Friday 16 May 2008
The thing is, “conservative ideas” do, in fact, suck. This is why attempts on the part of our favorite commentators to explain just what went wrong are so hilarious. No, it was not immigration that sunk you; neither is it earmarks, nor can we blame inadequate federalism. The problem is that modern conservatism is hardly a “philosophy,” no matter how badly its adherents want to pretend that it is. No, it’s a preposterous form of identity politics and utterly inadequate when it comes to issues of, you know, governing a country. The Trimmings of Slim Victory ☀
How the debate over global warming ever became an angry partisan affair, I will never know. Somehow it has become a hard right talking point that global warming is a hoax perpetrated by liberals. In reality the theory of global warming and man’s role in it is widely accepted both on the right and the left. It is acknowledged by every reputable scientific organization, government and corporation in the world including the United States where the official position reads: “warming of the climate system is unequivocal”. That’s not a political stance someone was forced into as a vote getting scheme; it’s the government’s official position. Fibs, Frauds and Whoppers ☀
…brain researchers have discovered that when we consciously develop new habits, we create parallel synaptic paths, and even entirely new brain cells, that can jump our trains of thought onto new, innovative tracks. Rather than dismissing ourselves as unchangeable creatures of habit, we can instead direct our own change by consciously developing new habits. In fact, the more new things we try — the more we step outside our comfort zone — the more inherently creative we become, both in the workplace and in our personal lives. Can You Become a Creature of New Habits? ☀
Like Bush, and unlike Churchill, Chamberlain came to office with almost no understanding of foreign affairs or experience in dealing with international leaders. None the less, he was convinced that he alone could bring Hitler and Mussolini to heel. He surrounded himself with like-minded advisers, and refused to heed anyone who told him otherwise. In the months leading up to war, Chamberlain and his men saw little need to build a strong coalition of European allies to confront Nazi Germany - ignoring appeals from Churchill and others to fashion a “grand alliance”. Unlike Bush and Chamberlain, Churchill was never in favour of his country going it alone. Lynne Olson ☀
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