Posted 1:26 PM by magnu231
Imus

So, this is blowing up. Seems that it's obligatory to have at least one racial kerfluffle every two or three months. First, let me clear up one thing. I personally think Imus and his ilk are no-talent hacks. I think the "nappy-headed hos" was obviously a racial comment, and was a pretty asinine thing to say. But, I think the problem is not with racism in our culture necessarily, or with Don Imus in particular. I personally think the problem is that our culture has begun to prize inflammatory speech purely for its value as an offensive statement to somebody else. It's why our level of political discourse is at about a third-grade level, and a rather angry third-grader at that. It's why Carlos Mencia has a job. So, don't blame this on Imus, per se. Don't try to claim that this is unearthing the hidden racist tendencies of White people. The problem needs to be combated in every facet of culture. It's not a white thing, an old-person thing, or a radio thing. On another note, check out Jason Whitlock's column on the subject. I'd have to say that I agree with him on a lot of issues, and I think he does a good job on this one.

EDIT: The Village Voice breaks down something TRULY offensive. I'm speaking of course of the song "This is Why I'm Hot".

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Posted 2:33 PM by Jason
Asking the right questions.

My buddy Richard Lindzen (ok, I made that first part up) has an article on climate change called "No Such Thing As a "Perfect" Temperature" in the upcoming Newsweek. Scoff if you like at it being in Newsweek, but Lindzen is as good as anyone at representing the skeptical position here. From my experience, too many people involved or interested in the climate change debate/discussion (I'm thinking activists, not academics) treat the issue as a single question with a single answer, when in reality there are probably more like five or six that must be answered before any "action" should be taken. Lindzen deals with that, among other things. Obligatory teaser:

"Moreover, actions taken thus far to reduce emissions have already had negative consequences without improving our ability to adapt to climate change. An emphasis on ethanol, for instance, has led to angry protests against corn-price increases in Mexico, and forest clearing and habitat destruction in Southeast Asia."

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Posted 1:06 PM by Jason
Nancy Pelosi, Felon?

The Speaker and the Logan Act.

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