I am so stoked that someone seriously tried "the perfect crime" defense after being arrested for poaching in the Montana portion of Yellowstone. Even though it lost, it was simply too good an argument to never make it out of the academic piece from whence it sprang. … [Read more...] about Best Legal Defense Ever
Jon Stewart Drives the News Cycle
So....why did Gonzales decide to leave now? … [Read more...] about Jon Stewart Drives the News Cycle
McCain, Torture, and (Some) Answers
Last week, I asked TMV readers to consider and chime in on the subject of John McCain's opposition to torture and the cool reception he receives among certain members of the Leftosphere when he voices that opposition -- like he did recently on The Daily Show. I didn't get all of the answers for which I was looking, but this much became clear: Love him or hate him, McCain … [Read more...] about McCain, Torture, and (Some) Answers
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. -------------------------- Dave Schuler examines why we have universal education but not universal health … [Read more...] about Center of Attention
Published – Turkish Daily News: Time for a Change at the CHP
Today, Turkish Daily News published an OP-ED written by yours truly. In the column I argue that it is time for the CHP (as you all should know by now: Turkey's main opposition party) to change its course. If it does not, I write, it will become increasingly irrelevant. A couple of the points I make: Although as an outsider I certainly understand why many secularists are … [Read more...] about Published – Turkish Daily News: Time for a Change at the CHP
Affirmative Action
A fascinating article was published recently at the Wall Street Journal about affirmative action. As far as I am concerned, this article is an absolute must read for all those interested in this issue. The author, Gail Hariot (professor of law at the University of San Diego and a member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights), starts by writing: Three years ago, UCLA law … [Read more...] about Affirmative Action
Musings on Katrina’s 2nd Anniversary
Please click here for some musings on the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and here to read about an especially noteworthy disaster-related charitable organization. … [Read more...] about Musings on Katrina’s 2nd Anniversary
A Major Author/Thinker Interview
An extensive website interview with The Stuff of Thought's Steve Pinker, noted cognitive psychologist at Harvard University, is HERE. … [Read more...] about A Major Author/Thinker Interview
Guest Voice: The Unity in Wartime Act of 2007
NOTE: The Moderate Voice runs Guest Voice posts from time to time by readers who don't have their own websites, or people who have websites but would like to post something for TMV's diverse and thoughtful readership. Guest Voice posts do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Moderate Voice or its writers. This is by the independent blog Walking Think Tank: The … [Read more...] about Guest Voice: The Unity in Wartime Act of 2007
This Just In!
THIS JUST IN from investigative reporter Andy Borowitz:Gonzales to Spend More Time Eavesdropping on His Family ‘Domestic Surveillance Begins at Home,’ Former A.G. Says Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resigned today, effective immediately, telling reporters that he wanted to spend more time eavesdropping on his family. Mr. Gonzales, a champion of domestic … [Read more...] about This Just In!
What’s Cruel And Unusual Punishment?
Airport Restroom Arrest Stalls Senator Larry Craig’s Career
Senator Larry Craig (R-Idaho) is now the latest lawmaker to get snarled in an unpretty sex-related scandal -- one that is being broadcast on the airwaves, making the lightning rounds of the Internet, being pointed to by Democrats and causing consternation among Republicans. The Washington Post's article draws together several strands of this story: Sen. Larry E. Craig … [Read more...] about Airport Restroom Arrest Stalls Senator Larry Craig’s Career
An Apology for the Confusion from Dr. E.
Between this afternoon and evening, the article "Alberto Gonzales Resigns from The Carriage of Death, Carreta del Muerto" has been on TMV in three different lengths and versions, including all chopped up. I am so sorry. I feel like the commedian trying to unfold a new-fangled folding chair meaning to sit in it, but I got all tangled up in it and its sort of sitting on me now, … [Read more...] about An Apology for the Confusion from Dr. E.
“My Work Here Is Done”
Via Newsgroper on Alberto Gonzales' Blog: This weekend I privately submitted my resignation to President Bush. Reluctantly, he accepted it. I told him, that at this time, it was probably best for the American people to have someone else listening to their calls and going through their mail. Having accomplished just about everything I could have dreamed of as the Attorney … [Read more...] about “My Work Here Is Done”
Alberto Gonzales’ Resignation Speech: That One Odd Line
Some say there was a memorable line in Alberto Gonzales' public resignation speech at his press conference today. But, as an analyst of documents for lawyers and judges, to me, that same line in Mr. Gonzales' speech was one of those "circle what doesn't belong in tone or topic" kind of lines. One particular line was a “slide-over-baby turn†which is an abrupt … [Read more...] about Alberto Gonzales’ Resignation Speech: That One Odd Line
Featuring It
Real Clear Politics will occasionally feature a blogpost on their frontpage linking to the article republished at Real Clear Politics / blog page, or so I was told. They will only do this every once in a while, but it is a great initiative - in my opinion. Although this is of course good news, there is even better news: for today they selected my Progressives Unite! post. … [Read more...] about Featuring It
Alberto Gonzales Resigns from The Carriage of Death, Carreta del Muerto
Alberto Gonzales has learned the hard way. Like many rag-to-riches people learn. When the gilded carriage stops for you, and the door creaks open, and you have never seen such heaven on earth... if only you will just ascend the steps....well, it's best to pass it by. Entering the gilded carriage is a bargain with the dark man, an elite game where the bettor never wins. … [Read more...] about Alberto Gonzales Resigns from The Carriage of Death, Carreta del Muerto
Unfinished Business: In Lebanon, the Civil War Isn’t Over Yet
Traveling in the Middle East last year, Lebanon was the only place where I felt a strong sense of unease. Unlike in Syria, Jordan, or even Israel -- which all felt fairly safe -- in Lebanon I felt a palpable sense that things were highly unstable. Although Lebanon had been depicted to me as a "paradise on the Mediterranean," the "Paris of the Middle East," and even, by some … [Read more...] about Unfinished Business: In Lebanon, the Civil War Isn’t Over Yet
An Ambivalent Goodbye to Gonzales
Happy as I am to join in the jubilation of Shaun Mullen and other fellow cobloggers at TMV, in my usual killjoy way, I can only offer two cheers for the resignation today of Alberto Gonzales. For the Democratic Senators trying to get to the bottom of the firings of U.S. Attorneys, Bush may have, in the words of a wise old pol, taken the punching bag out of the gym. If you … [Read more...] about An Ambivalent Goodbye to Gonzales
Check it Out!
Earlier today, I received an e-mail from someone who works for The Issue telling me that they linked to my article about the resignation of Alberto Gonzales on their frontpage. I checked out the website of The Issue and found it to be highly interesting: it is a newspaper that basically keeps an eye on the blogs. They call it: "The Blog Newspaper." The goal of The Isssue is … [Read more...] about Check it Out!