Military operations continue in Israel, but The Jerusalem Post's incomparable Caroline Glick lays down the unfortunate reality: Olmert Still Refuses To Get It. Palestinian factions including both Hamas and Fatah, plus much of the surrounding Arab world (not to even mention Iran), all want to destroy Israel, and Olmert responds by laying blame on the Jewish settlers in Judea and Samaria.
This boneheaded thinking must stop immediately, or else Israel could face ever greater dangers to its populace. I've said it before and I'll say it again: The Jewish settlers in the territories are a vital part of the nation, and Israel is exponentially stronger united than divided.
On a similar token, meanwhile, the Jewish state should welcome its allies across the globe with open arms. In particular, many millions of such friends (now famously including Ghana's John Paintsil) reside in Sub-Saharan Africa, and now it's time, a Jerusalem Post writer argues, for Israel to fully embrace them. I couldn't agree more. Cheers to such a relationship!
Friday, June 30, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Israel News: The Best Defense Is A Good Offense
Finally, even Olmert and the peaceniks could take it no more. After countless Palestinian terror and rocket attacks, Israel has at last undertaken some offensive measures, striking Hamas in Gaza primarily through aerial attacks. According to the IDF, the strikes will continue until the terrorists release kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
This is certainly a good start, but Israel needs to continue the assault far beyond its stated objective. Of course Cpl. Shalit's safety is without question of the utmost importance, and we should steadfastly hope and pray for his quick return. But once this occurs, Israel mustn't relax its offensive and should instead continue to press against the terrorists with overwhelming force. These evil enemies of the Jewish state have repeatedly demonstrated their genocidal intentions, and clearly cannot be appeased by concessions and negotiations. Only utter defeat will stop them, and Israel must accomplish this immediately and overwhelmingly.
Other Israeli news:
One of the original investors in a Palestinian power plant destroyed in the recent Gaza operations was none other than disgraced U.S. company Enron. Even in the unlikeliest of ways, the Palestinian propensity for criminality still astounds.
Meanwhile, away from the conflict, Israel continues to be a hotbed of technology and innovation. Notably in recent days, software company Tuval Industries developed a program to simulate human speech in Microsoft Power Point presentations. Now just type in sentences and your slideshow can chatter away.
Also last night, two Israeli players were drafted into the NBA: Lior Eliyahu by the Orlando Magic (who subsequently traded him to the Houston Rockets) and Yotam Halperin by the Seattle Supersonics. No Israeli has ever played an NBA regular-season game (Doron Sheffer was drafted in the mid-Nineties, but opted to return to Israel), and it appears this will be a first in 2006.
This is certainly a good start, but Israel needs to continue the assault far beyond its stated objective. Of course Cpl. Shalit's safety is without question of the utmost importance, and we should steadfastly hope and pray for his quick return. But once this occurs, Israel mustn't relax its offensive and should instead continue to press against the terrorists with overwhelming force. These evil enemies of the Jewish state have repeatedly demonstrated their genocidal intentions, and clearly cannot be appeased by concessions and negotiations. Only utter defeat will stop them, and Israel must accomplish this immediately and overwhelmingly.
Other Israeli news:
One of the original investors in a Palestinian power plant destroyed in the recent Gaza operations was none other than disgraced U.S. company Enron. Even in the unlikeliest of ways, the Palestinian propensity for criminality still astounds.
Meanwhile, away from the conflict, Israel continues to be a hotbed of technology and innovation. Notably in recent days, software company Tuval Industries developed a program to simulate human speech in Microsoft Power Point presentations. Now just type in sentences and your slideshow can chatter away.
Also last night, two Israeli players were drafted into the NBA: Lior Eliyahu by the Orlando Magic (who subsequently traded him to the Houston Rockets) and Yotam Halperin by the Seattle Supersonics. No Israeli has ever played an NBA regular-season game (Doron Sheffer was drafted in the mid-Nineties, but opted to return to Israel), and it appears this will be a first in 2006.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Israel News, Women Vote in Kuwait, Roger Waters
Israel's government must wake up immediately. Palestinian terrorists just announced that they have created an arsenal of WMDs. That's right - chemical and biological weapons with which they surely plan to attack. And what has Israel done in response? Practically nothing. Olmert's leadership has taken a dangerous and disturbing turn, and his government must either assume the offensive or cede power to a new leadership that will. Read fellow blogger Mad Zionist's analysis of the situation for more details and insight. Columnist Diana West, meanwhile, offers very similar advice to America in its fight against Islamic jihadism and terror.
On a similar note, in complete violation of the World Trade Organization agreement, Saudi Arabia has announced that it will continue to economically boycott Israel. And at the same time, its school textbooks still refer to Jews and Christians as "apes and "swine". Real "friendly" country they are. The fact that they've had the gall to offer a "peace plan" while simultaneously trying to undercut Israel from all directions is just outrageous.
Of course, though, ridiculous one-sided criticism of Israel continues among the clueless leftist crowd. After performing a concert at a joint Jewish-Arab village (the circumstances surrounding which I previously covered on this site), former Pink Floyd leader Roger Waters compared Israel's life-saving security barrier to the Berlin Wall, and urged its removal in the name of "peace". Apparently some people just never learn. Israel Insider sums it best: Just another prick at the wall.
Speaking of leftism, meanwhile, fellow blogger Beakerkin, writing over at The Beak Speaks, has penned a hard-hitting, insightful piece on why Communism has been particularly terrible for the Jewish people. Read the comments at the bottom of the post as well; it's a fascinating discussion.
Fortunately not all is bad in the Middle East, though: Women in Kuwait finally have been permitted to vote. This is a powerful step towards modernization and rejection of Islamic fundamentalism, and we should all encourage such further reforms in the region.
Meanwhile, in other news:
Take that, North Korea! U.S. missile defense system completes successful testing.
Real Clear Politics' Jack Kelly explains why America's war in Iraq has greatly benefited from the mainstream media's decline and the rise in alternative news outlets.
And finally, it's a couple weeks old, but rock musician Seth Swirsky (he's probably not a household name but wrote huge hits for Taylor Dayne, Al Green Tina Turner, Celine, Dion, and many others) lays out why he abandoned the Left and became a political conservative. In Swirsky's words, paraphrasing Ronald Reagan: "I didn't leave the party - It left me!" Visit his website at http://www.seth.com/ (which is pretty neat in itself - of all the people out there named Seth, he's the one with the site name) for more information.
On a similar note, in complete violation of the World Trade Organization agreement, Saudi Arabia has announced that it will continue to economically boycott Israel. And at the same time, its school textbooks still refer to Jews and Christians as "apes and "swine". Real "friendly" country they are. The fact that they've had the gall to offer a "peace plan" while simultaneously trying to undercut Israel from all directions is just outrageous.
Of course, though, ridiculous one-sided criticism of Israel continues among the clueless leftist crowd. After performing a concert at a joint Jewish-Arab village (the circumstances surrounding which I previously covered on this site), former Pink Floyd leader Roger Waters compared Israel's life-saving security barrier to the Berlin Wall, and urged its removal in the name of "peace". Apparently some people just never learn. Israel Insider sums it best: Just another prick at the wall.
Speaking of leftism, meanwhile, fellow blogger Beakerkin, writing over at The Beak Speaks, has penned a hard-hitting, insightful piece on why Communism has been particularly terrible for the Jewish people. Read the comments at the bottom of the post as well; it's a fascinating discussion.
Fortunately not all is bad in the Middle East, though: Women in Kuwait finally have been permitted to vote. This is a powerful step towards modernization and rejection of Islamic fundamentalism, and we should all encourage such further reforms in the region.
Meanwhile, in other news:
Take that, North Korea! U.S. missile defense system completes successful testing.
Real Clear Politics' Jack Kelly explains why America's war in Iraq has greatly benefited from the mainstream media's decline and the rise in alternative news outlets.
And finally, it's a couple weeks old, but rock musician Seth Swirsky (he's probably not a household name but wrote huge hits for Taylor Dayne, Al Green Tina Turner, Celine, Dion, and many others) lays out why he abandoned the Left and became a political conservative. In Swirsky's words, paraphrasing Ronald Reagan: "I didn't leave the party - It left me!" Visit his website at http://www.seth.com/ (which is pretty neat in itself - of all the people out there named Seth, he's the one with the site name) for more information.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
New Sports Hero: Footballer John Paintsil of Ghana
TheSolidSurfer.com would like to present our new sports hero: Ghanian soccer player John Paintsil. After scoring two goals in a key World Cup win over the Czech Republic, Pantsil, who plays professionally in Israel, waved an Israeli flag to the cheering crowd. (Photo credit: AP)
Naturally, Paintsil's gesture has thrilled many Israelis, many of whom warmly celebrated Ghana's victory. Just as unsuprisingly, though, a number of Arab countries have erupted in fury, and as usual, the conspiracy theory allegations are already on the table. (And yes, you read that correctly - Egyptian newspapers think Paintsil is a Mossad agent. What next - an editorial claiming he's the Mayor of Tel Aviv in disguise?)
So why did Paintsil do it? In his own words, because he is a religious man who holds a special place in his heart for Israel. Also, as a foreign resident, he greatly enjoys living there, and wanted to show some appreciation for his many Israeli fans.
Sadly, Ghana's Football Association then succumbed to political correctness and apologized to those "offended" by the flag-wave. But Paintsil said he didn't care about political implications; he only wanted to support Israel and its people. And plus, he continued, many Ghanians agreed with him: "Everyone was very proud of me for bringing a little happiness to Israel."
Count me in among that crowd. That's why Mr. Paintsil is TheSolidSurfer.com's first official Sports Hero of the Day.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Reducing Oil Dependence: Clean Energy From Algae
As previously discussed on this blog, America has numerous options for reducing its unhealthy dependence on foreign oil. Ethanol, for one, has been a recent newsmaker, and hydrogen fuel, oil shale, tar sand extraction, synthetic petroleum, and even nuclear fusion have entered the possibility mix.
But while all of these techniques show great promise, they face the overwhelming downside of high costs. In time, innovation should lower these expenses, but this provides little consolation to our immediate needs, given the petrodollars that continuously flood into terror-supporting regimes.
So what should America do? A Cambridge, Massachusetts start-up called GreenFuel Technolgies Corporation has an exciting answer: Start collecting the seaweed from our sushi rolls.
Well, not quite that nitty gritty, but algae is indeed the name of the game. GreenFuel has developed a unique bioreactor system that stimulates the marine weed to convert the carbon dioxide from smokestack emissions into clean-burning biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen, and methane. Just grow the algae, place it in the smokestacks, apply GreenFuel's conversion process, and presto: the emissions are soaked up and transformed into energy.
This is accomplished, meanwhile, without creating substantial additional costs; algae growth is inexpensive, and little fossil fuel power is required beyond the coal already burning beneath the smokestacks.
GreenFuel's process is quick, handy, and can be implemented on a large scale almost immediately. For the time being, this technology really does appear to be the answer. It may not supplant foreign oil entirely, but until the costs of ethanol, oil shale, and fusion decline dramatically, it is an excellent and highly welcome alternative.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Rabbi Hecht on Fences and Borders
"Good fences make good neighbors."
Besides being the centerpiece of a famous Robert Frost poem, this line often accurately applies to international relations. Nations have a right to protect their sovereignities and defend their populations, and border fences frequently provide a handy solution. In just recent years, countries from India to Morocco to Spain to Botswana have employed walls and fences to successfully demarcate territorial lines and block out would-be invaders.
During construction of these fences, the world has collectively yawned, tacitly understanding the purpose of the barriers and muting any criticism. This large-scale acceptance of fences, in fact, has been so widespread and unremarkable that it would almost escape notice.
But in all this agreement, one striking anomaly stands out: Israel. The moment the Jewish state began constructing a fence to block out Palestinian terrorism, the international community erupted in anger. Hypocrisy? As is usual with hyper-critics of Israel, of course.
So what can Israel do? Guest contributor Rabbi Shea Hecht has an excellent answer: Expose the critics, and their hypocrisy will fall.
People Who Live in Glass Houses
by Rabbi Shea Hecht
Recently, native Hawaiians began struggling with the United States for autonomy. In another part of our country, a barrier is being built along the Mexican border to keep illegal immigrants out. These two current event issues don’t really have much to do with each other. However, they do mimic events in the Middle East. Since these events are so similar to events in the Middle East one would think that American reaction to the issues at home would be similar to their reaction of events in the Middle East.
Americans backed the overthrow of the Hawaiian government in 1893, annexed the country to ours in 1898 and Hawaii gained statehood in 1959. All of this was done because in that imperialist era many countries were vying for colonies and Americans were not the only ones who had plantations and farms in Hawaii. Being that its ruler, Queen Liliuokalani, was weak it was only a matter of time before some other country took Hawaii if the USA didn’t. Once the USA acquired Hawaii they assured themselves that the produce and taxes of the country remained in their hands and that no other country can take Hawaii over and push the American sugar planters out.
Now, less than 100 years later, some Hawaiians claim that what transpired back then was illegal, and they want self government. Though one solution that’s been offered is separate land and government for the Natives, many native Hawaiians aren’t satisfied and want complete secession from the USA.
The Middle East has a similar problem and based on American feeling there I feel Americans should give the Hawaiians their complete freedom. Israel is being urged to give away land to pre-war borders. Because of this American attitude I would think that Americans are aware that just because you lived in the land and have papers stating that it’s yours - or you won it through a revolution or war - doesn’t mean the land is yours. So perhaps the USA should go back to pre-war borders, too, and give the Hawaiians their complete freedom.
Furthermore, I didn’t hear any major protest by Americans when the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education, or NATFHE, the largest teacher’s union in Great Britain passed a vote to boycott Israeli academia because of Israeli "apartheid" policy - policy that is not meant to separate but to protect. To me the lack of loud protest means what the British did is just fine. The solution that is on the table with Hawaii right now, to give the Hawaiians their own land and government within Hawaii, is similar to the two-state solution in the Middle East which is being dubbed apartheid. If Israel shouldn’t go there, I don’t think the USA should be either.
As for the issue of building fences to protect a country as the USA is doing at the Mexican border: when the House of Representatives voted in late May to tighten sanctions on Palestinians it drew the displeasure of the Bush administration because the legislation "went too far." Can a law that protects the victim from the aggressor go "too far?" The USA certainly doesn’t feel that way about the illegal immigrants coming in from Mexico. The news articles over the past few weeks reflect anger by Americans who feel their quality of life is being ruined by outsiders. When Israelis’ feel their very lives are in danger should they not have the support of nations that feel this same way? Mexicans are hurting the USA monetarily; they aren’t threatening American lives. Building a fence to take such a strong stand against people who are looking for a better life, seems like things are going "too far." When President Bush spoke at the graduation at the Military Academy at West Point, he told the cadets that ignoring the lack of freedom in the Middle East has not made America safer. I’m sure he can understand that it hasn’t made Israel safer either and they must protect themselves - just as the USA should.
Additionally, when Mexican President Vincente Fox said that the USA and Mexico must work together to manage immigration or Mexico will sue the US over immigration he became a laughing stock. You are hurting us and suing us? Yet, terrorists enter Israel under many different guises, hurt the citizens, kill people cause mayhem and they sue for damages and freedoms! Why is it different?
"People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones" is an old and overused adage. Nonetheless, it fits snugly into current events. If the USA isn’t vigorously protesting the British Academia boycott they shouldn’t be setting up a separate state for the indigenous native Hawaiians, because that would be the same apartheid set up in their own land. If the USA supports a wall between the USA and Mexico to protect the American population from the "invading" Mexicans who are hurting the "flavor" of our country and our finances, they certainly should not be complaining about any similar steps taken to protect Israeli citizens. Perhaps the USA should look into their own backyard before they throw stones.
TheSolidSurfer.com responds: Rabbi, thank you for the excellent piece. I couldn't have said it better myself. Hopefully the "glass houses" will crumble as more and more people recognize the folly of unfairly singling Israel for criticism.
Everyone please note also that the article is available as well on Rabbi Hecht's own website. If you enjoy reading TheSolidSurfer.com, I highly recommend paying him a visit. And, of course, stay tuned for more of his writing and that of our other guest contributors alongside our main content.
Besides being the centerpiece of a famous Robert Frost poem, this line often accurately applies to international relations. Nations have a right to protect their sovereignities and defend their populations, and border fences frequently provide a handy solution. In just recent years, countries from India to Morocco to Spain to Botswana have employed walls and fences to successfully demarcate territorial lines and block out would-be invaders.
During construction of these fences, the world has collectively yawned, tacitly understanding the purpose of the barriers and muting any criticism. This large-scale acceptance of fences, in fact, has been so widespread and unremarkable that it would almost escape notice.
But in all this agreement, one striking anomaly stands out: Israel. The moment the Jewish state began constructing a fence to block out Palestinian terrorism, the international community erupted in anger. Hypocrisy? As is usual with hyper-critics of Israel, of course.
So what can Israel do? Guest contributor Rabbi Shea Hecht has an excellent answer: Expose the critics, and their hypocrisy will fall.
People Who Live in Glass Houses
by Rabbi Shea Hecht
Recently, native Hawaiians began struggling with the United States for autonomy. In another part of our country, a barrier is being built along the Mexican border to keep illegal immigrants out. These two current event issues don’t really have much to do with each other. However, they do mimic events in the Middle East. Since these events are so similar to events in the Middle East one would think that American reaction to the issues at home would be similar to their reaction of events in the Middle East.
Americans backed the overthrow of the Hawaiian government in 1893, annexed the country to ours in 1898 and Hawaii gained statehood in 1959. All of this was done because in that imperialist era many countries were vying for colonies and Americans were not the only ones who had plantations and farms in Hawaii. Being that its ruler, Queen Liliuokalani, was weak it was only a matter of time before some other country took Hawaii if the USA didn’t. Once the USA acquired Hawaii they assured themselves that the produce and taxes of the country remained in their hands and that no other country can take Hawaii over and push the American sugar planters out.
Now, less than 100 years later, some Hawaiians claim that what transpired back then was illegal, and they want self government. Though one solution that’s been offered is separate land and government for the Natives, many native Hawaiians aren’t satisfied and want complete secession from the USA.
The Middle East has a similar problem and based on American feeling there I feel Americans should give the Hawaiians their complete freedom. Israel is being urged to give away land to pre-war borders. Because of this American attitude I would think that Americans are aware that just because you lived in the land and have papers stating that it’s yours - or you won it through a revolution or war - doesn’t mean the land is yours. So perhaps the USA should go back to pre-war borders, too, and give the Hawaiians their complete freedom.
Furthermore, I didn’t hear any major protest by Americans when the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education, or NATFHE, the largest teacher’s union in Great Britain passed a vote to boycott Israeli academia because of Israeli "apartheid" policy - policy that is not meant to separate but to protect. To me the lack of loud protest means what the British did is just fine. The solution that is on the table with Hawaii right now, to give the Hawaiians their own land and government within Hawaii, is similar to the two-state solution in the Middle East which is being dubbed apartheid. If Israel shouldn’t go there, I don’t think the USA should be either.
As for the issue of building fences to protect a country as the USA is doing at the Mexican border: when the House of Representatives voted in late May to tighten sanctions on Palestinians it drew the displeasure of the Bush administration because the legislation "went too far." Can a law that protects the victim from the aggressor go "too far?" The USA certainly doesn’t feel that way about the illegal immigrants coming in from Mexico. The news articles over the past few weeks reflect anger by Americans who feel their quality of life is being ruined by outsiders. When Israelis’ feel their very lives are in danger should they not have the support of nations that feel this same way? Mexicans are hurting the USA monetarily; they aren’t threatening American lives. Building a fence to take such a strong stand against people who are looking for a better life, seems like things are going "too far." When President Bush spoke at the graduation at the Military Academy at West Point, he told the cadets that ignoring the lack of freedom in the Middle East has not made America safer. I’m sure he can understand that it hasn’t made Israel safer either and they must protect themselves - just as the USA should.
Additionally, when Mexican President Vincente Fox said that the USA and Mexico must work together to manage immigration or Mexico will sue the US over immigration he became a laughing stock. You are hurting us and suing us? Yet, terrorists enter Israel under many different guises, hurt the citizens, kill people cause mayhem and they sue for damages and freedoms! Why is it different?
"People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones" is an old and overused adage. Nonetheless, it fits snugly into current events. If the USA isn’t vigorously protesting the British Academia boycott they shouldn’t be setting up a separate state for the indigenous native Hawaiians, because that would be the same apartheid set up in their own land. If the USA supports a wall between the USA and Mexico to protect the American population from the "invading" Mexicans who are hurting the "flavor" of our country and our finances, they certainly should not be complaining about any similar steps taken to protect Israeli citizens. Perhaps the USA should look into their own backyard before they throw stones.
TheSolidSurfer.com responds: Rabbi, thank you for the excellent piece. I couldn't have said it better myself. Hopefully the "glass houses" will crumble as more and more people recognize the folly of unfairly singling Israel for criticism.
Everyone please note also that the article is available as well on Rabbi Hecht's own website. If you enjoy reading TheSolidSurfer.com, I highly recommend paying him a visit. And, of course, stay tuned for more of his writing and that of our other guest contributors alongside our main content.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Cheering For Iran At The World Cup
I'm going to cheer for Iran in its next World Cup soccer game.
Yep, you heard that correctly - I hope Iran wins its upcoming match against Portugal. No, I have nothing against the Portuguese, and I mean no disrespect to the thousands of protestors demonstrating against Iran at the tournament. (In fact, I quite sympathize with them.) But this weekend, I'll be thrilled to see an Iranian victory.
Why? Because if Iran advances to the competition's second round (and they need a win to stay alive, having lost their opener to Mexico 3-1), President Ahmadinejad will likely visit the tournament site in Nuremberg, Germany to watch his team. And once he steps onto foreign soil, the chances of his being arrested for genocidal intent increases dramatically.
True, Germany has cowardly declared that it won't do so due to Ahmadinejad's diplomatic passport. But let's see whether they'll actually keep this promise in light of such massive external pressure. And even without the host nation, I'm willing to bet that America, Israel, and/or other allies have sent agents to the tournament to pounce upon the Iranian leader at the first possible opportunity.
Sixty years ago, some of the world's worst war criminals were convicted at Nuremberg. It's time to add another to the list.
So here's a huge cheer for Iran. First for its soccer team. And then for its freedom.
Yep, you heard that correctly - I hope Iran wins its upcoming match against Portugal. No, I have nothing against the Portuguese, and I mean no disrespect to the thousands of protestors demonstrating against Iran at the tournament. (In fact, I quite sympathize with them.) But this weekend, I'll be thrilled to see an Iranian victory.
Why? Because if Iran advances to the competition's second round (and they need a win to stay alive, having lost their opener to Mexico 3-1), President Ahmadinejad will likely visit the tournament site in Nuremberg, Germany to watch his team. And once he steps onto foreign soil, the chances of his being arrested for genocidal intent increases dramatically.
True, Germany has cowardly declared that it won't do so due to Ahmadinejad's diplomatic passport. But let's see whether they'll actually keep this promise in light of such massive external pressure. And even without the host nation, I'm willing to bet that America, Israel, and/or other allies have sent agents to the tournament to pounce upon the Iranian leader at the first possible opportunity.
Sixty years ago, some of the world's worst war criminals were convicted at Nuremberg. It's time to add another to the list.
So here's a huge cheer for Iran. First for its soccer team. And then for its freedom.
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Conservative Rock Songs, Reagan's Children, and more
Lots of interesting happenings to catch up on:
The Jerusalem Post's Caroline Glick hammers Western leftists who ignore and/or appease Muslim jihadism. And she's absolutely correct to do so.
WorldNetDaily's Joseph Farah questions the wisdom of President Bush's choice of Goldman Sachs boss Hank Paulson for U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. I don't know enough about Paulson to properly comment on Farah's particular worries (Paulson's ties to the Chinese government and to leftwing environmental groups), but I'm concerned about something else - can a career dealmaker handle the Treasury post as well as the prominent economists who recently preceded him? Only time will tell.
National Review has chosen a list of the 50 greatest conservative rock songs of all time. At Number One - The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again". Never realized until now how anti-leftist the lyrics are, but it's a fantastic song all the way. My personal choice for most conservative tune, the Beatles' "Taxman", sits at Number Two. Check out the whole list - plenty of classics, and more than a few surprises.
Have the recent illegal immigrant marches persuaded Americans to assume more hardline views on the issue? A small clue may have come from a Michigan GOP straw poll, which immigration hawk Tom Tancredo surprisingly won by a healthy margin. Granted, straw polls are greatly limited by small sample size, but it's an interesting development to watch.
Victor Davis Hanson explains the reasons behind Europe's widespread general sense of unease. Unsurprisingly, of course, the primary culprits are leftism, the welfare state, and Muslim radicalism. But as always, Dr. Hanson injects unique perspectives into his analysis that result in typically fascinating reading.
Blog of the Day: Reagan's Children. No, this isn't a family journal by Michael, Ron Jr., and Patti, but rather a blog about today's Generation Y, who were born during Reagan's presidential years (1981-1989) and have largely inherited his conservative legacy. Two of my favorite Internet columnists, Ben Shapiro and Hans Zeiger, are prominent contributors.
The Jerusalem Post's Caroline Glick hammers Western leftists who ignore and/or appease Muslim jihadism. And she's absolutely correct to do so.
WorldNetDaily's Joseph Farah questions the wisdom of President Bush's choice of Goldman Sachs boss Hank Paulson for U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. I don't know enough about Paulson to properly comment on Farah's particular worries (Paulson's ties to the Chinese government and to leftwing environmental groups), but I'm concerned about something else - can a career dealmaker handle the Treasury post as well as the prominent economists who recently preceded him? Only time will tell.
National Review has chosen a list of the 50 greatest conservative rock songs of all time. At Number One - The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again". Never realized until now how anti-leftist the lyrics are, but it's a fantastic song all the way. My personal choice for most conservative tune, the Beatles' "Taxman", sits at Number Two. Check out the whole list - plenty of classics, and more than a few surprises.
Have the recent illegal immigrant marches persuaded Americans to assume more hardline views on the issue? A small clue may have come from a Michigan GOP straw poll, which immigration hawk Tom Tancredo surprisingly won by a healthy margin. Granted, straw polls are greatly limited by small sample size, but it's an interesting development to watch.
Victor Davis Hanson explains the reasons behind Europe's widespread general sense of unease. Unsurprisingly, of course, the primary culprits are leftism, the welfare state, and Muslim radicalism. But as always, Dr. Hanson injects unique perspectives into his analysis that result in typically fascinating reading.
Blog of the Day: Reagan's Children. No, this isn't a family journal by Michael, Ron Jr., and Patti, but rather a blog about today's Generation Y, who were born during Reagan's presidential years (1981-1989) and have largely inherited his conservative legacy. Two of my favorite Internet columnists, Ben Shapiro and Hans Zeiger, are prominent contributors.
Sunday, June 4, 2006
Back Online at TheSolidSurfer.com
Dear all,
I'm back in town, and TheSolidSurfer.com is again up and running! Many thanks to the guest contributors from the past week; it's great to have your writing on the site. I plan to resume regular posting shortly, but in the meantime, I'd like to mention that on my trip I met fellow blogger MadZionist, and we had a great time hanging out! More on this later, but check out his blog for the scoop.
Hope everyone has had a great week, and I look forward to resuming content on this site.
-TheSolidSurfer.com
I'm back in town, and TheSolidSurfer.com is again up and running! Many thanks to the guest contributors from the past week; it's great to have your writing on the site. I plan to resume regular posting shortly, but in the meantime, I'd like to mention that on my trip I met fellow blogger MadZionist, and we had a great time hanging out! More on this later, but check out his blog for the scoop.
Hope everyone has had a great week, and I look forward to resuming content on this site.
-TheSolidSurfer.com
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