Because the attacks in New Bedford weren't tragic enough, the suspect obviously felt the need to take the lives of 2 people, resulting in his own death.
Nice cheery start, eh?
I suppose I ought to weigh in on the protests across the Muslim world though I'm still grappling with where this is all really coming from. I suppose this illustrates another example of how cultural and religious differences are so far apart. From my point of view, I cannot understand what the protestors are hoping to gain by burning down embassies and churches. Do they actually expect western countries to restrict what is printed in their papers? Speaking of which, I'm a little surprised at our own administration's reluctance to show support on this. Though I understand that the United States is viewed as less than sympathetic in the Muslim world (though who's fault is that exactly?) and weighing in would most certainly put our own citizens at risk, once again I'm disappointed that the self-descibed Democratizer of the World is not willing to stand up for what is right: a free press is essential to democracy. And defending the European countries who have chosen to run the cartoon is only right. But getting back to the main issue: My understanding of the cartoon is that it IS offensive. Islamic law bans the depiction of Muhammad and Allah. This is a massive cultural divide as, though many would consider satire involving Christianity offensive, the west generally accepts the concept of a free press. I cannot see how this is all going to resolve itself. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Stateside, it looks like Gonzales is in for quite a day as he testifies/attempts to justify the defense the White House has used repeatedly for their NSA surveillence program in front of the Judiciary Committee. This is the beginning, my friends. This is not a partisan issue as there are republicans who are suspicious of the "Executive Power" defense. I know I have said this repeatedly, but I honestly believe that this could be an impeachable offense. Bill Clinton was impeached for lying about having sex with a chubby intern. GWB is using executive power as a means of defense for using illegal surveillance to obtain information on suspected terrorists.
Lying about sex with an intern and having to go home and tell your very scary wife about it after she has gone on national television to defend you
vs
Upsetting the delicate balance of powers that are essential to the running of our government
Write your Senators and Congressmen. If they don't sense outrage, they will be less likely to take a strong stand. It's your responsibility to tell them what you think. They work for you.
And on a lighter note: Sufjan does it again. He continues to be the most beloved indie musician. I know I'm in the minority here, but I just don't get it. I've tried repeatedly to appreciate his regionalism, his subtle Christian themes. I'm clearly lacking some sort of..well...taste or something. Or maybe I'm just tired of hearing about him constantly. I tire easily.
A brief report of my weekend: After a bumpy start Friday night, I had an excellent time Saturday night discussing globalization, personal responsibility, and strategies I would employ if I could rule the democratic party. The evening was only marred by a weather-related slide into a telephone poll. Everyone is fine and hopefully there will be but minimal damage to the truck. We were able to navigate home so that bodes well. I know that if we stay in during "bad" weather the terrorists win, but sometimes I wonder if we continue to disregard their demands we won't end up with a more serious situation on our hands.
Ahem.
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2 comments:
As to the open-ended implied question of resolve, I think a good effort to start an answer would begin with the statement that Kant was wrong: what's right for one person in fact has NO bearing on what's right for another. Universal rights are like an explanation for resolve roadblocks and are also a human explanation for the actions of such poo-heads as GWBushy. Unfortunately suggesting this doesn't really lead to any specific end.
Hope you're well.
raleigh raleigh raleigh how I miss thee! We really should make a more than half-hearted attempt to get together. It's been MONTHS since last I saw you. I'm an entire year older now.
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