Interesting conversation. To add to the weight of evidence regarding the inanity of the War on Drugs, keep in mind that the black market in poppies is one of the Taliban's greatest assets, and one of the greatest impediments to the achievement of our goals in the region. Some other points.....
-P.J. O'Rourke's masterpiece is truly a great book. It may be fairly thought of as the "Heart of Darkness" of late 20th century popular political/economic punditry; on a per-word basis, the greatest work in the field.
-Being certain of how the Iraq war will be viewed 50 years fron now is not much more wise than, say, Dick Cheney's certainty from five years ago. Just once, I'd like to hear a person who is certain that the Iraq war has been a net disaster for the Iraqi and American people, explain upon what basis they have developed certainty that several more decades of Baathist rule in Iraq would have in the provided a better outcome, unless the theory is that Iraqis are only fit to live under Baathist despotism until the end of time. Mind you, I'm not certain of anything, other than unless the Oil Curse is broken in that region of the world, conflict and tyranny will be unceasing. It seems to me that the population of Iraq is closer now to divying up their mineral wealth by peaceful and nondespotic means than they have ever been, or any large population in
that region has ever been. If they actually get there, and I am by no means predicting the outcome, it will be a stunning achievement, delivering huge global benefits.
Haven't listened to all of it- as usual, you're great. Especially enjoy listening to your intellectual journey to libertarianism- love to read a more detailed account sometime. The bloggingheadtv commenters are trite and ridiculous. Don't let the haters get you down. You've got fans out here.
Megan's journey to the right sounds a bit like O'Rourke's. You start out all bright eyed and ready to play, then see you are surrounded by blackguards, thieves and fools. The only way to truly avoid this regardless of ideology is to avoid be surrounded.
Interesting conversation. To add to the weight of evidence regarding the inanity of the War on Drugs, keep in mind that the black market in poppies is one of the Taliban's greatest assets, and one of the greatest impediments to the achievement of our goals in the region. Some other points.....
-P.J. O'Rourke's masterpiece is truly a great book. It may be fairly thought of as the "Heart of Darkness" of late 20th century popular political/economic punditry; on a per-word basis, the greatest work in the field.
-Being certain of how the Iraq war will be viewed 50 years fron now is not much more wise than, say, Dick Cheney's certainty from five years ago. Just once, I'd like to hear a person who is certain that the Iraq war has been a net disaster for the Iraqi and American people, explain upon what basis they have developed certainty that several more decades of Baathist rule in Iraq would have in the provided a better outcome, unless the theory is that Iraqis are only fit to live under Baathist despotism until the end of time. Mind you, I'm not certain of anything, other than unless the Oil Curse is broken in that region of the world, conflict and tyranny will be unceasing. It seems to me that the population of Iraq is closer now to divying up their mineral wealth by peaceful and nondespotic means than they have ever been, or any large population in
that region has ever been. If they actually get there, and I am by no means predicting the outcome, it will be a stunning achievement, delivering huge global benefits.
Haven't listened to all of it- as usual, you're great. Especially enjoy listening to your intellectual journey to libertarianism- love to read a more detailed account sometime. The bloggingheadtv commenters are trite and ridiculous. Don't let the haters get you down. You've got fans out here.
FYI, "Ayn" is not an alternate spelling of "Ann." It rhymes with "mine."
Megan's journey to the right sounds a bit like O'Rourke's. You start out all bright eyed and ready to play, then see you are surrounded by blackguards, thieves and fools. The only way to truly avoid this regardless of ideology is to avoid be surrounded.
ing. being.
I like how, when you say goodbye to the internet, both Coates and then today Howley step in front of it. Back off you lot, she was talking to me!