Tag: politics

Thailand Crisis

Bhumibol’s story is also that of a king who lost faith in democracy (if he ever really had it), who constantly meddled behind the scenes in politics and thus, in the twilight of his reign, risks leaving behind a country unprepared for life without “Father”, as Thais affectionately call him. Understanding why a country that was until recently a beacon of pluralism in Asia has become such a “mess”, as the king put it in 2006, is impossible without lifting the thick veil of reverence surrounding him.

can’t wait for Bhumibol’s death. all this nonsense is keeping me away from the amazing food and sights of thailand

Giving Up on God

shifting demographics suggest that the Republican Party — and conservatism with it — eventually will die out unless religion is returned to the privacy of one’s heart where it belongs. Religious conservatives become defensive at any suggestion that they’ve had something to do with the GOP’s erosion. And, though the recent Democratic sweep can be attributed in large part to a referendum on Bush and the failing economy, 3 long-term trends have been devastating to the Republican Party: increasing racial diversity, declining marriage rates and changes in religious beliefs.

if they get rid of the religious nonsense they might even become electable one day.

Reactionary Change

“Nothing has been so direct as the Netanyahu Web site, though we have seen others with shades of it”. When a campaign is successful, “people are going to knock things off, both in terms of functionality and aesthetic.” Websites aside, for liberals in both countries, the idea of Mr. Netanyahu as the Obama candidate of Israel seems mystifying. Of the 3 main contenders for prime minister in February’s election, including Tzipi Livni of Kadima and Ehud Barak of Labor, Mr. Netanyahu is the most hawkish and the least interested in the focus on dialogue with adversaries that Mr. Obama made a centerpiece of his foreign policy platform.

Wherein “change” is co-opted by the ultra reactionaries

Election behind the scenes

If you followed or were at all interested in the 2008 presidential election, this 7-part series by a group of Newsweek reporters is a must read. The reporters were granted exclusive access to the campaigns of Barack Obama, John McCain, and Hillary Clinton for 1 year on the condition that they wouldn’t print anything until after the election was over. The series, of which the first 3 parts are currently up on the Newsweek site, is a fascinating look at how the political process works and contains all manner of salacious political gossip.