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Post 0

Monday, June 20 - 9:27pmSanction this postReply
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Thanks Jeff, I really liked the article.

Every now and then, I have something bad to say about the US (unprecedented gov't spending, unprecedented this or that, etc). A quick look at China puts things in perspective -- and little, rational birdies then start to sing a tune in my ear: "sit down and shut up, you're talking about the greatest, most moral nation ever known."

Chances are, I'll still have (every now and again) something bad to say about something bad in the US, but as I like to say -- you can't ever get too much perspective. China IS one bad mammer-jammer -- and we are THE counter-balance to this growing evil.

My only salient concern is that we don't turn into monsters -- whenever we become morally obliged to fight monsters. Those that say this wouldn't or couldn't ever occur, are what I call true-believers (not patriots). The value aimed at MUST inform the chosen means.

Ed



Post 1

Tuesday, June 21 - 3:46amSanction this postReply
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Victor Davis Hanson is currently the best commentator on foreign affairs and the best writer to have emerged from the rubble of September 11 analyses. Last year I brought him to speak at UCSB (as a Students for Academic Freedom event) and he gave a great lecture. Particularly valuable are his analogies between the War on Terror and ancient wars, emphasizing the universality and timelessness of principles. The spotlight he shines on perspective, when it comes to foreign policy and the survival of affluent societies, makes it look frighteningly prescient.

The speech he gave was filmed for DVD. In case anyone's interested, I still have some copies that I'm willing to sell for sex.

Alec     

(Edited by Alec Mouhibian on 6/21, 3:47am)




Post 2

Tuesday, June 21 - 7:04amSanction this postReply
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Yet Pavlovian anti-Americanism may soon begin to die down as the Chinese increasingly flex their muscles on the global stage and the world learns better their methods of operation.
One can hope.  I don't think America's greatest problem is what what the world thinks of her, her problem is within.




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Post 3

Tuesday, June 21 - 8:05amSanction this postReply
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[Mr. Alec Mouhibian:] "Victor Davis Hanson is currently the best commentator on foreign affairs and the best writer to have emerged from the rubble of September 11 analyses."

My top-10 post-September 11 world commentators is composed by:

1.- Mark Steyn (his last article on China is simply outstanding)

2.- Caroline Glick (linked to her last article, also about China; her article "Moving to Sept. 12" is a must read)
3.- Ariel Natan Pasko (with nearly prophetic wisdom; in example: "Israel, tell America the hard tough truth")

4.- Victor Davis Hanson (he literally knows how war works)
5.- Wolfgang Bruno (very deep knowledge about Europe and its decadence)

6.- Rudolf Rummel (after 40 years studying war and peace, he has described the political conditions for world peace)
7.- Jack Wheeler and his To The Point news is also worth reading in a regular basis.

8-10.- Other very bright commentators are the British Melanie Phillips and the Americans Michelle Malkin and Beth Goodtree.

Moreover, I am of the opinion that the mainstream media, and very specially the leftist mainstream media, is hopelessly outdated and parasitic, and thus detrimental to the West. Specialized blogs are their natural substitute.

Best wishes,

Joel Català

PS: Alec, may I ask you whether you are of Armenian origin or not?

(Edited by Joel Català on 6/21, 8:30am)




Post 4

Tuesday, June 21 - 10:26amSanction this postReply
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Besides Victor Davis Hanson, I also really like Paul Johnson and Niall Ferguson.



Post 5

Tuesday, June 21 - 11:49amSanction this postReply
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A very interesting, well-thought-out article. I do think that the basic battle for freedom is occurring within the borders of the United States, and the outcome of that battle will either make or break China as a world power. If the 21st century development of America follows the more libertarian path I have tried to suggest in many of my articles of late, China will fall behind if it chooses to remain on its current statist path. In order to compete with the U.S., they will more likely move towards greater liberalization. and, therefore, be less of a threat.

Joel Catala- I am more optimistic after a brief perusal of your list of good writers since 9/11, most of whom I had not heard.

Alec- I would like to see the DVD of the Hanson speech, and I marvel at your clever attempt to get me to compromise my virtue, but, once again, it will not work.



Post 6

Tuesday, June 21 - 1:11pmSanction this postReply
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Joel, you've blown my cover. (Though as I'm uncut, that will not be enough for the DVD.) Yes, I am Armenian.

And Mark Steyn would top my list of regular columnists, too (and he's incredibly prolific: he writes for at least 7 publications a month). Only reason I didn't mention him as "post-911" is because he's been going at it since long before, if not as popularly. Hanson and Ferguson, on the other hand, only emerged after.

Alec



Post 7

Tuesday, June 21 - 1:33pmSanction this postReply
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Hanson is awesome for both his analysis and tone. He’s great on getting historical perspective – context, as we Objectivist like to say – and in seeing things in proportion. Even when you don’t agree, he earns your respect. I saw him on C-Span a few days after 9/11 taking about his latest book “Culture and Conquests” which led into discussions of current events.

The other links are great, also. Steyn is often republished in the New York Sun. I’ve written comments to Rummel on his blog and he’s given cogent responses – which turn me around on a few issues. Wheeler’s always enjoyable. Thanks, Joel, for adding a few more authors to keep me busy. And thanks Jeff for spreading the word on Hanson.




Post 8

Wednesday, June 22 - 3:06amSanction this postReply
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Oops! I missed an excellent commentator...

Bonus author: the terrific Michael Ledeen.

Best regards,

Joel Català

PS: Alec, I certainly have interest in the DVD, but I won't offer you sex.

(Edited by Joel Català on 6/22, 7:32am)




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