Assignment Desk
James Poulos, Ed. ·
August 9, 2010 at 12:24am
Claire's call for book topics reminds me of a great blog convention that I strangely haven't taken for a spin at Ricochet. It's called the assignment desk post, and it goes something like this: OK, ladies and gents -- tell us who you'd like to see post about what.
Have at it!
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Re: Assignment Desk
I know. Okan (my Murky in Turkey partner) keeps shoving that video into the hands of anyone who will listen. And yes, it's fascinating, spooky, suggestive, and horrifying. I may well post about it; good idea.
Re: Assignment Desk
Wrong! Your suggestions are not only most interesting, but heeded. By me, anyway. But I suppose you're just exhibiting the typical modesty of your modest flyover state. That's how things are done in your culture, aren't they?
May '10
Re: Assignment Desk
Claire Berlinski
Wrong! Your suggestions are not only most interesting, but heeded. By me, anyway. But I suppose you're just exhibiting the typical modesty of your modest flyover state. That's how things are done in your culture, aren't they? · Aug 9 at 3:23am
Zing! This is why I love Ricochet so much. Here's a question for you, Claire, from someone who was an International Relations major but somehow ended up in a small town raising kids instead of traveling the world. How did you end up abroad? (and yes, that is one word...) Had you traveled to or lived in Europe when you were younger, spent a year studying in Europe in college, or just had the urge to explore other countries so you did it?
Re: Assignment Desk
Long story, Diane. I'll save it for a post ... it could not possibly be contained to 200 words. But this is how I ended up, for example, in Thailand.
May '10
Re: Assignment Desk
Fascinating. Yes, though I didn't say that specifically I meant I'd love to see a post on that topic some day. Here's a short question for you, though. If I order one of your books to read, which one should I start with? Margaret Thatcher? One of your spy novels? Which book are you most eager to get into the hands of new readers?
Re: Assignment Desk
David Jones:
As for politics, I’m always interested in Africa--especially sub-Saharan African politics and history. One thing that I would love to see explored is how liberation theology--christianity perverted by Marxism--really screwed things up.
I would love for someone to do a study of how many of Africa's kleptocrats and strongmen came through Jesuit schools? · Aug 8 at 7:43pm
I agree; this completely fascinates me, as well. I know nothing about it, but maybe I can investigate a bit ... Thanks, David.
Jun '10
Re: Assignment Desk
What? No one has yet suggested a deep, undercover investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Mark Steyn from Ricochet-istania? Just kidding.
One of the features I enjoy so much about our Ricochet community here is the cross-section of America represented. It is a stimulating and enjoyable environment (and a drain on my day-job productivity, at times). Life is more than just politics. Life is life. The stories and experiences we share increase the depth of the community.
So I'll soak in whatever topics get offered. Similar to other ideas already presented, I would enjoy the periodic "symposium" in which Ricochet would periodically post a topic or a question, and invite the full community to submit stories, essays, ruminations to those topics. I do think the editors should exercise rightful control and content moderation though, as they labor to build the Ricochet brand. Editors could then choose and highlight community contributions as they see fit. Not that we all don't have value to contribute - we most certainly do - but I recognize the need for structure as Ricochet grows.
In the meantime, I'll just sit back and enjoy the conversation.
Re: Assignment Desk
I'd really like people to buy Lion Eyes, which pretty much totally tanked--just didn't sell at all. I was very sad about that. I loved Lion Eyes. But you should start with Loose Lips, because Lion Eyes is the sequel. But really, I like it when people buy any of my books.
May '10
Re: Assignment Desk
I would like to see some thoughtful discussion on the nexus between religion/morality/ethics and politics/jurisprudence/economics/policy. Is it possible to be great -- which I take for granted we all want America to be -- without being good? Is there a fundamental, unwritten (?) assumption on the part of the Founders that demands freedom of religion for religions that are antithetical to religious freedom?
Commentators? Anyone, but especially Dave and Victor and Mark (if he's ever around anymore.)
Jun '10
Re: Assignment Desk
Some suggestions:
Would love to hear some of Claire's stories about Margaret Thatcher that didn't make it into her book.
James Lileks on Garrison Keillor, a great entertainer until he talks politics, then turns into a left-wing crazy man who hates anyone to the right of him. (Sort of a Minnesota mano a mano)
Peter Robinson's insights on Ronald Reagan.
Rob on his experiences with starlets. I assume it's extensive.
May '10
Re: Assignment Desk
Claire Berlinski
Wrong! Your suggestions are not only most interesting, but heeded. By me, anyway. But I suppose you're just exhibiting the typical modesty of your modest flyover state. That's how things are done in your culture, aren't they? · Aug 9 at 3:23am
Well, I was heartbroken that no one posted about the Diaper Rights movement. It was a front page story here, not even as a joke.
BTWQ, as one who lends out my copy of Loose Lips all over, thus depriving you of new royalties I guess, I will get Lion Eyes after I finish the just-arrived Fieldwork.
Aug '10
Re: Assignment Desk
There are two topics that have been weighing on my mind for a while now:
First, the serious decline in public discourse. It's almost a joke because of the obviousness of the problem but little is done and the ramifications are so serious. Os Guinness' The Case For Civility is a good starting reference point for the need for public civility and its vitality for our politcial system. A microcosm can be seen in our legal system where the litigation process has become any thing but "civil" procedure.
Second, the need for the free-market system to be limited, not by government regulation, but by its participant's virtue and self-regulation. I have been reading (and in some cases, re-reading) social critics like Richard Weaver, Wendell Berry, Christopher Lasch and Neil Postman and have been pondering if a culture of conscious and willful self limitation for pro bono publico is not what our Founders essentially had in mind and if it is not indeed a preferable culture.