Our Coverage of Ongoing Conflicts
Particularly those in Ukraine and Gaza
Much of what I read about ongoing conflicts that I read takes the form of melodrama, complete with clear-eyed, pure-hearted heroes and black-hatted, mustache-twirling villains. Thus, I will begin this apologia pro opere meo by making it clear that, here at the Old Headquarters Building, I file materials related to both the war in Ukraine and the war in Gaza in a drawer marked ‘tragedy’.
Thus, if you are looking for cheerleading or (what is far more common, cheerleading masquerading as analysis), you have come to the wrong place. Likewise, if you ask me to ‘stand’ with one side or another in an armed struggle I have come to view as cousins’ wars, you will find me seated at my desk, trying to tease tactical insights from the actions of both belligerents.
With this in mind, please note that attempts to use the comments section of this newsletter as a billboard for boosterism will result in the removal of the offending comment. Persistent posting of partisan propaganda, moreover, will result in a ban. In much the same way, use of terms of abuse will lead to the same sequence of sanctions.
What’s a term of abuse? I will only say that, if you have to ask about a particular epithet, it is best to avoid using it. To put things another way, please treat the comments section like your neighborhood recycling bin. ‘When it doubt, leave it out.’
For more on the subject of comments:
Thanks - good policy; clear, reasonable, and very welcome.
Oh come desired tyranny to liberate us from freedom
Teach us the difference between feelings and pain
That order was stultifying because chaos is terrifying
That fearless thoughts aren’t brave deeds
That if one has barbarian vices then have the virtues or perish
Above all that pagan antiquity invoked will answer even if you change your minds
That if you shake hands with the devil you can’t let go
That the Void stops having nice manners when you’re in it
…. In the meantime, enjoy the Olympics.