Center of Attention

A round up of recent posts by various bloggers who either attempt to strike a balanced note on heated debates and controversial issues, or improve our ability to find our own sense of balance by exposing us to new information and different points-of-view.

Michael Linn Jones wants “a voter’s refund.”

Reaching back to the middle of last week, the Miami Herald‘s Leonard Pitts Jr. finally chimed in on the subject of those who question the honor of soldiers in order to score political points. Of all the many voices who have commented on this debate, Pitts does what is perhaps the best job of splitting the difference with unwavering moral clarity. (Then again, I’m biased: Pitts has long been one of this right-leaning moderate’s favorite left-leaning columnists.)

Steve Benen suggests that being an anti-Republican Republican might be a good thing.

Jonathan Martin (and co-blogger Ben Smith) examine “the whisper campaign that won’t die.” (For Politico, Martin covers the GOP contenders for the presidency; Smith the Democratic contenders.)

Justin Gardner finds a compelling argument against torture from William Quinn in the Detroit Free Press.

Andrew Sullivan acknowledges the reports of reduced violence in Iraq but worries about the long-term implications of the enduring lack of political progress.

Shay spotlights Cosby and Poussaint on “Meet the Press.”