Maybe the divisions are wrong. Instead of right/left, which I find less useful every day, we should discuss these matters in other terms.

Honestly, I don't think much of the right wing media (Fox, Weekly Standard, National Review etc.) but I find the likes of CNN, NYT, Time etc. almost as empty and phoney.

This is not just a problem with mainstream media as the extreme (read disconnected or disoriented) instances of blogs from both ends (curiously meeting in the middle - where force is required to perpetuate their 'enlightened' visions of society) illustrate.

Hammer on, even if you hit sand.

That's what seems to exist between the ears of most people who express opinions (yes, I know...)

Rich

It may seem that "turning much of the citizenry into a weak and easily frightened herd" is new, or only happened in the past 8 years, but the Bushian super-warriors don't really deserve that much credit.

Keeping people afraid and stupid is just part of the toolset of imperialism and is used by the left as well. Scaring ignorant people is easy.

Look at the way all these jock-sniffing wimps worship soldiers (who are protecting us from Osama...).

I would be willing to bet that some of these terror suspects, if they do end up in federal prisons, may not be the toughest guys on their block. It could be they'll end being abused by rapists and torturers (again?).

Glenn's absolutely right about the right though, and I think Harry Reid makes my point that it is equally an affliction of the left. So where are we to go for courage?

I have my own opinion, thanks, and yes, I did read (not the entirety of the case) the arguments.

It is not difficult to understand Ricci's claim. Absent showing that the exam was designed to exclude or impair some candidates, other than by the fact of lesser ability to perform, I would always prefer to let an employer, particularly a public safety employer, choose to hire and promote by their own standards.

As you can see, I don't respect the theory of disparate impact as it is applied here, because I prefer equality. One man (or woman), one chance, no more no less.

Rich

It seems that diversity (in this context - diversity of race or ethnicity) is taken for a higher value than fidelity to the constitution.

I expect this will be seen as a racist perspective, and while I agree with Glenn that Rosen's article is pure trash, still, Ricci v. DeStefano is a serious concern. I would not overlook the possibility (I don't overlook it for the right either) that she is not fit to sit on the court.

Whether the judge is a racist or a rogue who has no respect for the constitution as alleged by some (more trustworthy than Rosen) or is misrepresented by the media (or the 'right') can be determined by reading some of her decisions.

If there is evidence of bias or corruption there, such as, in my opinion Ricci, her nomination is questionable on legal and moral grounds.

There is always danger associated with accepting someone else's opinion as fact, even Glenn's opinion.

Rich

Speaking of the automatons who defend Obama's seeming conversion to defender of tyrannical policies:

A person can be conditioned to rely on external stimulus instead of using his conscious faculties.

How else can you explain intelligent people taking up the mantra for Obama (or any political character) in such a way?

The interesting thing is that this is common to all political parties and organizations and is generally an affliction of activists as well as people peripherally (admittedly not interested enough to study matters seriously).

A paper thin veneer of sophistication falls away and underneath is revealed: Joe sixpack. :)

Rich

They say 'a man is known by the friends he keeps'.

As I read this piece, it occurred to me that Obama, contrary to the expectations of a great many people; specifically - transparency, openness, fairness; is quickly developing a record of business as usual.

This is reinforced by what some perceive as his kowtowing (this is my take on what other people are saying, not an accusation) to Chavez and others in his recent tour of the Americas.

Even if Hugo's reputation is undeserved and the amiable Evo Morales is not a latent or actual crazy man, Obama is in no position to risk his credibility by allowing this perception to develop.

The guys in the OLC (Bybee, Yoo et al) under Bush deserve at least a serious investigation by federal prosecutors for their contribution and enabling acts in the torture cases.

Whatever the outcome of the investigation (experience suggests that they will be cleared of any 'wrongdoing' - as if an executive's memo can supercede laws and constitutions), Obama needs hsi justice department to start seeking it, at once.

At least we can do that much. Then, even if the Spanish lose their interest and nobody else comes forward to take this filth on, we will at least have prosecuted them for violating our law.

I may be cynical, but I am realistic.

Thanks for the great job you're doing.

Rich