Eye on the Watcher’s Council

As you may know the members of the Watcher’s Council each nominate one of his or her own posts and one non-Council post for consideration by the whole Council. The complete list of this week’s Council nominations is here.

I must say that competition is quite stiff this week: there are several very strong Council posts.

The Glittering Eye, “To Find an Answer”

In my submission for the week I opened the floor to discussion of American foreign policy with respect to the Middle East, 1967-2001. Unfortunately, I didn’t get much of a response (either here, at Outside the Beltway, or at Dean’s World). But hope springs eternal and I’m hoping that I’ll get some responses from the members of the Council or, possibly, folks who check out the Council’s weekly links.

Eternity Road, “Toward a New Libertarianism Part 10: The Great Papers”

Francis Porretto’s submission makes an interesting case for why American libertarians should also be advocates for the Constitution. I think that’s also a case for something I think of as “libertarianism in one country”—the notion that libertarianism has the greatest likelihood of being maintained in the United States and that, consequently, libertarians should be staunch advocates of a robust American foreign policy in an era in which isolationism is impractical.

Soccer Dad, “Undocumented”

Soccer Dad considers the record versus David Ignatius in the Plame/Wilson/Libby matter. Unfortunately, I think that very nearly everyone who cares at all has already made up his or her mind on this subject and that the debate is over. I continue to be willing to let the law grind out its course.

Done With Mirrors, “What Is It Good For?”

In just a few quick words Callimachus joins themes of the past and present, the utility and futility of war, wisdom and folly into one of the very best short essays he’s published on his blog. Which is going some, I can tell you.

American Future, “Who Is George Soros?”

In his submission for this week Marc considers George Soros and waits, expectantly, for Democrats to do the same. IMO there’s not a great deal more to Mr. Soros than meets the eye. He’s an extremely canny businessman. He’s a currency trader. Think about it.

Bookworm Room, “What’s Dunkirk Got to Do With It?”

Bookworm considers the power and need for effective mythmaking, with the myth of Dunkirk, probably as significant in giving Britons the stomach for years more of war as any other factor and certainly more important than the reality of Dunkirk.

Rhymes With Right, “An Open Letter to Governor Rick Perry”

Greg has a modest proposal for eliminating teenage pregnancy in Texas, inspired by Texas governor Perry’s mandating of the Gardasil vaccine to prevent HPV for all sixth-grade girls in the state.

The Colossus of Rhodey, “Climate Skeptic Criticized”

I think that Hube is right to be upset about how the environmental establishment treats skeptical critics although I suspect I differ from Hube somewhat on what we should be doing.

The Education Wonks, “Is Punishing AWOL Parents the Way To Go?”

There’s a Turkish proverb, “If a dog’s prayers were answered, bones would rain from the sky!” I think that fining or imprisoning parents who skip out on parent-teacher meetings may be the pedagogical equivalent. I continue to be amazed at parents who drop their children off at public school and expect to be able to pick them up twelve or thirteen years later transformed into good citizens, employees, and family members. While I have a few problems with another proverb, “It takes a village, etc.”, I do think that it takes parents to raise a child. I guess that’s too much to expect.

Joshuapundit, “Muslim Anger Over Temple Mount Excavations—AKA Hypocrisy In Action”

Contrary to some people’s opinion I welcome careful, scientific, respectful archaeological excavation of the areas known as the Temple Mount, adjacent to the Al-Aqsa mosque. However, I think that, given the political and religious sensitivity of the site, it would be prudent of the Israelis to exercise extreme care, include Muslims in the activity, and publish complete records of the dig on an ongoing basis.

The Sundries Shack, “Once More, William Arkin, With Feeling!”

Jimmie Bise lays into William Arkin who’s been making some waves lately with his comments about the men and women serving in our military, comments about their comments about his comments, and so on.

Right Wing Nut House, “What Do We Do About Iran?”

Once again Rick Moran demonstrates how inapt his blog’s name is with his sensible approach to Iran which, coincidentally, resembles my own. Rick does add a few embellishments of his own which are well worth reading and considering.

Well, it’s been difficult but I’ve made up my mind. Which posts would get your votes?