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 Colossus of Rhodey, “I’d Have To Ask??”
Teacher Hube is nonplussed at the Dallas school system’s policy of prohibiting the giving of scores below 50%. At first this would seem to be one of those measures which, along with things like social promotions, watered down curricula, and overextended curricula (for example, where primary school kids are learning to speak poor Mandarin Chinese but aren’t learning to read English) which are devaluing our primary and secondary educational systems but I suspect there’s more to it. I suspect it’s a measure to get rid of troublesome students by enabling them to advance without learning anything.
Soccer Dad, “Campaign Consultant Kang Speaks”
Soccer Dad considers the candidacy of John McCain and the opposition he’s receiving from conservatives.
The Glittering Eye, “The Anti-McCain Republicans”
That’s the subject of my submission, too.
Done With Mirrors, “A Short Hitch”
Callimachus’s lengthy submission combines Christopher Hitchens, the American Civil War, and the controversy over the Confederate Battle Flag.
Bookworm Room, “Good Immigrant, Bad Immigrant”
Bookworm contrasts the immigrants of a century ago with those of today.
Big Lizards, “Why Should We Care Whether Hillary or McCain Wins?”
Dafydd ab Hugh deals with the same subject as Soccer Dad and I did, focussing on the claim by some that it might be better for the Republican Party for the Republicans to lose the White House in November to which I can only add that if losing were as good (or better) than winning no one would ever strive to win. It’s so much harder than losing.
Rhymes With Right, “Cutting Off Berkeley”
Greg is incensed at the city of Berkeley, California’s feud with the Marines and proposes cutting off federal funds to the city and organizations and individuals within the city (other than the Marines) until the City Council relents. I think he’ll probably have some due process problems with some of this suggestions.
Cheat Seeking Missiles, “The Most Ridiculous Story of 2008? Part 2”
Laer fisks an article by novelist Michael Chabon, gushing over Barack Obama.
Wolf Howling, “Obama Disparages the Military & Gets a Pass On Iraq From Fox News”
GW examines Barack Obama’s opposition to our having troops in Iraq and apparent misunderstanding (or possible posturing) of why they’re there and what they’re doing. Don’t worry, GW, based on what he’s said even a President Obama would “stay the course”. The position he’s articulated is one of “re-deploying” the force in Iraq either to some adjoining country or within Iraq in case of need. The need would obviously arrive, in all likelihood sooner rather than later. And I can only suggest that Sen. Obama consider which adjoining country would host such a force. The remaining alternative is, basically, what GWB will do and what any succeeding president will support: reducing the force in Iraq slightly below the pre-Surge contingent to a sustainable level and continuing the present missions of training and putting down insurgents.
The Education Wonks, “# Expelling The U.S. Marines”
EdWonk’s submission, too, is on the Berkeley City Council’s feud with the U. S. Marines.
Joshuapundit, “The Super Tuesday Shuffle — And Beyond”
Freedom Fighter surveys the political landscape post-Super Tuesday and sees a McCain-Clinton contest as being likely (with which I agree). He goes on to contrast a Clinton presidency with a McCain presidency and wonders why some Republicans seem to think that a Clinton victory would be better for Republicans and the country than a McCain one. To this I can only add that the William Clinton Presidency accomplished remarkably little in eight years, presiding over a time of unprecedented prosperity for which they had little responsibility but with which they had the good sense not to get in the way. A caretaker presidency during a period of peace and prosperity is one thing; while troops are in the field and the economy has significant problems is another matter altogether.
Right Wing Nut House, “The Debate of Almost, Mostly, Republicans”
Rick Moran continues his jeremiad against the current crop of Republican presidential aspirants. Have I mentioned lately that I consider it a privilege to be a part of a Council that numbers Rick as a member?
Well, I’ve decided which posts I’ll vote for this week. Which posts would get your votes?
