There’s a lovely essay in the NYT celebrating the restoration of scientists into the halls of goverment. The article makes the usual case that science is a way of thinking about the world rather than a collection of facts Science … Continue reading →

Last week’s economist has a ferocious review of the Bush years. HE LEAVES the White House as one of the least popular and most divisive presidents in American history. At home, his approval rating has been stuck in the 20s … Continue reading →

Hands up who, in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, when the president said “Absolutely, we’re winning” thought the mainstream media was distorting the news to make it appear that the president was misleading the public? Anyone? No? Me neither. “Absolutely, … Continue reading →

Finally, someone is standing up for the right to torture and the principle that some people should be above the law. Republicans on Wednesday delayed a confirmation vote on attorney general nominee Eric Holder, some demanding assurances he would not … Continue reading →

Today, we affirm a new commitment to live out our nation’s promise through civility, courage, compassion and character. America, at its best, matches a commitment to principle with a concern for civility. A civil society demands from each of us … Continue reading →

I think the Randians are writing fake letters to the New York Times to pretend that the crazy moochers from Atlas Shrugged  really exist: Thomas L. Friedman wants to “double the salaries of all highly qualified math and science teachers” … Continue reading →

One of my new favourite blogs, Secular Right, has an open thread on Ayn Rand. I have never met a real life objectivist but the ones I have come across online have been batshit crazy and they are always engaged … Continue reading →

Among the small thrills of encountering canonical works for the first time – Homer, say, or the King James Bible, or Star Wars – are the moments when you come across some turn of phrase so well-used it has been … Continue reading →

This may well be the first time that someone from the other side has shown any sign of understanding my opposition to the Iraq War. As many war supporters pointed out, then and now, there were all sorts of positive … Continue reading →