Tragedy of Man and Machine

A woman on a bike hit by a car and dragged to her death.  Pure tragedy.  And in the larger context, unfortunately emblematic of the balance of power between humans and cars in the Motor City. 

Better Off?

How it pains me to see that only a crusty conservative like George Will is able to occasionally elevate punditry to a meditative philosophical inquiry. 

 

As for me, I have read Middlemarch and been immeasurably enriched-- but before four years ago. 

Urban Martinets

On inner city schools. Yes, I've always thought serious regimentation and discipline was a must.

Bottom's Up, Wall Street!

I'll be playin my tuba at the buyout, someone's got to hold down the bottom end...

The Soft Parade

Um, this is what they're talking about when they say America's "soft power" is on the wane. 

 

Basically, we're losing that Jeffersonian North Star of our identity amongst nations.  Ironically, even though we're doing this to sate the appetite of our corporate plutocracy, our Hamiltonian edge in international economics is also being eroded. 

 

Gee, Ma, that's Ok--we'll just send in more tanks!

Pallin' Around?

Being a (the?) fount of conservative talking points, Brooks can't just come right out and say here that he is utterly alarmed by the underwhelming resume of the Republican VP.  So he has to wrap up that criticism with a bit of Cincinnatus imagery and 'liberal elite'-bashing. 

Damn Straight

I'm not usually into Bob Herbert, but this soapbox uppercuts connect on liberal bashing and liberal self-hatred.  And what have conservatives done?  Oh yes, the free market.  The free market.  And low taxes.  Praise be. 

Digital Natives on the Fritz

The apocalypse is in our own students' skulls. 

 

 

95 Think Tank Theses

Provocative plea from right to reform itself.  Hear, hear!

Will Vs. Obama: Battle of Rhetoricians

I think George Will is jealous of Obama's eloquence and vies to outdo him.  But can a pundit's column really compete with a politican's speech?  And isn't the demand for 'more particulars'--really just another rhetorical ploy itself?