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My Life as a Kurd and a Terror Suspect

There is a Fox News meme that has been going around since early March which includes the case of Yassin Aref. It has provided fodder for every right wing blogger who sees terror plots around every corner. Hopefully the release of Son of Mountains will persuade thoughtful people to counteract this hit job, not only in the blog world, but everyday life about such matters.

Even when the local news and national news broke about this arrest in August 2004, I had extreme doubts and reservations about a 'sting' and the alleged ties to a real terrorist plot. After reading Aref's book all those doubts are washed away. The man was framed, setup and hung out to advance the political agenda of Karl Rove and his unwitting conspirator George Bush. Fortunately that's not even what the book is about. Aref's life as a Kurd, his suffering, forbearance, faith and understanding about the human condition may well become the bellwether for literature in the 21st Century. We've certainly had enough from the poor rich bastard stuck at Yale in the 20th Century.

Stepping Up - The Story of Curt Flood and His Fight for Baseball Player's Rights

Even though it is Jackie Robinson day for Major League Baseball, I always find the story of Curt Flood more compelling. As awful as discrimination of any sort is and as noble as Jackie Robinson's role was, everybody seems to forget the guy who made free agency and multi-million dollar contracts possible. Curt Flood took that fight on in the early seventies and was reviled by ownership and players alike. Yet, his struggle, made the game better and helped reverse the reserve clause which more or less legalized slavery in America's pastime.

Curt's story also includes the segregation struggle, racism and the institutional advantage that owner's enjoyed throughout most of the century. Belth writes a compelling story as he follows Flood's early years to his tragic end in the mid nineties. This is a long over due book about baseball's forgotten hero. It's quite sad to realize that no active player attended his funeral. While Major League Baseball probably hasn't matured enough to recognize Flood's contribution, perhaps a movement could start which would consider Flood for the Hall of Fame. His hall of fame career was cut tragically short because he took a noble stand where none had before.

I have to admit this book might not have been on my 'A' list to read, but Mr. Barr's recent appointment to the LNC prompted me to get this one. While I have already met Mr. Barr and recorded his speech in Portland, I will also be serving with him during this term of the LNC. The most important aspect of this relationship is that Mr. Barr is serious and reasonable.

While I was rather indifferent to the whole impeachment of Bill Clinton, I didn't have a big problem with the proceedings. Indeed, as a Libertarian it's frequently assumed that most Presidents violate some aspect of the Constitution and should be held more accountable to principle rather than promoting power and partisanship. Putting aside (and I'll come back to it) any reservations about Mr. Barr's past as a drug warrior, it seems certain that Mr. Barr is cognizant of the relationship of principle and power. For that reason alone I recommend this book and support his tenure on the LNC.

I suppose there has always been an intellectual food chain. Hemingway's dad was a doctor. If there is one eternal factor or reminder that we are all different its quite often intellect that defines us to others. Whether or not that intellect has happy relations or sour ones with others, it does serve us well to visit the view of others. In the libertarian community of today seems to often revolve around the personality of Murray Rothbard for better or worse. When I saw Justin Raimondo's review of Brian Doherty's book I had to go back and crack his book that came about two years ago. It seemed only fair. Antiwar was what originally sent me to Lew Rockwell & the Mises Institute. I might add that I'm happily in that port and would love a chance around the decks on board.

I gotta admit I gobbled this one up. A lot of snarls about Rothbard are poking up in reform circles . While my knowledge of the man is sufficient to give his work the benefit of my reading, there are far more who have not given the benefit of the doubt as aspersions like Hitler and Lenin are associated with Rothbard. Human Action just showed up yesterday. Its a long road to awareness, Hayek might be right. The beat that JR has on BD is that Cato went yuppy. Comfy seats and stylish relations with power in DC are far more tempting than the screeching howling madness of freedom. That's a beat thing right ? In typical Raimondo magic he twirls his historical knowledge and human insight on those who would deny the efficacy or urgency of the cause. While Doherty denies any thesis, I had to see what 'ol Justin is doing for perpetuity . . .

Before the American Revolution there was almost two hundred years of colonization by European powers. As history becomes less of an ideological ax to grind and more of a reasonable account of actions and reactions, analysis like Mr. Taylor's is that much more important. Well written narrative and copious research makes such accounts a tremendous reading experience for the average slouch like me, who doesn't have the time or inclination to delve too deep or travel too far to get an understanding of what really transpired on this continent before the best hunting, fishing and gardening gig was canceled by ambition, disease and misunderstanding. I picked this book up about two years ago at Fort Ticonderoga. Despite about that amount of time to finish it, each concentrated effort was a pleasure and usually went far too fast. I was also determined to finish and review this book before any similar attempt at Thomas Wood's Politically Incorrect Guide to American History.

I'm working on two new book reviews and actually created a category for them.
This is one I did about the Adirondacks. I don't recall the date.

My trips to the Adirondacks as a young man were markedly different since my admission to what Edward Abbey called the Winnebago tribe. High Peak jaunts and canoe portages have been replaced by the family campground with hot showers. The great donut hole battle on Long Lake, the Fong nation up Saddleback with a random Canuck and 'beaver fever' on the Oswegathcie were amongst the greatest moments. The last trip included a stop at the Adirondack Museum during a rather rainy morning. Whereas one used to huddle or just gut one's way through such a mess, it's far easier for a spouse and two year old to visit the beautiful facility in Blue Mountain Lake. Departing through the gift shop required a book.