Plantinga vs. Dennett

Here is a fabulous account of a recent debate between Alvin Plantinga and Daniel Dennett over whether Christianity is compatible with science. The transcript here is remarkable nearly as much for its atmospherics as for the content. The chronicler shrouds himself in secrecy, the room is packed, his laptop battery is running out. Great fun.

Taking it out on the TV

Via one of Drudge's throw-away links: man shoots TV because he can't get the new digital signal. There is an obscure and uncelebrated tradition in American of shooting one's television. I first encountered this as a child, hearing of a guy up the street shooting his television in frustration at the news (he was in law enforcement, to make the story even better). One of the reasons I oppose gun control is to preserve this wonderful folkway.

Something I'm Proud Of

The sounds of wringing hands over the number of people America locks up is growing louder and louder. Here is a nice corrective, from the left no less.

I am completely unmoved by these concerns. On the contrary, I am proud that my country has seen fit to spare the resources to lock all these people up. It shows a creditable compassion toward actual and potential crime victims. And I think it's worth every penny, because crime is horrifically expensive.

Do I care how we fare in world league tables? Not a bit. Maybe if they emulated us, they would enjoy our lower murder rates.

Symbols of Excess

The financial blogs, and especially their comment sections are clotted with impotent rage, as the online masses vent their frustrations at our economic woes. There is a great deal of digital fist shaking at the people who got us into this mess (whoever they may be). A certain puritanical schadenfreude is also evident, directed at those Americans who lived beyond their means and are now suffering for it. And a shorthand is developing, as I'm watching. Little catchphrases to sum up the excesses. The most popular one seems to be "granite countertops." For some reason, granite countertops represent all the bourgeoisie luxuries financed with debt over the last decade. I wonder if it will reach the point where people will become ashamed of their countertops.

My parents have absolutely beautiful granite countertops. I compliment my mother for them every time I visit.