Category Archives: Politics
Some questions for Sen. McCain
Sen. McCain, 1. Why was it necessary to suspend your campaign; can you not do two difficult things at once? The presidency is a tough job that will require you to juggle many important and urgent things at any given … Continue reading
"The Summer of 1787: The Men Who Invented the Constitution" book review
Last week I finished a new book called The Summer of 1787: the Men Who Invented the Constitution by David O. Stewart. The author does a good job of weaving together vignettes of the Framers, notes on the contemporary situation, … Continue reading
McCain Sells Out
When Sarah Palin was chosen as Senator McCain’s v.p. candidate, I wondered why, with all the capable people in the pool of potential candidates, he would choose a novice governor from a small, solidly-red state. I think I have figured … Continue reading
Presidential Election 2008 – Update a la Dave
With only 55 days left until the election, and since the dust from the conventions is starting to settle, it’s time to talk about the election, because I can’t influence it—living in Utah.
"John Adams" book review
I just finished John Adams by David McCullough. What a fine rendering of a great, courageous, intelligent man! To begin with, the book is very well written and readable; McCullough does a great job of making a compelling story out … Continue reading
George Orwell's "Notes on Nationalism"
I recently read the essay “Notes On Nationalism” by George Orwell. Below are some of the more relevant passages, illuminating because of their applicability 60+ years later. Orwell gives the name “nationalism” to an attitude or approach that he describes. … Continue reading
American Messianism
In his book The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements, Eric Hoffer gives various reasons why people join mass movements. Most have to do with the believer’s desire that the movement absorb and absolve his unworthiness into … Continue reading
Mission accomplished – to Bush’s chagrin
A while back a man was sent on a mission to Iraq. After some maritime delays, he arrived and accomplished his mission, to his own consternation. See, he didn’t want to see his mission accomplished—he wanted to happen what had … Continue reading
Building an empire
On March 5, 1770 a British sentry guarding the Customs House in Boston was being harassed by a group of boys and men. The taunting group quickly grew more numerous and more aggressive. The guard was reinforced by eight more … Continue reading
The Sunni Awakening in Iraq
The Bush Administration is touting the success in Iraq of the Sunni Awakening, a program through which the local Sunnis are being encouraged to abandon support of al-Qaeda in favor of money and arms from the U.S. These groups are … Continue reading