Comments on: Bret Stephens and the neo-neocons https://thenewneo.com/2009/11/10/bret-stephens-and-the-neo-neocons/ A blog about political change, among other things Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:35:20 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 By: csimon https://thenewneo.com/2009/11/10/bret-stephens-and-the-neo-neocons/#comment-133362 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:35:20 +0000 http://neoneocon.com/2009/11/10/bret-stephens-and-the-neo-neocons/#comment-133362 I read Bret Stephens regularly, and he’s quite intelligent & worldly, literally and figuratively. Though relatively young, he has built quite a resume. Before he snagged the WSJ, he lived in Israel for quite a long time and was Editor-In-Chief of the Jerusalem Post, a widely-circulated, if not the largest newspater in Israel.

He’s pretty darn smart. I am surprised at his narrow description of those he would name as neo-cons. He DOES need to get out in neo-neocon “country” and elsewhere to learn that most neocons can’t be so narrowly defined, but rather are a broad, considerably intelligent and well-read group who believe in true democratic governments because it is the best and fairest system in today’s world, and focuses on freedom for people and necessary, though, limited government intervention.

In other words, he could have defined neocons more briefly:

Neocons –> not-Obama and like thinking lemmings!

]]> By: neo-neocon https://thenewneo.com/2009/11/10/bret-stephens-and-the-neo-neocons/#comment-133328 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:44:05 +0000 http://neoneocon.com/2009/11/10/bret-stephens-and-the-neo-neocons/#comment-133328 Bill West: Thanks! And I wrote to him and got a note, too.

Gotta protect the proud neo-neocon name.

]]> By: Bill West https://thenewneo.com/2009/11/10/bret-stephens-and-the-neo-neocons/#comment-133313 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:35:22 +0000 http://neoneocon.com/2009/11/10/bret-stephens-and-the-neo-neocons/#comment-133313 Neo,

My email got a reply from Bret Stephens:

“Wasn’t aware. I’ll have a look.

Best,

Bret Stephens”

You might have a new fan.

Bill

]]> By: neo-neocon https://thenewneo.com/2009/11/10/bret-stephens-and-the-neo-neocons/#comment-133242 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:32:54 +0000 http://neoneocon.com/2009/11/10/bret-stephens-and-the-neo-neocons/#comment-133242 Bill West: thanks for sticking up for me!

]]> By: Bill West https://thenewneo.com/2009/11/10/bret-stephens-and-the-neo-neocons/#comment-133240 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:27:54 +0000 http://neoneocon.com/2009/11/10/bret-stephens-and-the-neo-neocons/#comment-133240 Neo, I set him straight:

Dear Mr. Stephens,

In today’s article you write:

“Who are the neo-neocons? They’re a bipartisan, single-issue group that has recently discovered the virtues–nay, the necessity–of clean, orderly, democratic governance.”

You will be pleased to know that this has long been the identity of the clearest-thinking blogger on the center-right side of the political spectrum. I suggest that you bookmark her site at http://neoneocon.com/.

I’ve made her journal of politics, culture and the arts my home page.

Enjoy,

Bill West
Los Angeles

]]> By: DirtyJobsGUy https://thenewneo.com/2009/11/10/bret-stephens-and-the-neo-neocons/#comment-133223 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:37:59 +0000 http://neoneocon.com/2009/11/10/bret-stephens-and-the-neo-neocons/#comment-133223 I was working on a Project in Pakistan a few years ago and the contrast between the reality of Musharref and the furor in the western media was dramatic.

Musharref was a pretty straight guy and his government was pretty honest by Pak standards. They were attacking the finanical and economic mess the country was in. His opponents were using the not so clean courts and other trappings of government to harrass him. (much like the Dems did to Sarah Palin, I was in alaska and saw it first hand). The Pakistani opposition knew how to play the western media like a violin. Now the really corrupt Bhutto clan is back in business.

Clan based societies have the toughest time submitting to the compromises of democracy. It will be rough and ready on the way.

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