Friday, January 25, 2008

Mike Gerson, You're my Hero!

Michael Gerson has opted to enter this discussion both with the unique perspective he gained as the head speechwriter for President Bush, and with his firm belief that the only way for the party of Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt to survive is to “Embrace America’s Ideals”—in short, to unequivocally become the party of Michael Gerson.

The Surrender of the Spirit

"What we have to grasp is that it needn’t have happened to her. History needn’t have been like that. That’s what history is: the story of everything that needn’t have been like that. We also have to grasp that art proves its value by still mattering to people who have been deprived of every other freedom: indeed instead of mattering less, it matters more."

Letters from Kuwait

I recently traveled to Kuwait for an eleven-week internship at the American University of Kuwait. Dartmouth has a partnership of sorts with this school, know as AUK; the College supports this fledgling in an effort to “enhance the development of both institutions.”

All in the Family

It is a remarkable study and a remarkable book. In Fathers and Sons Alexander Waugh effectively allows his forbears to tell their own stories, interjecting only to briskly move the saga along with his family’s characteristic wit and pitch perfect prose.

Gallery Chronicle: Sean Scully

The contrast between this painting, Come and Go, and the large somber painting of the Holly Room leaves the observer convinced that the stripe speaks a language of its own that communicates to all.

Students for a Democratic Society

The two key SDS people there were Al Salzman and Bob Stone, whom I would characterize as number one and number two. Salzman was highly intelligent, even charismatic, with excellent leadership skills and the ability to relate to anyone who could get past his scruffiness. Stone was a plodder, with little sense of humor.

Allahu Overrated?

He seems to say that literature, understood not as divine revelation but simply in its capacity as literature, can replace religion as a guide for morality.

Last Word

Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.
—Oscar Wilde

Mixology: Gin Rickey

2 oz. gin.
3/4 oz. lime juice.
Club soda .

Pour gin and juice over ice into highball. Top with soda. Stir, but gently.