Essay: Isn’t it Romantic?
I’ve got an essay up at Pajamas Media. Topic: “Isn’t it Romantic?: suicide, homicide, terrorism, and Romanticism.” That’s “Romantic” with a capital R.
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Compassionate Europe and the death penalty
I noticed (hat tip: Pajamas Media) that some Europeans may be reconsidering their near-total abolition of the death penalty. This is surprising news, if true; the recent history of the death penalty in Europe has only gone one way, and … Continue reading →
Moving soon: a new neo-neocon address
The new blog isn’t ready yet. But since I’ve been having so much trouble with posting on Blogger lately, I thought I’d give the link to the new blog here, just in case Blogger shuts me out later on. Here’s … Continue reading →
Outdated political definitions: conservatives and liberals unite, you have nothing to lose but your chains
There was an argument–that is to say, a lively discussion–in Tuesday’s comments section in the “Cold hubris” post. The subject was political definitions, such as “conservative” and “Left.” It started about here, and went on–and on and on. Read it … Continue reading →
It’s that time again: Sanity Squad podcast
This week the Sanity Squad discusses the phenomenon of equal opportunity victimhood: demands (by the Muslim Council of Britain, for example) for the replacement of Holocaust Memorial Day with the more inclusive “Genocide Day.” Along the way we discuss a … Continue reading →
Do cry for Venezuela: the vulnerability of an easily amended Constitution
Castro’s not really dead, although most likely dying, despite his TV cameo appearance. Chavez’s star, however, is in the ascendance, and expanding fast. He’s the new Castro, with a bigger field to play on than Castro ever had: Venezuela. Chavez … Continue reading →
Cold hubris: like Father (or Big Brother), the Left knows best
The Left likes to position itself as the champion of the underdog, the third world, the downtrodden, the oppressed. Until, that is, someone from one of those countries has the temerity to disagree with the party line. Just as the … Continue reading →
Passive-aggressive Blogger on the warpath (important announcement here)
Twice in the last few days Blogger–the not-so-gracious host of this and all the other “blogspot” blogs–has been playing some games I can only describe as passive-aggressive. Several times, when I’ve logged in to post, Blogger directs me to register … Continue reading →
Congress: don’t blame us, we pass resolutions!
New bumper sticker: Don’t blame us: we’re from Congress, and we pass resolutions! It’s reminiscent of the post-Watergate 1974 message that used to be plastered all over the cars in Boston, where I lived at the time: “Don’t blame me, … Continue reading →
Churchill as orator: I Can Hear It Now
I got an email the other day asking me why I think Churchill’s speeches are more remembered and quoted than FDR’s. The answer isn’t immediately apparent. After all, both of them were incomparably better than most politicians today at public … Continue reading →
Fun with Blogger–and mountain lions
I had some trouble earlier today getting onto Blogger. Finally got it straightened out (for now, anyway). I hope to do a more substantive post later today, but for now I’ll just say happy fiftieth anniversary to this stalwart couple. … Continue reading →
Defeatism feels so good–for now
This WSJ editorial by Daniel Hettinger clear-sightedly, and with some puzzlement, describes the remarkable defeatism that seems to be spreading throughout the American Congress and public like some easily transmitted virus. Defeatism is the new feel-good emotion; it allows us … Continue reading →