New York City and other areas have recently been engulfed in smoke from Quebec wildfires, creating a strange experience for residents. This reminded me of a cartoon I once saw in The Spectator, depicting people stepping outside a theater for a smoke break during intermission. One person remarks, “Just popping in for some fresh air.” It felt like we had to do the same for a couple of days.
Regarding the budget deal, Democrats have claimed that “Biden ate McCarthy’s lunch” and it was a slam dunk, while Republicans argue the opposite. However, neither man has spoken in such terms. It’s possible that the deal was a result of normal political negotiations, with compromises made by both sides. But in today’s tribalized and polarized age, there is a need to declare a clear winner and loser. One side must come out on top.
The hatred of bullying and mobs forms the foundation of my politics. These two issues are closely related. A recent news report highlighted an incident involving soccer referee Anthony Taylor, who was swarmed by angry fans at the Budapest airport after being confronted by Roma coach José Mourinho. The video footage shows fans chanting and surrounding Taylor and his family, even putting their hands on him. It’s a stark reminder of how dangerous mobs can be.
In Britain, an interesting development is taking place within the Labour Party. The New Statesman ran a headline stating, “Labour’s future will be conservative,” with subheading, “Keir Starmer is cautiously ending the liberal progressive politics that has dominated Labour for three decades. Now he needs a true alternative.” Starmer himself admitted that the language of stability doesn’t come naturally to progressive politics, but he believes there are precious things in our way of life that must be protected and preserved for future generations, even if it sounds conservative.
The Quebec wildfires had an unintended consequence in New York City: they temporarily covered up the smell of marijuana in the air.
Looking ahead to the 2024 presidential race, there is a possibility of a rematch between Biden and Trump. However, this would not be a battle between two similar candidates. These two individuals have distinct differences in their approach and policies.
When Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticizes Disney, he often refers to it as a “multinational corporation.” This term is used pejoratively, as if being a corporation is already negative, and being multinational makes it worse. It’s interesting to hear Republicans using the same rhetoric that was once associated with Marxist critiques of capitalism. Similarly, DeSantis denounces the “corporate media,” but fails to acknowledge that Fox News is also a corporation. This kind of populism often results in simplistic and uninformed views.
One of the most heartwarming news stories recently comes from Qom, Iran. A Shiite cleric named Sayed Mahdi Tabatabaei has defied cultural taboos by taking in street dogs and nursing them back to health. Dogs are generally despised in the Middle East, so Tabatabaei’s actions are commendable.
Hans-Peter Wild, an entrepreneur, lawyer, and philanthropist, has made a significant donation to the Salzburg Festival. His generosity stems from his gratitude for the liberation of Germany from the Nazis in 1945. He donated $16 million to the US Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, allowing around 300 children of Marines to pursue university studies.
Robert Hanssen, the former FBI agent who spied for the Soviets, has passed away at the age of 79. His actions led to the execution of three KGB officers who were secretly spying for the United States.
Amitai Etzioni, an influential communitarian intellectual, has also died at the age of 94. While I may not have agreed with all of his political and social views, I respected his sincerity and goodwill. Being a communitarian is not necessarily a negative thing.
The homogenization of America is a concern for me. I worry that every town now feels the same, lacking the unique characteristics and diversity that once defined them. However, I hope that our star-spangled diversity still persists, despite these fears.
In a surprising turn of events, actors Al Pacino and Robert De Niro have become fathers again in their later years. Pacino is 83, while De Niro is 79. This reminds me of Saul Bellow, who became a father again at the age of 84, making him the oldest new father I know of.
Ernie Johnson, the host of Inside the NBA, shared a powerful story about forgiveness and faith. He forgave someone immediately because that’s what his faith teaches him to do.
If you’re in the mood for some music, check out my “New York chronicle” in the current edition of The New Criterion. I discuss various performers, composers, and issues in the article.
Lastly, I had a thought while sitting in a diner: an English muffin is to a muffin what an English horn is to a horn. The English horn is a woodwind instrument, not a brass instrument like most horns. It belongs to the oboe family.
I’ll leave you with a story about János Starker, a renowned cellist. During a visit to Columbia, S.C., he was informed that he couldn’t smoke in the smoke-free concert hall or his private dressing room. Outraged by this perceived petty tyranny, Starker left the stage in protest, declaring that he had lived through fascism and communism but couldn’t tolerate such restrictions. The orchestra responded by playing “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.” It’s a reminder of the ongoing battle between personal freedoms and societal rules.
Have a wonderful weekend!
