An oldie-but-goodie. Jul 25, 2006 Fight a democracy, kill the peopleBy SpenglerConventional armies can defeat guerrilla forces with broad popular support, for it is perfectly feasible to dismantle a people, destroy its morale, and if need be expel them. It has happened in history on . . . . Continue Reading »
Every analyst I know is baffled by the Obama administration. The Israeli government is baffled; the Arab governments of the Middle East are baffled; European foreign ministries are baffled; and the journalists and thinktankers and camp-followers are baffled. One hears different things from source . . . . Continue Reading »
On this Memorial Day, I’ve been pondering the problem of gratitude, not only for my children (the two still at home) but for myself. Millions of soldiers and their families sacrificed much, even their lives, and my family and I have gained from their losses. Their losses are real, and often . . . . Continue Reading »
Today on “On the Square,” we offer a few selections from First Things articles reflecting on patriotism, sacrifice, and memory. See A Few Thoughts for Memorial Day . . . . . Continue Reading »
I agreed to write a contribution to a symposium on CELEBRITY. MY dumb thought was: How hard could that be? Pretty hard. Here are my first random observations in search of a point: Celebrity, in the most obvious sense, is the lowest form of fame. Being a celebrity is a sort of gift of public . . . . Continue Reading »
It strikes me that two principles commonly used in textual criticism can actually cancel each other out.1. Charity to the Author: Other things being equal, it’s generally better to be charitable to the author when we can do so. If we find two readings in manuscripts, where one makes a lot . . . . Continue Reading »
In my youth I was fairly sympathetic with the aims of liberation theology, although I could never bring myself to accept this position in toto, as there was too much in the larger worldview that did not quite sit right with me. With liberation theologians I confess that God has called us to care for . . . . Continue Reading »
TIME Magazine’s News Feed carries the story: Ann Curry Flubs Wheaton College Commencement.Curry delivered Saturday’s speech to graduates at Wheaton College in Massachusetts, referencing the esteemed careers of a trio of alumni reverend Billy Graham, film director Wes Craven and . . . . Continue Reading »
In 1915, Canadian medical officer John McCrae published what has become one of the most popular poems from the First World War, “In Flanders Fields” : In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely . . . . Continue Reading »
President Obama declares June to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month : LGBT Americans have enriched and strengthened the fabric of our national life. From business leaders and professors to athletes and first responders, LGBT individuals have achieved success and prominence in . . . . Continue Reading »