David Rodeback's Blog

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Iraq, Iraq, and Stuff to Read

Which of these current phenomena is more partisan? Which is more pathetic?

1. Most of the Big Media Acronym types, along with the loudmouth wing of the Left, seem to have been waiting for the American death toll in Iraq to reach 2000, so they could have a big celebration, much as children anticipate the approach of Christmas.
2. The same folks seem disinclined to celebrate (or even mention in much detail) the fact that on Saturday Iraqis voted about four-to-one to ratify their new constitution. The turnout was pretty high, too, by American standards, despite explicit threats of terror.

In truth, I think virtually everyone in America now understands why the BMA would be more enthusiastic for American military casualties than for something that looks suspiciously like an American (read that "Bush") victory. But, to be fair, the BMA are not crazy about most of the US Constitution, except for a phrase or two of the First Amendment and a few other words scattered here and there. So I guess I can see why they wouldn't be crazy about Iraq's, either.

Here's some excellent recent writing you might enjoy reading. At least, I did. (I found links to these articles at RealClearPolitics.com and JewishWorldReview.com.)

• Michelle Malkin on those 2000 casualties and the Americans who rejoice over them.
• Thomas Sowell is in fine form here on true (political) believers, what motivates them, and their immunity to facts. (Note on usage: The preferred term for a follower of Islam is Muslim, not Moslem. The latter is better used as an adjective.)  
• Jonah Goldberg writes on two major varieties of American conservatives, President Bush, and current happenings. Stay tuned for the comment on buyer's remorse at the end.
• In a very insightful piece, George Will discusses General Motors' welfare state-like woes.
• Kathleen Parker is tired of everything we don't like being compared to Hitler. (So am I.)
• Here's a fine piece by Mona Charen on tribalism, as it relates to Iraq, the US, and the rule of law.
• David Gelernter discusses our reasons for being at war, in historical perspective, and compares Condi Rice's knowledge of history to Barbara Boxer's indifference to it.
• Finally, here's a long, long piece by Carla Main in Policy Review, for the reader who really wants to understand the legal history of eminent domain and the recent Supreme Court decision, Kelo v. New London. As tends to be the case with real explanations of ongoing issues, it's complex.

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