I don't think that's the point of Brooks' column. This seems to be his thesis:
"It has sent the message that we have hit the moment of demosclerosis. Washington is home to a vertiginous tangle of industry associations, activist groups, think tanks and communications shops. These forces have overwhelmed the government that was originally conceived by the founders.
"The final message is that members of the leadership class have done nothing to police themselves. The Wall Street-Industry-Regulator-Lobbyist tangle is even more deeply enmeshed."
A fictional portrayal that emphatically does not approach Washington - or any of the other Founders - with timidity is Vidal's Burr, which I wrote about previously and greatly enjoyed. It veers a little too far in the other direction at times, but if you're looking to demystify our political demigods, I can think of worse places to start.
Hmmm. I'm not thinking of anything very fashion-y - just a venue to post ebay/thrift store finds, compare notes on tailoring/fits, and generally shoot the breeze about ties, tweed, and the finer things in life.
It may also involve headless shots of yours truly posing in ridiculous get-ups . . .
This is wildly off-topic, but I've never understood the distinction between "human" or "natural" rights and democratic ones. Outside the realm of theology, don't all rights ultimately rest on democratic consensus?
That doesn't mean we should expand the scope of what we call "rights" will-nilly, but I have a hard time understanding the distinction you're trying to draw, Tom.
Agreed! I can't help thinking Barea would be one of the best point guards in the league if he was 6'3. Although he may not have developed his ball-handling skills if he didn't have to compensate for a tremendous size disadvantage . . .
Let's bracket the Jordan discussion. They're different players, and comparing career arcs won't make much sense until LeBron is finished, anyway. I'm just wondering why LeBron couldn't muster even a mediocre effort against some overwhelmingly favorable matchups. It's truly baffling.
I'd also add that this news totally obscures the report about the bombing of Gaddafi's compound, which apparently killed two of his grandchildren. I thought that was pretty horrifying.
There's definitely something unseemly about treating Osama's death like your city just won the Superbowl, but I'm also baffled by this holier-than-thou backlash. Osama bin Laden's death is cause for relief, yes, but also happiness. I won't cheer, but I am feeling awfully good this afternoon.
On “Will Truman joins Not a Potted Plant”
And . . . I'm an idiot.
"
Err, join me in welcoming?
On “David Brooks on Fannie Mae”
I don't think that's the point of Brooks' column. This seems to be his thesis:
"It has sent the message that we have hit the moment of demosclerosis. Washington is home to a vertiginous tangle of industry associations, activist groups, think tanks and communications shops. These forces have overwhelmed the government that was originally conceived by the founders.
"The final message is that members of the leadership class have done nothing to police themselves. The Wall Street-Industry-Regulator-Lobbyist tangle is even more deeply enmeshed."
On “Sub-Blogs, Cross-posting, and format stuff”
I'm afraid I prefer silk knit ties to breeches, swastika armbands, and goose-stepping, but I'll take that all under advisement.
On “Game of Thrones Bookclub: Portents of Things to Come”
I hereby promise to get off my ass and write something about this series in the near future. I'm putting this in writing so I don't renege.
On “The Perils of Writing about Greatness”
A fictional portrayal that emphatically does not approach Washington - or any of the other Founders - with timidity is Vidal's Burr, which I wrote about previously and greatly enjoyed. It veers a little too far in the other direction at times, but if you're looking to demystify our political demigods, I can think of worse places to start.
On “Sub-Blogs, Cross-posting, and format stuff”
Hmmm. I'm not thinking of anything very fashion-y - just a venue to post ebay/thrift store finds, compare notes on tailoring/fits, and generally shoot the breeze about ties, tweed, and the finer things in life.
It may also involve headless shots of yours truly posing in ridiculous get-ups . . .
You're right, this is a terrible idea.
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I agree. Given our intermittent output of late, I think you should err on the side of over-sharing.
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I'm thinking of starting a sideblog devoted to menswear. Is this a terrible idea?
On “Getting at first principles in the education debate”
This is wildly off-topic, but I've never understood the distinction between "human" or "natural" rights and democratic ones. Outside the realm of theology, don't all rights ultimately rest on democratic consensus?
That doesn't mean we should expand the scope of what we call "rights" will-nilly, but I have a hard time understanding the distinction you're trying to draw, Tom.
On “Attention League (Board) Gaming Geeks!”
Did you folks start already? I'm having trouble finding the game.
On “The Finals”
Agreed! I can't help thinking Barea would be one of the best point guards in the league if he was 6'3. Although he may not have developed his ball-handling skills if he didn't have to compensate for a tremendous size disadvantage . . .
On “Attention League (Board) Gaming Geeks!”
The gauntlet has been thrown down, Sir.
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Screw it, I'm down. I'm assuming we'll get email notifications regarding turns etc.? What's the policy on trash talk?
On “The Finals”
Kidd has been playing out of his mind. I really enjoy watching the Mavs' veterans put on a ball movement clinic.
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Let's bracket the Jordan discussion. They're different players, and comparing career arcs won't make much sense until LeBron is finished, anyway. I'm just wondering why LeBron couldn't muster even a mediocre effort against some overwhelmingly favorable matchups. It's truly baffling.
On “We Could Start a Movement”
Way ahead of you, boys. I've been sending inappropriate pics to Kristi Noem since the day she entered office.
On “Introductions and Disclaimers”
Good to have you on board, James.
On “Two Neglected Greats”
The Wrens write great pop, I'm just not sure it's accessible. Then again, She Sends Kisses . . .
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Van Dyke speaks truth. I'd also nominate Badfinger
On “The Dead”
I'd also add that this news totally obscures the report about the bombing of Gaddafi's compound, which apparently killed two of his grandchildren. I thought that was pretty horrifying.
"
http://deadspin.com/#!5797613/osama-bin-laden-is-dead-professional-wrestler-declares-in-most-american-video-ever
USA! USA! USA!
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Thank G-d we're not the Federation, but I think even Picard might cheer on the destruction of the Borg:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGF1NP-FrCU&feature=related
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There's definitely something unseemly about treating Osama's death like your city just won the Superbowl, but I'm also baffled by this holier-than-thou backlash. Osama bin Laden's death is cause for relief, yes, but also happiness. I won't cheer, but I am feeling awfully good this afternoon.
On “The Czar of Benton Harbor”
Forgot how much I missed these comment sections.
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