Not that Libya is going anywhere. Of course not, don't be silly. An Op-Ed at the New York Times looks realistically at our perfectly dreadful options:
So far, we have chosen an instrument — airstrikes — that is powerful but cannot attain our humanitarian or strategic aims by itself. The charade is over: America has intervened in a civil war with the de facto aim of regime change in Libya. Washington must now accept that decision and face its consequences.
Having committed ourselves to this disaster, we're simply going to have to play a vigorous role. After all, we certainly can't leave it up to this guy.
Oh Lord. If only all invasions could be this easy.
In a brazen attempt to pump sales of my sister's father-in-law's book, I'd like to point out that the scramble for Africa may have been updated. Though I have a very hard time accepting the assertion that in terms of foreign policy, the Chinese have been "...humble, courageous, efficient and discreet", I would concede that a policy based on trade is probably more effective than one relying on military partnerships.
Gender Studies for Jocks: Having read this article on some of the more dubious ways that colleges tamper with their records to be in compliance with Title IX, I have to support them, even if what they're doing does seem quite fraudulent. It seems to me as though even as women have become a majority on campus, they simply aren't necessarily interested in becoming a majority in athletics. The colleges have been compelled to make it appear as though women are taking part in sports in proportion to their enrollment, regardless of whether or not there's an interest. Granted, an interest in showering money on college football and men's basketball plays a significant role but honestly, it just seems as though the way Title IX relies on enforced proportionality makes this much more complicated (and fraud-prone), than it should be.
2012 Watch: So long Haley Barbour. You'll be missed. I can't expect that any of the other Republican candidates will offer such gloriously tone-deaf statements on the Civil Rights Movement. Fortunately, with Bachmann, Gingrich, sorta Palin and unbelievably Trump still in the running, I'm sure we lucky, lucky Americans can still count on being regaled with a plethora of mind-numbingly ignorant rants as the campaign heats up. Can't wait.
Fareed Zakaria analyzes the fantasy that is Donald Trump here.
And Vanity Fair takes a look at his love of the environment.
The law firm hired by Speaker John Boehner to defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court has quit. In explaining their decision, they don't mention any pressure from gay rights activists and say only that the contract wasn't properly vetted but...c'mon. Please. Anyways, one of their senior lawyers has resigned in protest. Much as I detest the DOMA and find it broadly, inescapably offensive to the Constitution, I have to agree with his position:
“I resign out of the firmly held belief that a representation should not be abandoned because the client’s legal position is extremely unpopular in certain quarters,” he wrote. “Defending unpopular clients is what lawyers do. I recognized from the outset that this statute implicates very sensitive issues that prompt strong views on both sides. But having undertaken the representation, I believe there is no honorable course for me but to complete it.”
Hate to say it but he's absolutely right. One of the greatest strengths of our country is that even a despicable client is still afforded representation in court.
I don't much care for pop music. Looks like it might not care much for me either.
Though I'm a bit surprised to say that two Steelers reported for work, I have to say that I'm particularly amazed (with a twinge of sadness), that one of them was Charlie Batch.
I predicted some time ago that sooner or later, some poor ex-President would be dragged howling from retirement and sent to North Korea to try to smooth over the latest boondoggle. Sorry Jimmy. Looks like it's your turn this time around.
In other news of great portent, it is with absolute sadness that I must break the tragic news that we will not be treated to the delicately seasoned culinary offerings of Flavor Flav. The American tradition of cooking excellence may never recover.
Theresa Bait: A little something-something for your viewing pleasure.
Kacee Bait: In which a royal says "arse".
In which an actor wins and loses.
In which the new face of vandalism keeps things cozy.
Pittsburgh is currently dealing with an utterly maddening plague of stinkbugs. In fact, it was the first thing I wrote about. ANYTHING THAT WILL GET RID OF THESE BASTARDS IS A GOOD THING. Seriously. They're the most irritating pests ever. I don't know that it's such a hot idea to replace them with a plague of wasps but at this point, I'm game for anything.
Ending things on a tasty note. One of my favorite quotes (can't remember who said it), has always been: "Cheese is milks great leap towards immortality".
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