Links gone wild! (Global edition)
I watched, and listened to, President Obama’s speech Tuesday night, every single word of it. My sofa buddy was asleep within minutes — she says there’s something in Obama’s speaking cadence that sends her to dreamland almost immediately — but I was riveted. Besides, it seemed like good citizenship. We’re at a critical moment in our history, and it’s important to keep an eye on the people who make the decisions. My verdict on Obama’s speech: Neither inspiring nor disappointing. As was the case with so many others like it delivered by previous presidents, his talk was long on platitudes — we’re strong, we’ll persevere, we’ll fix knotty problems, etc. — and short on details. Then again, there’s no percentage in being too specific at such a moment. (Perhaps you’ve heard the Yiddish proverb, “Man plans, God laughs.”) For what it’s worth, the Web site Politico yesterday published a handy translation of the key passages in Obama’s speech. It turns out our president had lots to say — if you knew how to listen between the lines.
It is often said that Europe is the canary in the coal mine in regards to the clash between Western culture and Islamic values. By most measures, that canary is swooning. This piece, originally published in German (and suffering from a ham-handed English translation), explains how European intellectuals, publishers and politicians have essentially conceded the battle. Seemingly paralyzed by the belief that any utterance carrying even the faintest whiff of unhappiness with Islamic values will be seen as a failure of tolerance and diversity, Europe’s cultural leaders have developed an alarming reflex of self-censorship. More troubling is that I see regular indications that the same thing is happening here.
A WAW reader forwarded this Italian-language video, which is titled “heavy equipment operator’s final exam.” If you’ve ever wondered (and who hasn’t?) how to undress a gorgeous woman using a huge piece of construction machinery, the video shows you. Despite the removal of clothing, however, the video is tame enough to watch at work. (The final exam stops at the underwear stage.) As a one-time equipment operator, I can tell confirm this guy is really good.
February 26th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Love the heavy equipment disrobing. Now that’s talent.
As to the German piece on ‘Islamism’, yes poorly translated (unless the writer is really that bad), however, I love that Europeans can get so outraged over Hirsi Ali, Rushdie, and the cartoon mess and not see the irony in Holocaust denial being a crime punishable with prison time.
As a Muslim, I mostly don’t care what you say, print, or draw about my faith. Although I will argue, try and change opinions, and defend my faith peacefully if I feel strongly enough. But, I understand that those who may already feel under attack by foreign armies, Western government support of repressive governments, and any of a number of other reasons, may feel differently.
There is a lot of talk of self censorship out of fear from fatwas, etc. Lest we forget we practice self censorship every day of our lives, personally, as organizations (including media), and as governments). It’s how we keep from killing each other (at least any more than we do now).
The publication of the cartoons was just stupid. The reaction was predictable. I would no more have published the cartoons than I’d go in to a biker bar and yell out ‘bikers are pansies’. I’m smart enough to know the results. As for Hirsi Ali, she did just that. Not what she said but how she said it was aimed to inflame passions, not create debate.
As far as ‘Islamism’ what many people fail to realize is, is that much of what we view as culturaly Islamic is more ethnically/regionally centered. One has only to look at the broad differences in Islam practiced throughout the world to see this demonstrated.
As a final thought, yes Europe has a problem, but much of that problem can be traced to Europe’s long history of shunning and setting apart those who are different. I hesitate to use the word ghetto, but it is applicable. It’s not just racism, although I’m sure that plays a part. It is also fear of those who are seen as different.
February 26th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Gee wiz GD, “Neither inspiring nor disappointing” at such “a critical moment in our history.” At least no one is offended. “More troubling is that I see regular indications that the same thing is happening here.” “Seemingly paralyzed by the belief that any utterance carrying even the faintest whiff of unhappiness” about Barry “will be seen as a failure of tolerance and diversity.” At least no one can call you a Racist. Check’s in the mail GD.
February 27th, 2009 at 10:29 am
The shovel-jockey’s got an impressive skill set. He disrobed that model with the deft touch of a gigolo - didn’ cause nary a scratch as far as I could see - and I was looking hard too.
Seems to like the woman was beginning to lose interest after awhile. Guess it’s hard to sustain the passion when foreplay includes a two-and-a-half ton front-end loader.
And it makes you wonder about the current physical state of the poor schlubs this guy used to hone his skills. I can see arms getting yanked outta their sockets, maybe even a head or two gettin’ pinched in the jaws of that shovel. Well, you can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs.
He’s an ambitious bastard too. He ain’t resting on his laurels. He’s currently practicing to be a moyl.