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, “What the Free World Would Do Well To Emulate”
Hube remarks in some surprise on the difference between freedom of speech here in the United States and elsewhere. This highlights a point I’ve returned to from time to time here on The Glittering Eye: different people have different notions about what constitutes fundamental rights. I wish more Americans really understood what an outlier the U. S. is.
The Razor, “My Mother-in-Law The Democrat”
Scott profiles his M-I-L in none too complimentary terms and analogizes her typical reactions to those of many Democrats with respect to oil. While I agree with Scott that domestic oil exploration has a role in our energy future, I think that increased conservation does, too, and is more likely to have a near-term payoff.
Done With Mirrors, “Just Once”
Callimachus longs for a Father’s Day profile of a man who stayed with his family.
Hillbilly White Trash, “The Cult of Global Warming”
I think that there’s a grain of truth in story of global warming that’s concerning so many people these days. Unfortunately, as with any religion or other belief system for some of the believers it’s become a cult. I also think there’s a grain of truth behind the notion that communism was discredited after the collapse of the Soviet Union and that some of the cult members of that particular religion have now seized on global warming as their preferred ideology. Many? Most? I have no idea. I don’t believe that every person who’s concerned about climate change is a ravening Stalinist eager to to herd the recalcitrant into reeducation camps.
Soccer Dad, “Metaphorically Shooting”
I see that the McCain campaign is taking Sen. Obama’s comment about “Chicago rules” and running them into the ground. I can only add that anyone who thinks that Sen. Obama isn’t a politician will be gravely disappointed. I further think that will divide Sen. Obama’s supporters into two not particular congenial camps: Democratic activists who sincerely hope that Sen. Obama is a politician, the feistier and more aggressive the better, i.e. a “fighting progressive”, and moderates and independents who hope the change that Sen. Obama promises includes a change in the tone of our national discourse away from just the sort of confrontation that the progressives long for.
Bookworm Room, “Say It Loud, Say It Proud: I Am a Racist! *UPDATED*”
I’m not so sure that charges of racism will be the primary strategy used by Sen. Obama’s supporters in the campaign. I think it’s more likely to be something a little more general, a rhetorical device known as “clearing the field”, of which charges of racism is only part. The strategy involves shutting down the conversation using ad hominem attacks, anger,and so on. If you hold the floor you win.
The Glittering Eye, “The End of Guilt?”
In my submission this week I speculate on the interrelationships among societal governing mechanisms, religion, and politics.
Rhymes With Right, “R. Kelly: I Believe He’s a Platinum Predator”
Greg lays out the case that R&B singer R. Kelley was, in fact, guilty of the crimes of which he was acquitted last week. The reason the jurors gave was that there was no accuser in the case—neither the girl nor her family testified against R. Kelley. It’s darned hard to convict on sexual crimes, even when you have a videotape.
Cheat Seeking Missiles, “Admitting Defeat in the Rhetoric War”
Laer considers the consequences of George W. Bush’s weakness as a communicator.
Wolf Howling, “Judicial Activism Run Amok”
GW isn’t happy with the Supreme Court over their decision in Boumediene v. Bush. As I’ve said before, I think the problem is less judicial activism that it is judicial power grabbing and this is price you pay for the Bush Administration doing the wrong thing with the detainees at Guantanamo.
Joshuapundit, “A Rose By Any Other Name — Tiptoeing Around Jihad”
Let me repeat it one more time: I don’t agree with changing the diction, e.g. jihadi to irhabi because I want to dignify violent radical Islamism with some particular form of legitimacy. I want to change the diction to strip from them the legitimacy they’ve been arrogating to themselves in the eyes of other Muslims.
The Education Wonks, “The New College Major: “Fat Studies””
I really should have seen this one coming: EdWonk comments on the latest in identity group studies—Fat Studies. Nota bene: this is the first step in enhanced rent-seeking.
Well, I’ve decided which posts I’ll be voting for this week. Which posts would get your votes?
