It really does have some incredible essays; one I'm particularly keen on is Thomas Barnett's piece entitled "The State of the World", first published in Esquire last May. I've been trying, in my own languid and ill-informed fashion, to make some sense of the coming threats: they aren't always what you think they are. I could say "challenges", but as that's so much PC baloney, I'll not do that. Anyway, Mr Barnett makes a convincing case for us to remain skeptical of Iran (even considering the recent "very convenient" revelations), and the legal machinations behind this misnamed "War on Terror"; couple that bit with Jeffrey Rosen's essay about the Attorney Firings (pub: New Republic, Apr 07), and you have a picture that, well, makes you feel a bit uncertain. A bothy in the middle of the Scottish Highlands looks ever more attractive...
(Update: I should tell you I'm reading Mr Barnett's book "The Pentagon's New Map"; it's a complex analysis of the changing world, and what it means for the Pentagon, and for the rest of us considering just how powerful and influential the Pentagon actually is.)
Good reporting and excellent writing all add up to a wonderful experience, and one that can be ongoing: the best essays don't just address current events, but also put them in a context that reveals truths about ourselves as either humans, or as a society. (Both, well, that's a bit of a stretch.) With this years' collection of essays, Mr Flippin has, again, reminded us that not only are there sage observers out there, but that they can write, too! :-) Another one for the bookshelves*.
Carolyn Ann
*When I finally get around to installing them. Right now, I'm still wrestling with the emergency power cabling.
0 comments:
Post a Comment