Do Not Panic: The Culture of Fear is Still Alive and Well

For those of you who were worried that an Obama Administration might bring an unwelcome sense of moderation regarding the projection of the War on Terror, let us (and the President-elect) reassure you:

"I think it's important to get a national security team in place because transition periods are potentially times of vulnerability to a terrorist attack," Obama told CBS's "60 Minutes." "We want to make sure that there is as seamless a transition on national security as possible."

Why We Love Conservapedia: The Exploding Koala

Australian animals have always been a source of controversy on Conservapedia, as the dedicated finder of the truth (in the face of liberal bias) tilts towards a creationist explanation for the existence of kangaroos and koalas.

This has brought the side benefit of some creative editing. At various points in the article's history, koalas have "degenerated into sleepy, gum-leaf chewing opiate addicts as a result of human sinfulness" (31 March 2007), been "arriving from the middle east [to] set up kebab shops in western Sydney" (5 May 2007), and leave droppings which "become saturated with the volatile terpene and [are] combined with kangaroo fat to produce a gel used to make the Aboriginal kokanut, an insect-repellent torch" (17 December 2007).

The classic description, however, remains this factual summary from 9 May 2007:

Owing to their diet of eucalyptus leaves, which contain a volatile oil, Koalas are highly flammable and frequently burst into flame spontaneously.

Today's Moment of Political Wisdom: Why Liberal Women Hate Sarah Palin

Exactly, Mr Dennis Miller. The same reason why my mother despises Hillary Clinton. And why women hated Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s. (And why I went off Adolf Hitler after he met that Eva Braun.)

[youtube]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8kCKewWGbQY[/youtube]

Condi's Interview: The Opening Reactions

CONDI ON CIVIL RIGHTS:

"I remember telling my European colleagues that I know they always think that America is going to be more aggressive on fighting extremism than they. But you know, we could never, within our context, have passed the law like the basic incitement laws that the British have passed.(4) The first amendment would have prohibited it."

READERS REPLY:

"Yes, because Bush Administration was known for respecting the Constitution..."

"...by introducing Acts such as the Patriot Act."

"Viva la Constitution!"

"She's right. Canada's hate crime laws also wouldn't be constitutional in the U.S."

"Maybe this quote should be read as a lament on her part or an expression of envy?"

CONDI'S POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY

"It’s really recognizing that this is about a single answer to what is the right form of government, and that’s democracy."

READERS REPLY:

"Thanks. You've set a fine example the last eight years. Don't let your door hit you on the ass on your way out."

CONDI ON THE FREEDOM AGENDA

George W. Bush deserves credit for recognizing that the terms were now going to be set for the next big historical evolution. The president recognized that freedom was something that was not just desirable but essential for the United States; that it meant not just freedom from tyranny but also freedom from disease, from poverty. And that if you were going to have democratic leaders, they had to be able to deliver for their people. Thus the president supported the millennium challenge and the H.I.V. AIDS and Malaria project. And linking up the great compassion of the United States with our security interests. Making it about democracy, defense and development. We’re at the beginning of that historical transformation, and yes, sometimes it’s lonelier at the beginning than at the end.
It’s really recognizing that this is about a single answer to what is the right form of government, and that’s democracy. It takes different forms: there is Japanese democracy, and there’s American democracy, and there are fragile democracies, and there are emerging democracies, and there are states that are trying to find some form of popular legitimacy.

READERS REPLY:

Could this be more vomitous?

Condoleezza Rice in the New York Times

While I've been discussing Marx, Hitler, and Stalin with sixth-formers (high school seniors), another deep political thinker has been chatting with the New York Times.

Condi Rice's interview has sparked a firestorm of discussion amongst colleagues. While I'm catching up, here's an introductory tribute from Mr Steve Earle:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avwJPNmCDh0[/youtube]