Author Archives: David Hume

A true cultural topography

Posted on January 12, 2011 by David Hume

There are quite often two extreme reactions when it comes to cultural variation. – To assert that cultural differences are to a great extent incommensurable. The more extreme caricatures of this position fall into the class of cultural relativism. – … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, history | Tagged , | 7 Comments

No illusions, just reality

Posted on January 11, 2011 by David Hume

In Pakistan, the Shooter Is the Hero: The depressing public reaction to the assassination of Pakistani politician Salman Taseer: “Nowadays, he’s perfectly heroic,” says Imran Shiekh, the owner of a small jewelry store tucked away in the market’s depths. “Qadri … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 3 Comments

Thinking in black & white

Posted on January 10, 2011 by David Hume

Slippery insinuations about a “climate of hate”: People have been having a hard time holding two ideas in their head at the same time: 1. What Paul Krugman calls “eliminationist rhetoric” is bad. 2. Contrary to his suggestion, there is … Continue reading →

Posted in culture, politics | Tagged | 24 Comments

Gabrielle Giffords

Posted on January 8, 2011 by David Hume

On this sad day I do want to observe that I am thankful we live in a nation where such tragedies of political violence are rare indeed.

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

How America is a little like Pakistan

Posted on January 7, 2011 by David Hume

Cross-posted from Discover. Recently a “hot story” in the barbaric nation that is Pakistan is that a politician did not know how to recite a prayer properly. An important back story here is that Muslims generally pray in Arabic, but … Continue reading →

Posted in culture | Tagged | 3 Comments

Nothing sacred

Posted on January 6, 2011 by David Hume

Military not exempt from spending cuts: Republicans: U.S. military programs will not necessarily be exempt from sharp spending cuts Republicans in the House of Representatives plan to put forward in coming months, incoming House Republican Leader Eric Cantor said on … Continue reading →

Posted in economics | Tagged | 1 Comment

He who does not work must eat bread!

Posted on December 28, 2010 by David Hume

Some Israelis Question Benefits for Ultra-Religious: Chaim Amsellem was certainly not the first Israeli Parliament member to suggest that most ultra-Orthodox men should work rather than receive welfare subsidies for full-time Torah study. But when he did so last month, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 25, 2010 by David Hume
Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

A republic we no longer keep?

Posted on December 22, 2010 by David Hume

Via Ngram:

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

A victory for the republic, and not the party?

Posted on December 17, 2010 by David Hume

I worry obviously of the inability of the American public and political class to face up to our fiscal situation. But, I can respect this attitude: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) — who recently claimed his goal was to … Continue reading →

Posted in politics | 7 Comments