***Dave Does the Blog

A lesson we too often forget.

A lesson we should try to remember.

I’m not saying that the differences we have are not real, that they should be ignored, that they don’t matter.

But too often we look at just the differences, and we ignore the similarities.

Sometimes we think that the differences are all that matter.

Sometimes we think that the differences are all that is real.

Sometimes that’s the most comfortable thing to do. Sometimes that makes things easier, simpler, at least in the short term.

But in the long term, it’s denying reality. And reality can bite you if you ignore it.

If we’re going to survive, we’ll have to remember the similarities, too.

Here’s an interesting idea — UN Secretary-General Bill Clinton?

It would certainly put the nail in the coffin of faith in the UN by many on the right in the US, given the rabid, venomous hatred that constituency has of Clinton. Of course, many of those folks have little faith in the UN already.

Clinton would certainly, as an consummate schmoozer, be a good choice as someone who might actually get the UN to do something other than bicker and make anti-US speeches. He brings a perspective on the Middle East that could be helpful, and he has connections in the US that might be handy, as well.

On the other hand, could Bush and Clinton actually function as peers on the world stage? Either of them? Would the political animus from the GOP make the UN’s job even harder? Would Clinton’s desire to show up Dubya increase tensions?

It’s almost like being able to visualize a train wreck — there’s something fascinating about the whole prospect even if you think it would be dreadful.

(via Scott)

Saddam vows death before exile.

(via Andrea)

Well, it’s certainly not a vacation on the Riviera, but things are getting better — particularly in Kabul, despite all the problems.

Many of those perceived troubles are real and worrisome, and nobody would mistake Kabul for a prosperous and peaceful city. Sections are still in ruins, and many of the 600,000 returning refugees who have flooded the city live precariously on the margins. Islamic militants remain determined to destabilize and oust the Karzai government through violence, and periodic attacks continue. There is also concern that the flashier developments could offend conservative Afghan attitudes and create a dangerously wide divide between the relatively rich and the very poor.
But whatever the risks, the Kabul of today is almost unrecognizable as the austere city ruled not long ago by the Taliban — or as the place where warring Islamic militias demolished neighborhood after neighborhood, or where Soviets presided over a rebellious socialist state.

Most notably, Afghanistan’s seeing a lot of business investment from abroad, and entrepreneurs at home. We should definitely be doing all we can to encourage both.

Why does anyone listen to this man?

It’s also unnecessary to point out to the half a dozen or so sane people who remain that in comparison to the conditions imposed by US tyranny and violence, East Europe under Russian rule was practically a paradise.

Actually, I’m sure Chomsky would get confirmation of his view from those kindly psychologists and judges in the former Soviet bloc who used to send people off to insane asylums for questioning the beneficences and marvels of the People’s State.

Yes, I’ll bet he would.

Amazing.