I was just speaking with a normally reasonable friend, and she said something that just sent me through the roof. Normally we do not talk about politics, simply out of avoiding difficulties. However, someone mentioned the latest suicide bombing at the seder, and my friend stated that “it was unfortunate.”

It was then that I realized that everyone is part of the problem until they become outspoken critics of the latest violence, and until they gain some much needed perspective. So, in case anyone is reading this and does not understand what I am talking about, let me make things abundantly clear:

When it rains during a picnic, it is unfortunate.

When your team does not make the Sweet 16, it is unfortunate.

When you do not get the raise you wanted, it is unfortunate.

When you stub your big toe on the cedar chest on the way to the bathroom, it is unfortunate.

When someone straps 50 lbs of explosives to themselves, walks into a hotel lobby where hundreds of unsuspecting innocents are getting ready to have a celebration, and then pushes a button causing the explosives to detonate, killing 20, wounding hundreds, creating a devil’s brew of blood, furniture, and body parts, it is not unfortunate.

It is COLD BLOODED murder. Until people get this through their thick skulls (CAIR? Arab League?), we are going to have issues.

I was just speaking withPost + Comments

This can not be excused, can not be explained away, and can not go unpunished.

This can not be excused,Post + Comments

27 March, 2002. The day that George W. Bush violated his oath of office.

27 March, 2002. The dayPost + Comments

National Review has a new web design, and it is busy and annoying and gives me a headache. For extra pleasure, the columns are super wide and a pain in the arse to read. Thanks, guys.

National Review has a newPost + Comments

Tom Friedman, another NY Times columnist, on free speech:

The Saudi poet, Abdul Mohsen Musalam, in his poem “The Corrupt on Earth,” published March 10 in the newspaper Al-Madina, wrote: “It is sad that in the Muslim world, justice is suffering from a few judges who care for nothing but their bank accounts and their status with the rulers.” He then added with amazing bluntness about the judges: “Your beards are smeared with blood. You indulge a thousand tyrants and only the tyrant do you obey.”

Not only did the Saudi interior minister throw Mr. Musalam in jail for this poem, but his editor, Mokhtar al-Fal, was fired. So what’s my dilemma? I should be all for free speech – right? – especially in Saudi Arabia.

Not so fast. By accident, I met this poet on a recent trip to Saudi Arabia and I tasted some other free speech he has in him. Readers may recall that I noted in an earlier column that at one newspaper I visited in Saudi Arabia, I walked out after being told that the source of all the problems today was that “the Jews control America.”

Instructive, isn’t it? He actually admits that he may be inclined to be against free speech, if he does not agree with what is being said. Charming.

Tom Friedman, another NY TimesPost + Comments (2)

Poor Mr. Nick Kristoff gets Mr. Lilek’s dander up and pays the price- In other words, Lileks has a new screed up.

Kristoff = Italics, Lileks = Bold

A sample:

It also turns out that a British organization, Indict, is already pursuing an indictment against Saddam for war crimes.

And the Belgian organization Frown is already drafting plans to mount an international campaign of scowling, which will force his regime to divert precious resources to rubber chickens, joy-buzzers and Singing Telegram Gorillas to improve their standing abroad. Meanwhile, the French organization Surrender is drafting plans to cede Marseilles to whomever wants it, just in case.

Need I mention the plans of an American organization, Depose? They’re known informally as the Armed Services.

Poor Mr. Nick Kristoff getsPost + Comments

Sorry folks, but some cultures are just inferior. Nigeria happens to be one of them. I wonder if Mr. Zogby will condemn this?

Via Pejman.

Sorry folks, but some culturesPost + Comments