longer made safe by distance or lack of armament; our enemies from so far away, and with so little in the form of weaponry are able to inflict immeasurable damage and for this reason, Americanism, religion or not, is spread by word and deed, to all people that they too may see life and liberty as virtues above all others.
Again I would recommend that you visit the Evangelical Outpost and the many fine entries.
Hugh Hewitt has an excellent post on the two Howards. Fineman, from Newsweek/MSNBC, who actually recognizes, at least partially, the MSM as a political force with an agenda, a.k.a. a political party. And Kurtz, who takes issue, although very poorly, with the idea.
Currently reading the NIC Report: Mapping the Global Future. Can't let the press tell us that is says Iraq is the new breeding ground for terrorist, without verifying what it says, and moreover, how it came to its conclusions. Only halfway through, so not to the terrorism section yet.
Along with the NIC Report, I'll post on Gelernter's column, and my thoughts on Tom's Just War Theory series, both mentioned yesterday, either tonight or Saturday. And a few more things that I've been thinking about, should time permit.
UPDATE: (1/15 23:00) - Well, Saturday didn't work out for writing. So Sunday it'll have to be. Until then...
There are times when there is far too much high quality discussion in the blogosphere to be taken in within a reasonable day, or week.
In late December, Lawrence Auster, of View from the Right, challenged the assertions of David Gelernter in the January issue of Commentary. The piece, entitled Americanism - and Its Enemies, was for Auster, if I read him correctly, far from mainstream as he saw the Gelernter column as a defining a new American religion. As he put it – “Gelernter redefines Americanism as no longer merely a civic religion, but (I kid you not) as a "Judeo-Christian religion" (you heard right: he defines Americanism as a "Judeo-Christian religion"), the central belief of which is that every person in the world is "entitled" to "democracy, freedom and equality," because "freedom comes from God."” Unfortunately at the time, the original article wasn’t available online, so I just earmarked the piece as something to return to at a later date.
Next comes Joe Carter, of the Evangelical Outpost, and his first blog symposium to discuss the article. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Bernstein opens the doors and the column is now available online. The window of opportunity to respond to the symposium closed on Tuesday night, and since I’d been remiss and failed to visit Joe’s site until late that afternoon, I had no entry. The good news is that I’ve now read the original column, and several of the responses to the symposium, in particular those from folks listed on the sidebar or members of the Homespun Bloggers. I highly recommend that you read them, and join in on the discussion as time permits. As for my response, it’s forthcoming, even though it will not be an official part of the symposium.
There are several other items that are must reads, and that I’ve not been able to comment on thus far this week, so I hereby share the links:
Tom, the Redhunter, has begun an excellent series on Just War Theory. Thus far he has the Intro, and Parts I, and II.
From John J. Tkacik Jr., writing for the National Review, a column entitled The Invasion of Taiwan. Toss in Mark Noonan's post at Blogs for Bush and you'll have a fair view of the concern many share over China's ambition for Taiwan, and their doubt of our willingness to intervene.
A Sandy Berger update from the NY Post or Washington Times.
Norman Podhoretz follows up his WWIV column from last September with The War Against World War IV.
An excellent Winds of War post at Winds of Change. There are many different directions that we could take from here.
Frank Gaffney on the upcoming budget proposal from the White House. If the President takes the course Gaffney is describing, we should be troubled and should make it clear to Congress that it is a mistake. One we cannot afford.
There are many more that I'm sure I'm missing. Until next time...
Cpl. Wassef Ali Hassoun, the Marine who has been charged with desertion and theft, among other charges, after claiming to have been kidnapped by terrorist in Iraq only to turn up in Beirut, is missing once again. Get this, he was given leave for the holidays and did not return to his post in Camp Lejeune, NC. Shocking... yes, it's shocking that he wasn't being held in the brig awaiting trial. Who is the SJA for the 4th MEB?
More... of course.
The son of a Saudi diplomat, formerly the head of the Saudi diplomatic mission in the Sudan, of all places, has been identified as the murderous islamo-fascist responsible for the Mosul bombing which killed 22 others. The news comes from the Saudi owned paper Asharq al-Awsat and is covered here.
While there are terrible and tragic events in our age, strife and tribulations abound, and yet we are more capable and adept at managing the turmoil of the day than ever before. We are fortunate beyond our recognition and thankfulness to live in such an age. This evening, while Denver is blanketed in snow and frigid cold envelopes our homes; the overwhelming majority of us are warm and safe inside. And on a webcam, via the Internet we can view the Western Wall live (link via Rishon Rishon). This evening, one supplicant sits alone, rocking in prayer and worship.
No matter our faith or lack thereof, there are many things that we take for granted in our daily lives. So in this minute… I pause in thanks and humility.
2004 draws to an end. For those seeking the pundits review of the year, or the predictions for the next year, there are many available. My willingness to toss my own into the forum is greater than my time or resources to do so, thus a reprieve is granted to those who are, for unknown reasons, compelled to read the LRB.
However, I do have a couple quick things to say.
The American people have responded with great generosity to the tragic tsunami. It strikes me that while many writers immediately called for this to be a politics free issue, it has become increasingly clear that the left is seeking to attack the President based on their view of his reaction. This is an unfortunate turn of events.
While we will each determine how to bring in the New Year tonight, it will certainly be a more sober and heavy hearted event for any compassionate being after hearing, seeing and reading of the destruction in Southeast Asia.
Lest we forget, there are also many things for which we should be thankful. I'll not list them, but will say that you are among them for me.
The new year brings, for me, a sense somewhat similar to that of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Of course, I'm not comparing it in significance, religious or otherwise, but noting that the mindset the new year brings for me is one of reflection and of aspiring to right the wrong in me. If you've been disappointed or wronged by me this year, and I'm aware of it, I assure you it'll be on my mind and heart. In that way, the new year presents me with an opportunity to aspire to a better me, and to plan for my continued growth and success in meeting and surpassing my obligations, responsibilities and understanding. No matter what the new year means to you, my hope is that you will find happiness in it, and that you will wish the same upon all others.
Well, that's it for now.... Have a Happy and blessed New Year.
If it's not on your wish list, you haven't received an early copy, and you aren't hounding your local bookstore for it.... why?
The year is coming to an end and Hugh Hewitt's latest bestseller Blog: Understanding the Information Reformation that is Changing Your World is a necessity for those seeking to participate and understand why blogs, or more aptly the blogosphere, are important as a new median for information decimination. Whether you blog, read them often, or are a first time reader, you'll want to see a glimpse of what's only just begun.
Credibility matters... buy Hugh's book and let me know if I'm right.
And while you are at it, read his latest column for the Weekly Standard.
The last couple of hours have been a mix of attempting to catch up on the news via the many blogs I frequent, listed on the sidebar, and keeping Holly Berry, the newest addition to the family, happy. Holly is a sweet and engaging Calico, who seems enthralled by the warmth of my lap and the movement of my fingers while I write. Pictures may be in order soon, as she isn't camera shy. Can't say thanks enough to the Jizba's for the gift, and I'd like to let them know that Holly is well and happy in Denver.
And on to the news....
Professor Bainbridge and Jeff Quinton both have links to the news of the Sino-Russian military exercises underway, and first reported here a couple of weeks ago. I have to agree with the Professor's remarks:
So how worried should we be about this development? Are the Russians helping the Chinese practise a response to a US strike in defense of Taiwan? Are the Russians making a point about US "meddling" in places like the Ukraine? I don;t know the answers to those questions, but it's hard to imagine a scenario in which this is good news.The Ukraine elections are over... and yet the battle for their future is far from over.
And in Iraq, the terrorist continue their efforts to prevent credible elections, and the largest Sunni party has basically aligned themselves with the terrorist rather than taking part in forming a new Iraqi government. Is anyone really surprised by this? (Via Jawa Report.)
It is unlikely that I'll add much between now and Christmas, although it'll be little different than my general rate of posting of late.
Here's hoping that each of you have a joyous and blessed Christmas. May it be safe, find you in good health and spirits, and serve to remind us of the grace of God in good times and bad.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Yet another important and challenging question from the Homespun Bloggers for the weekly Symposium. The question(s) posed this week, by Marc at Hubs and Spokes, relates to racism in the United States. Here it is:
What do you believe is necessarry for true racial reconciliation to take place in American society? Does your solution involve coercive governmental remedies? Do you believe that Churches have an important role to play in this process?
Following such a question, and prior to the follow-up questions, a look at race in the US today. If by racial reconciliation the questioner means citizens of varied races behaving and acting in a race neutral or color blind manner, only a small minority of Americans retain a racist view, and frankly, it is unlikely to be changed by external actions. If the questioner refers to economic or social racism, the vast majority of such forms have long been addressed. Not by government effort but by the consistent application of our moral and ethical foundations and teachings over time and through the active participation of citizens who have recognized the error of their neighbor, family, church or business partners and sought to do better.
So what racial reconciliation remains to be addressed? Political and government reinforced racism. Political parties on the left and right have followed the government’s model of addressing racism through race advocacy and the underlying belief that race is significant. The government continues advocacy positions through affirmative action and supposedly innocuous programs such as the EEO, the Census Bureau, and in its general pandering for political backing of either values or culture.
To address the issue of race, it must become a non-issue for those whose livelihood today is built upon racism and discrimination. So long as minority populations permit racist men to represent them, racism will remain a significant political issue. And so long as political power is availed to those using racism, the government will continue to support its race-oriented policies. Being black, Hispanic, Scots-Irish or Arab before being American is a result of the governments support for minority status rather than its adherence to the ideal that all men are created equal. As for the role of churches, the continued reinforcement of biblical teachings has a positive effect on our ability to erase race as an issue, but the moral basis of Declaration of Independence and the Constitution must be applied in governance to a far greater degree to properly remove race as an political tool for the manipulation of otherwise free people within the great land of opportunity.
Other Homespun Responses:
Dagney's Rant
Mud and Phud
A Physicist's Perspective
Bunker Mulligan
Weapon of Mass Distraction
Ogre's Politics and Views
Slarrow
The Commons at Paulie World.... by Paulie
Major Dad 1984
The Redhunter
Mad Poets Anonymous
Old divides expand and become more readily apparent when issues of significance are presented on the world stage. It has been a common thread of this blog to discuss the divide between the United States, and its allies in the fight against Islamo-fascism, and the European and other nations who feign contempt for Islamists, yet are unwilling to stand against the terrorism, dictators, economic impoverishment and the religious leaders holding a vast portion of the world hostage. It is exasperated when the U.S. determines to hold not only those who’ve attacked the U.S. responsible for their actions but to move against those who through anti-U.S. or anti-Israeli sentiment may lend their power to those who are willing to die in an attack on the U.S. And as a final inflammation, the divide swells when economic advantages and exploitations are exposed linking those who oppose our efforts directly with the oppressor mistakenly believed to be under “united” scrutiny and constraint.
The divide isn’t new. It is as old as jealousy, and as rampant as the hypocrisy of secular humanism, socialism and moral relativism. It’ll last so long as hypocrisy does, only moving between nations as their understanding of liberty, and the sanctity of life, shifts over time. Our role is clear. We must remain vigilant at home to refrain from becoming a member of the clan of the corrupted, and seek at all times to expand the coalition of the courageous.
Of particular interest for those who recognize the divides around the world should be the risks associated with our continued support of the enabling organizations associated with the spread of, and possible encouraging the spread of, the moral and political worldviews behind anti-U.S. policy and public opinion. This week the Bush Administration announced their continued support for Kofi Annan. It is one thing to hold out hope for the United Nations, although this blogger maintains no such delusions, it is reprehensible that we continue to support the leadership of the UN that has presided over it during the most egregious corruption and feeble execution of justice.
Congress and the President should move immediately to withdraw U.S. financial support of the UN and to withhold support until such time that full disclosure and transparency takes hold in the office of the Secretary General. It will not happen until Annan is no longer UNSG and that will not happen until the taxpayers of the U.S. withhold our support for the UN.
Pragmatically it is understood that we are unlikely to take a stand on all