Two years ago, I posted this reflection on Columbus Day. I was prompted to the reflection in part by an ongoing tiff with the very idea of Columbus Day, the idea that we mark such a terrifying event in world history with a day of leisure. I was prompted just as much (or more) by a New York Times article on laying claim to the Columbus name…what it means to be a long descended relative, etc. On this Columbus Day, I wanted to revisit the holiday and a particular video that’s making the viral rounds. Read the rest of this entry »
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So, the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded. And it goes to Barack Obama, which has now set off an avalanche of grousing and complaining and sarcasm from the right and left. At least we won’t have to talk about the Olympics not being in Chicago any longer. It is always noteworthy when the right and left pick up on the same talking points. Funny for teasing your friends on either side (hey, you and Fox agree!), but also instructive about larger cultural stuffs. Read the rest of this entry »
So, today the media is announcing that Muntader al-Zaidi has been released from prison. And that he alleges torture, both by Iraqi forces and U.S. intelligence agents. I have no idea of such allegations are true, of course, but I don’t think any rational person would be surprised. I am glad the guy got out of prison alive. I am also saddened by the possibility of torture. My remark here, though, is not about al-Zaidi’s case or the problem of torture in our various wars. Rather, I wonder about all of those people who found his case funny and edifying a year or so ago. Read the rest of this entry »