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.

The Glittering Eye, “Discussing What Next in Iraq”

In my submission for this week I make a plea that we discuss what’s next in Iraq and listen more respectfully to those with whom we disagree.

Bookworm Room, “False Posturing in Congress”

Bookworm notes that Congressional Democrats are posturing on Iraq, not looking past the date of U. S. withdrawal from Iraq. On the contrary, my dear Bookworm, the only date they’re looking at is November 4, 2008. Their posturing is working for them in the voting booth so expect more of it. As to what happens after November 4? The king may die, the donkey may die,etc.

Soccer Dad, “Prisoners to Prisoner Releases”

Soccer Dad considers the issue of the release of Palestinian prisoners held by the Israelis. Demands for the release of prisoners is the price that Israel pays for its humane attitude towards its Palestinian prisoners.

Joshuapundit, “Palestinian Terrorists’ Release—Rattlesnake Logic”

Freedom Fighter’s post, too, is about prisoner release but in a somewhat more agonistic tone than Soccer Dad.

Done With Mirrors, “Snark vs. Smart 2”

Callimachus continues his campaign against snark, this time taking on a post complaining about one of Michael J. Totten’s reports from Iraq. The only thing I have to add to Callimachus’s dissection is that the narrative, agenda-driven style of reporting that prevails in the major news outlets these days has poisoned the well on journalism. It is no longer possible to report dispassionately and objectively without being subject to accusations that you, too, are agenda-driven.

The Colossus of Rhodey, “Boy, Was Thomas Right”

Hube takes on school integration programs in Britain using an observation of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’s as a stepping-off point. I think that Britain’s problems are its own and I’m reluctant to comment on them, however, I’m skeptical about the implication in something Hube quotes in the post that our racial problems are more severe than Britain’s, our schools more segregated.

The Education Wonks, “Virginia’s Clown Princes: Gov. Tim Kaine & Co.”

I don’t find a thing to disagree with in EdWonk’s post on high fines for traffic violations in Virginia. Is it really true that the law exempts out-of-state drivers? Bizarre. I’ve lived in Germany. I think our practices with respect to drunk driving are ridiculously lenient.

‘Okie’ on the Lam, “Max Boot to Kissinger: Iraq Isn’t Viet Nam, Henry”

Okie takes sides with Max Boot against Henry Kissinger in commenting on an op-ed by Max Boot. Actually, I think there are many, many similarities between Iraq and Viet Nam. GWB is remarkably like LBJ in many ways, unsurprising since they both spring from the school of political thought that used to be called “bidness Democrats” (most of whom are now Republicans). Both tried to wage war without putting the country on a war footing. Both had reasons (both political and strategic) for not fighting the war to win it. Both eventually lost the support of the Jacksonians who formed the core of their support, without whom it’s impossible to prosecute a war. There’s a big difference, however: Viet Nam wasn’t strategically important; Iraq is.

Rhymes With Right, “The Limits of Student Speech and School Authority”

Greg comments on a case in Connecticut which may reveal what the limits actually are.

Cheat Seeking Missiles, “Russia vs. U. S.: No Contest”

Laer relates a fascinating case study of an Indian entrepeneur’s experiences first in Russia, then in the United States.

Right Wing Nut House, “Little Noted But Long Remembered”

Rick Moran remembers the 38th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing and wonders about his fellow-bloggers’ priorities. I think the priorities are pretty clear. Space exploration isn’t interesting to one half of the blogosphere because they have bigger things in their sites: building a patronage army to ensure electoral victory. Of the remaining half of the blogosphere, half strongly disapproves of government’s getting involved in projects like space exploration, the other half doesn’t want to pay for it. There’s really little constituency for government programs like space exploration these days.

Big Lizards, “Dubai Ports Weird”

Dafydd ab Hugh wonders about a recently-reported deal between the Bush Administration and Dubai Ports World. There may have been an agreement but I doubt a quid pro quo.

Well, I’ve decided which posts I’ll vote for this week. Which posts would get your votes?

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