INS commissioner won’t deport
A worthwhile reference point: INS Commissioner Ziglar thinks it’s unrealistic and unreasonable to deport illegal aliens.
James Kalb
Gallagher on “gay marriage”
A sensible discussion by Maggie Gallagher of what is at stake with “gay marriage”. Nothing new or dazzling, but why are so many people so oblivious to these points? (My own anwer, of course, is that their metaphysics doesn’t let the issues arise no matter what the facts.)
New Episcopal bishop in DC
News flash from a swamp I left recently: New Episcopal bishop voices liberal views. Justice is a good thing, so it’s no doubt good that the Episcopal bishop of Washington, D.C. favors justice. Still, interpretation is everything, and it’s interesting that his old home diocese joined a number of others who didn’t consent to … More ...
More on Jefferson-Hemings
Here’s more about the Jefferson-Hemings business that we’ve commented on before. The arguments against Jefferson’s paternity seem quite strong, which confirms the thought I had when I visited Monticello a couple of months ago, that they’ve accepted the story there because to do otherwise would likely lead to a public relations disaster. And here … More ...
AI goes capitalist
The pieces come progressively together: Amnesty International is buying stock to bring shareholders’ resolutions to pressure multinationals to adopt comprehensive policies on human rights that include explicit commitments to “support and uphold the principles and values contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights”—whatever that means. Get a few big foundations and public … More ...
European rightward turn and UN
Also from CFAM, a possible consequence of the (comparatively) rightward turn in Europe: European Rightward Tilt may Affect UN Business.
No to CDAW!
Action Alert from Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute: say “no” to The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women! Just call W at 202-456-1111 and say into the recording “Mr. President, Un-sign CEDAW.” (CEDAW is pronounced See-Daw.) Also, email Colin Powell at secretary@state.gov and write, “Mr. Secretary, Un-sign CEDAW.”
Here’s … More ...
NYT columnist favors racial profiling
Worth noting: Nicholas Kristof of The New York Times comes out in favor of ethnic profiling. “Young Arab men are more likely to ram planes into nuclear power plants than are little old ladies, and as such they should be more vigorously searched.” It will be interesting to see where this goes.
Why special measures?
It’s an issue: We’re Losing Our Civil Liberties for Nothing. If enough was known pre-September 11 to stop the hijackers, why all the special measures to advance the “War against Terrorism”?
The reason, of course, is equality. If everyone must be treated the same, and odd behavior of conspicuous people overlooked because that would … More ...
The Upanishads
On reading the Upanishads: they have a certain prestige in the modern world because on their face they are philosophical speculations and not divine revelation. There is no irrationality in them, just profound thought about the most basic issues. The prestige and apparent rationality come at a price, however. As the most sacred scriptures of … More ...