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POPSJudicial Barbarism Although I am an opponent of the death penalty, I think this was the wrong decision. Why? Because it enshrines barbarism in our legal system. By saying that the death penalty is not warranted unless the victim of the crime was also killed, the justices have defined our legal system as an instrument not of justice but of vengeance. Justice is the protection of the weak, and the assurance that wrongs, once committed, will not be repeated. Justice should not spring from vindictive passion, but instead from a love for all those in society. Our legals system is there to protect us from henious individuals who menace society, not to torture them for our own sadistic satisfaction. If we merely revisit their own crimes back on them, we are not just, but savage, not civilized but barbaric.
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POPSHillary's Own Sexism
Although there is a lot of talk about sexism, and how it is to blame for Hillary's defeat, I think people are barking up the wrong tree. Obama never campaigned against Hillary on the basis that as a woman she would be "unelectable" because conservative "swing voters" would never elect a woman. On the other hand, she did make that case against Obama on account of his race. In fact, nobody ever questioned Hillary's ability to lead the country, as a woman or otherwise. The should have: her foreign policy is scary and ignorant. But the most sexist person in the race was Hillary herself. Her campaign, with the pant-suits and tough guy attitude (especially on Iran) seemed to reflect her own belief that if a woman was going to win, she had to convince people that she was "one of the guys." I think almost anyone who would vote for Obama would also vote for a woman - if it was the right woman. What I'm not willing to do is vote for any woman simply for the sake of making history.
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POPSSmall Claims Court for Countries It's interesting how well the international system works when people aren't busy sabotaging it. Malaysia and Singapore just settled this international dispute in court, and everyone seems happy. I think the main reason that countries such as the US or China don't support international courts and authorities is because they don't want to be held responsible for the transgressions they know they've committed. You have to admit, America has come to demand a certain kind of exceptionalism, placing ourselves above the law by virtue of our own self-aggrandizement. Restoring America's international reputation will begin with ending this repugnant double standard that we hold for ourselves and the rest of the world.
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POPSThe Jew Problem Let's see how many people click on that title! I hope I have your attention now, because this is important! Some politically active Jews, although certainly passionate, often have trouble telling friend from foe. The belief among Jews that the Christian Fundamentalist Evangelical community is a friend is a big mistake. Some worry that Obama is part of the nation of Islam, or Palestinian, or that he won't help Israel. But they think the GOP will. But what is the Christian Right's agenda in helping Israel? Clearly, right-wing evangelical fundamentalists like Hagee have no tenderness or fondness for Jews. They believe Israel is simply a part of God's ultimate plan leading to the apocalypse. Although they support the Jews returning to Israel, they also believe it is Biblical prophecy that there will be continuous warfare, so they don't support peace, but an Israel besieged. Many believe this is the prelude to the final destruction of the Jews by a wrathful God.
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POPSEternalism, Nihilism: new forms, old superstition <<<Throughout the Buddha's long period of teaching the Dhamma to His followers, He actively discouraged speculative arguments. During the 5th century B.C. India was a veritable hive of intellectual activity where scholars, yogis, philosophers, kings and even ordinary householders were constantly engaged in the philosophical arguments pertaining to human existence. Some of these were either ridiculously trivial or totally irrelevant. Some people wasted valuable time arguing at great length about all manner of subjects. They were far more concerned about proving their powers in mental gymnastics than seeking genuine solutions to the problems that beset humanity.>>>
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POPSDemocracy Saves America's Reputation The great thing about America is not that we are a perfect country, but that we are always a redeemable one. We have a certain mercurial charm (not to mention idiosyncratic way of doing things) that somehow manages to bring us back from the brink. The world will never truly hate us, because we can and do change. And somehow, America has a knack for putting its best foot forward at just the right crucial moment. Roger Cohen, also, is a shining example of editorial journalism in an age of glib semi-literate rants. He takes in the whole world, and manages to make sense of it, noticing all the right details.
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POPS840 CE: Trade between Viking Scandinavia and the Arab World We take for granted that our world is more international today than it ever was before in history. Though our speed of trans-national communications, commerce and travel is truly staggering, ancient civilizations were not necessarily isolated islands. Understanding that the Arabs and Vikings, Romans and Chinese were all part of a single international system, not monolithic bastions of "clashing" civilizations is the first step towards understanding how we can live peacefully with each other today.
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POPSApocalypse Iraq (Now, and probably for another 20 to 30 years.) Here are some quotes from the congressional hearings, by Senators Clinton, Obama, McCain and Willard to Generals Petraeus and Kurtz. ;) Obama, in my opinion, made the most salient point: we will not be able to get everything we want from Iraq. We need to be honest about that. For the past three years, Bush has shown no strategy aside from throwing more American blood and treasure into the vacum of chaos he created. He is biding his time, simply prolonging the disaster so he won't have to suffer the indignity of retreat. He's saving that for his hapless successor. The disgusting truth is that, while we can't get everything we want from Iraq, it don't have to lose so much. Allow me to outline the compromises I think we need to make:
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POPSPolice-State Style Olympics You know, it's a surreal sign of our times that the procession of the Olympic torch becomes a quasi-military exercise, where the flame passes through hordes of protesters only by police force of arms, with tear gas and hand-to-hand combat.
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POPSTaiwan's Interesting Democracy A democracy, you say? One where the people are concerned about the appearance of impropriety, you say? Impossible, I say, impossible! But it's true! And it's in Taiwan. They actually raise valid concerns about conflicts of interest in high government officials - before the corruption scandal, not after! How come we never thought of that? This blows a giant hole in the "Asian Values" argument, that dictatorship and corruption are inherent elements of "The Asian Mind" that cannot be changed. (Go suck on that one, Lee Kuan Yew!) But seriously, given the track record of the current Taiwanese first-lady, I would say it's better that Chow keeps her job, because this way she won't have to embezzle from the government when she wants to buy new earrings!
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POPSThe Rise of Fascism in the 21st Century Jim Yardley is a very astute China observer, and this article hits the nail on the head. Surging Chinese nationalism is reaching frightening proportions. We seem to have forgotten that communism hardened by nationalism turns into fascism. I believe the current political climate in China of frustration, insecurity and aggressive racial pride is very very similar to the agitation for Fascism that took place in Europe and Asia in the 1930s.
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POPSLosing Hearts and Minds; Empowering Extremism Before anyone asks why we aren't winning the War on Terror yet, consider these sad headlines. All around the world, reasonable people are being dragged into the slipstream of extremism. The cause is blatant moral bankruptcy. Greed, corruption and exploitation, fortified behind the twin bastions of ignorance and righteousness, are discrediting the institutions that are instrumental in overcoming extremism, intolerance, and global violence. Particularly America remains the store house of the world's hopes and dreams. We are not merely a nation but an ideal, and we must live up to our promise. Obama and McCain are both men of admirable morals and transparent character. Meanwhile, as Hillary obfuscates over her finances, we must realize she lacks the moral authority needed to restore America's international credibility. Being Righteous is not nearly as important as being Right.
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POPSSalvador Allende's Sinister Sibilant Cyber-Socialist Experiment The interesting question this begs is: A computer with vast communications network, bringing up-to-the-minute information on the economy to facilitate centralized control was the goal of Allende's project. However, is our current economy, highly sensitive to trends or fears, expedited and exagerated by the speed of cyber communications, any different? With the centralization of information, won't this also inevitably result in the centralization of control? The internet has long been seen as democratizing, but isn't it really a far more ideal tool for breaking down regionalism in favor of centralized global control? (The Chinese Government certainly sees it that way... which is why I haven't been clipping for a little bit.)
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POPSHow To Think With the internet saturating ever deeper into our busy lives, humans are navigating uncharted informational and attentional waters these days. MIT neuroengineer, Ed Boyden, put together these rules of thumb to managing brain resources in an age of complexity. 7. Make your mistakes quickly. You may mess things up on the first try, but do it fast, and then move on. Document what led to the error so that you learn what to recognize, and then move on. Get the mistakes out of the way. As Shakespeare put it, "Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt." (Via Kottke.)
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POPSThe Problem With Communism: From Monty Python to Nepal In my opinion, the global failure of Communism can be attributed more or less directly to the fact that Communists have a unique propensity for murdering each other. Almost all communist thinkers of any note were inevitably murdered, executed, or exiled to some frozen hinterland by their fellow communists. I am hard pressed to think of any other ideological movement that so consistently kills all it's most talented proponents. It is striking, the extent to which these dogmatic idealists are themselves fatally venal, intolerant, capricious, and transparently greedy. It is too bad to see this sort of thing still going on, and threatening the fragile new Nepali government. What is more, it is shocking that in the 21st Century there are still those who are naive enough to subscribe to such an ideology. I have to admit, while I think I can understand terrorists, I don't know if I'll ever figure out Communists. Therefore, I resort to the Life of Brian for further analysis.
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POPSSubjective Reality and Autobiographical Fiction People are still getting worked up over this? Dare I call them gullible? I mean, normally when I read an autobiography where the author claims to have been raised by a pack of wolves I chuckle to myslef and presume that some obscure sense of humor is at work. I mean, seriously, how was ANYONE fooled into thinking this story was real? Apparently it's gonna be an awkward Rosh Ha-Shanah at the Defonseca household, that is, of course, if they don't just skip it. ;) Still, back in the 60s and 70s the work of Hunter Thompson was considered JOURNALISM. Is it safe to say that the public has moved towards a naive objectivism, presuming that all that is printed as fact must be true, and that we have lost touch with the subjective nature of human experience? I hope we get this spasm under control in time to save the beautiful subjective art of Literature!
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POPSIn Defense of Caucusing I am disappointed that nobody is making the obvious counterpoint to all of Hillary's sour grapes over the caucuses. As I see it, caucuses represent one of the best functions of democracy. Why? Because it entails community dialog. I think more voting should be done like this. If I vote privately, I don't have to think about what I'm doing, or its repercussions on the community, and I don't need to justify my decision. As a result, voting by ballot often becomes a selfish, isolated and disconnected experience. In a caucus you discuss your position with your friends and neighbors and, drawing on that communal wisdom, reach a consensus. Imagine if all voting were conducted this way? We would be a much more conscientious nation as a whole. However, this is specifically ill-suited to Hillary's "I'm right, to hell with you" vision of leadership. Perhaps she is losing caucuses because it is hard to justify voting for her. Anyway, Democracy always works better with free pizza!
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POPSShamefull Religious Intollerance That people would be so transparently discriminatory is honestly surprising to me, although it shouldn't be. There is no right to force non-Christians to recite Christian prayers in American public schools. There is no right to put God in the plege. Just like I have no right to force Christians to leave offerings before the statues of the Buddha. But don't get me wrong. This isn't about Christianity. Christianity no where condones this abhorrent and intolerant behavior. This is about the power of discrimination, and it is an addictive social phenomenon. These people would do the exact same thing with another religion. Christianity was just the most convenient vehicle for their hatred at the time. Apparently we still need to change a lot about our society before we can live with our neighbors in peace.
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POPSCoffee Corrupts America's Youth We can all laugh at Starbucks' typically popmpus token gesture of contrition. (Yeah, blame the barristas! Not whatever idiot designed all those weird factory-made collage panels on the walls of every Starbucks from Timbuktu to Taipei!) But what really frightens me is that American 16 year olds are using words like "stigma" while lamenting the metaphysical condition of the chain-cafe that provides the fix to keep their caffeine addiction at bay. Shouldn't they be busy drag racing hot rods around Dead-Man's-Curve? Or Rebelling without a Cause? Is the "stigma of commercialism" now one of the many bewildering social concerns brought on by puberty?
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POPSRalph Nader: Clueless Egomanica Ralph Nader represents everything that is indulgent, self-congratulatory, and ultimately ineffective about our nation's activist community. He is busy implicitly comparing himself to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while he is woefully short on valuable political analysis. Obama hits the nail on the head here: Nader doesn't actually understand politics. Anyone who thought Gore and Bush were the same ought to be feeling pretty sheepish after over 6 years of uninterrupted warfare on multiple fronts, economic crisis, financial collapse, and rapacious Nero-esque indulgence from the Bush administration. Nader couldn't have been more wrong. There is nobody quite like George W. Bush! (Thank goodness!)
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POPSA Misunderstanding of Democracy Mr. Dobson clearly misunderstands democracy, typical of many of his clique of evangelical conservatives. Our country is governed by the consent of the people, which also means by the consensus of those representing the people. It is not mere mob rule, and slim majorities cannot and should not be allowed to determine important policies. Just as the peculiar religious convictions of a vocal few should not over-ride the will of the majority of Americans, no matter how sanctimonious their proponents. Our system of checks and balances, though complicated and at times frustrating, is what keeps our nation from descending into a dictatorship of the proletariat. It is sad that his nuanced and praiseworthy understanding of this principle may cost John McCain votes, but on the other hand, who wants votes from the likes of Dobson to begin with? A Message for Dobson: If you don't like democracy, then leave America! (You aren't helping anyway!)
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POPSSeattle's Byzantine Primary System There are good reasons why our primary is seldom, and probably shouldn't be relevant. First, is because Washington State is largely full of people who are willfully out of touch with national trends. We're independent, and most often not interested in following the rest of the nation. Something that is taken for granted as conventional wisdom in Seattle's overwhelmingly liberal voting public would be highly controversial elsewhere. That's why we elect the nation's most radical congressman by margins of up to 80%. In Republican areas Washingtonians are no different - we all love crazy people who make no attempt to moderate their ideals. (Me included, I must confess.) The second reason we shouldn't matter is that our primary system is so complex, redundant and useless it could only have been developed by Microsoft's web developers. (More on this in comments...)
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POPSThe Miracle of Jihad This is the opposite perspective that any American should consider very carefully, especially if they espouse military strategy. Although we see them as "Evil" and "Terrorists" of course, they don't see themselves that way. Since the Napoleon's expedition in Egypt, the Islamic world has found itself besieged by overwhelming European Empires. Although once the dominant force that defeated Europe, with the decline of the Ottoman and Persian Empires, they found themselves weak and helpless against the Europeans. During the 20th century, when much of the Islamic world was colonized, this anxiety became acute. Now, against an overwhelming enemy of superior strength, they are winning back ground. To us it is a disaster, but to them it is a miracle. It is to some in the Islamic world what the American Revolution was for us - a victory of the people. Ask yourself: If I were not blinded by my social context, would I still believe as I do?
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POPSHumanity, Divinity, and Beauty I wonder if this striking interpretation of aesthetics (one which I find quite appealing) still holds true in the cynicism of post modernism? Although it certainly can be found to echo in Kandinsky's "Concerning the Spiritual in Art" what of the later Deconstructivists, Marxists, and other self-styled "realists" who attacked the very idea of beauty? On the other hand, it may be that in these dark times our cynicism is spent and an idealistic revival of Romanticism might rise in response to the desperation and alienation that has become almost universally felt through the deep ideological conflicts marking the beginning of the 21st Century. Another thought: does not this empowered sense of self-determination ring true with the most admirable aspects of Existentialism? ...oh, and sorry for all the alliteration. Don't know how it snuck in there! :P
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POPSThe Tethlon Idiot of Economics It's amazing how nothing sticks for this guy. Let's try to synchronize all his statements... 1.) Tax Cuts made our economy grow... 2.) We are now on the brink of a recession... 3.) Our economy is strong... 4.) We urgently need to save our economy... 5.) The government needs to spend more money 6.) The government needs to collect less taxes 7.) Tax cuts will help our economy now, just like they helped it over the last 6 years. IS HE TOTALLY INSANE? Please, tell me, someone, try to explain at what point we admit that EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE shows that Bush's tax plans have destroyed the US economy, and we are now being dragged deeper into the abyss with Bush blithely turning his sails into the storm.
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POPSThe Truth Behind Bush's Tax Cut Plan: Korsakoff's Syndrome Bush proposes tax cuts to save us from a recession. Apparently he doesn't remember that he's been cutting taxes for the last 6 years, and that's what brought us to the brink of recession in the first place. If six years of consecutive aggressive tax cuts won't save our economy, then wouldn't it seem obvious that one more year of aggressive tax cuts isn't going to either? In fact, I can make the argument that the tax cuts are actually causing the recession, due to our staggering deficit. Doesn't he have any other ideas? Doesn't he remember saying the same things over and over again as things get worse and worse? Korsakoff's Syndrome is what the guy in Memento had, where he couldn't remember what happened 5 minutes ago. One of the causes of Korsakoff's Syndrome is a depletion of Thiamine (Vitamin B1) caused by substance abuse and alcoholism. Given Bush's history, this clip is only half joking.
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POPSREALITY CHECK! There is a frightening new global trend of denial... Europeans think that they don't need to limit fishing... Car companies don't think they need to improve fuel economy standards... Bush thinks he can increase spending and cut taxes at the same time... Jingoists think we are winning the war in Iraq... Democrats think Hillary Clinton has enough experience to win an election... Polluters think that Global Warming won't really happen... Evangelicals think Jesus is coming back soon... Fundamentalists think they can win the war against modernity... The truth is: we're stuck with this world. The rules DO apply. No free passes. You have to face the music sometime. We must choose realism over comfortable delusion. Unfortunately, for now, wistful thinking will rule the day until we let it all collapse around us. Then we'll stand there scratching our heads saying: How could this happen?
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POPSThe Question of the South Now, I would like to disagree with the author (Matt Bai) on two points... First: He argues that the loss of the South for the Democrats was due to desegregation, which is no doubt party true. But if that's the case, what does he mean when he says Democrats have to run a candidate who "resonates in the south..." As I see it, the Democrats are already suffering from a retreat in their values. Pandering to isolationist extremists still absorbed in racism and a antebellum culture of violence is not the way to win the country, its a way to lose your credibility. On the other hand, I think Mr. Bai stereotypes the South as most Northerners have, by presuming that it is and always has been a land of Bible-belt anti-government racists and redneck gun nuts. The truth is the South is not nearly so monolithic as pundits portray it. Southerners are not as backwards, not as ignorant, and not as conservative as most political analysts think. The Democrats need to Awaken the Radical So
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POPSOn The Difference Between Belief and Politics If someone holds conservative, right wing beliefs, I've got not problem with them. I might even find myself agreeing with them sometimes. On the other hand, right wing politics are what really get under my skin. And when it comes to Bush, it's pretty much 100% pure politics. So what's the difference? Well beliefs are ideas - principles you think are right, and that you are willing to stand up for. Politics is using other people's beliefs to get what you want. Bush doesn't believe in being a "fiscal conservative!" He just talks about that so that right wing voters will support him. He wants to be fiscally conservative on public schools and health care and other areas that don't directly benefit him or his friends, but when it comes to something he wants, belief takes a back seat to unadulterated greed. Why do conservatives feel they have to defend him? Why deny reality to defend something that is against your values? Bush has dragged the entire GOP into deluded solipsism
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POPSCome See The REAL New China! Jia Zhangke looks at what's really there, rather than what he wants to see. That's something more people should do. On the one hand, he doesn't flatter global capitalism, but he's not blind to the essential progress that China has made either. China's underground auteur may well be a better anthropologist than entertainer. Although his movies sometimes dwell on the mundane to the point of being unwatchable, they are invaluable documents on the true nature of China's modernization. So few people understand what the "New China" is, but it's all here for anyone who bothers to look. He is the definitive realist of his generation, and a strikingly insightful observer of the human condition. His quotes throughout the article are all gems, but too numerous to clip.
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POPSInside the Actor's Studio: Chuck Norris Chuck Norris gives his fine opinion on the craft of acting, in the form of his Huckabee endorsement. Apparently he acknowledges that his acting skills are on par with the likes of Mit Romney. Actually I have to say, I agree: Romney and Hillary (the depressingly presumptive nominees) deliver their platforms from B-rated scripts from hackneyed writers with roughly the same native talent for acting as Mr. Norris. To make up for their lack of appeal, they kick around whoever is within easy reach. If the shoe fits!
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POPSTruly Understanding Martin Luther King Jr. I love Sarah Vowell. Not because I'm an NPR nerd. Not because I'm a history nerd. Not even because I'm an assasination nerd. I have been accused of such vile things! But I protest! I love her because I'm an Emma Goldman nerd, in all her obscure anarchistic and humanistic glory. Emma Goldman perfectly balanced being a political figure with still being a living-and-breathing, loving-and-losing human being. Something that many professional activists (as well as historians) lose track of. I think Sarah Vowell introduces just enough levity to bring the force of irrefutable humanity (and its resultant moderation) to a field badly needing in perspective. Although she could take glib pot shots at the Christian right like Marueen Dowd, she has enough class instead to put it all in perspective and remind us that people who are different aren't necessarily deviant. She actually appears to have listened to what Dr. King says.
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POPSIf You Are Afraid, The Terrorist Win Politicians secretly have a romance with terrorism. They feed off the fear to justify (or overshadow) their excesses. Terrorists secretly have a romance with politicians, because they provide the easy targets and fodder for their extremist agitprop. Politics and my love of desert adventure have occasionally collided, like in dealing with Islamic Terrorist in the Gobi Desert. But never before like this! They canceled the Dakar Rally! And NOW I'M ANGRY!
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POPSA Positive Political Process Frank Rich, in an op-ed I don't feel like clipping (too glib), declared the GOP Platform to be Dead on Arrival. I beg to differ. Although McCain had a dark period of pandering, he seems to be back to saying what he thinks, and playing clean. He's the Boy Scout of Electoral Politics, and he's got my respect. (Not something I give out often to candidates.) But the really interesting thing is that Huckabee, who was always a nice guy, seems to have become more insightful and philosophical as the campaign goes on. His observations on political process I thought were exactly what America should be. We'll put him on my "provisional respect" list. Although his last bizarre bit about the Confederate flag will probably cost him the Hootie and the Blowfish vote, I'd bet they were already going to vote for Hillary anyway. Now if only the losers like Thompson and Giuliani will take a hint: sharpen up, start thinking, or drop out.
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POPSThe Middle Swings Left this Year I was discussing this with Kmcolo, and this seems to bear out some of my hunch. It would appear that the Republican Party is polarizing in the primaries, rather than gaining strength as it did in the past. It would appear that only the core party faithfull are turning out for the primaries. This is especially striking in Michigan, because there was no functional Democratic primary. (Their delegates got suspended) This should bring up independent numbers voting GOP since it was pretty much that or stay home. Given this, it looks like the independents in Michigan are pretty squarely waiting to vote for the ultimate Democrat nominee. Romney, Huckabee and Ron Paul are all riding high on a wave of pessimism that drives away normal voters and leaves only extremists.
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POPSSinister Socialist Conspiracy Afoot in Spain You got to love Spain's conservatives. It's like they are being run by Colonel Ripper, protecting their "Purity of Essence"! "No Gays! No Girls! And no filthy Catalans! Viva Espagne! Down with Barcelona!" ;) But in the end, isn't this also what Americans fear? That some liberal will screw up our country by protecting "gays" and "working women" and "illegal immigrants"? Are we really any different? On the whole, and interesting article, though. This is a process that China has yet to go through, although I think the situations are extremely analogous.
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POPSDebating the Color of Europe: Point-Counterpoint between Marine Le Pen and Tariq Ramadan What people fail to appreciate is that Europe was never as pure as we imagine it. Western culture developed in tandem with Eastern culture, not separately. Most European ethnicities originally came from Central Asian populations. The process of redefinition and cultural influence has been going on in Europe for centuries. Short-sighted people like Le Pen are not just foolish for wanting to stop it, but for even thinking they can. A culture cannot isolate itself from the world. This was true during the Medieval Crusades, and it is even more true today. Immigration is the fundamental nature of man. Isolation is the basic reaction of the ignorant and fearful. Of course, Europe has never been bashful about imposing its culture over local cultures around the world. Could the immigration debate be a vestigial reflex of imperialism?
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POPSArt/Pop Nerds of the World Unite: the Music of Stephin Merritt Okay, it may make me a culture snob or a geek, but I've got to admit, I wear brown, and I loved "69 Love Songs." And from the looks of this photo, Stephin Merritt has stolen my appartment. Still, great to see him getting some press. I recommend his music to everybody. On a deeper, more disturbing level, the fact that he wears the same clothes as I do, has the same apartment as I do, and seems to listen to the same music as I do makes me suddenly insecure about the uniqueness of my identity! I guess I'm different, just like everyone else. :P
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