PDS

Peter: I have taken a look at your website, which is fascinating. Thank you for putting these materials in the public domain. I just read your translation of E's Letter to Menoikos and enjoyed it greatly. Very interesting how much it reminded me of some Seneca's letter's (On the Shortness of Life?), at least in tone if not also in substance. Thanks again. PDS

Couldn't Roark have done a podcast or something instead?

Michael: I’m looking forward to this project of yours. Cool stuff.

As it should be. President Trump deserves a lot of credit for sticking with Judge Kavanaugh through that circus. I can’t think of any other Republican president, save possibly Reagan, who would have had the stones to do so.

I just had to come off my lurking bench to note that Jonathan’s rapier/rapist wit is only exceeded by his prescience. This is, by far, the most entertaining OL thread I have lurked at in some time. Do carry on!

Thank you. Well said.

I can't imagine there could be, but I've been surprised on this thread before. In case it's not obvious, I really don't care whether the Left (or Right) is full of hypocrites. Most people are hypocrites--especially when they enter the political arena. I'm not saying this to sound cynical, but simply stating an undeniable observation.

No, I'm talking about the drone killings. The same people who had fits over waterboarding have been largely silent about the drone killings. Same for the women's marchers. One example: one of my law partners is a really cool, outstanding attorney, who happens to be a lesbian. She was out marching a couple weekends ago to protest Trump. She knows I am not a fan of Trump, but she also knows I'm pretty libertarianish/conservative. I saw her at the office as she was preparing to go march away. I asked her very kindly why I had never noticed her marching against Obama's drone strikes against American citizens. This was the first time I have ever seen her speechless. No words. I almost felt sorry for her. For background on this topic and the crocodile tears of those who think Trump's every move is an act of Great Tyranny: see Kevin Williamson's National Review article here--but here is the money quote: "Strange, that. But then, who complained when the Obama administration announced its policy of assassinating U.S. citizens as part of the so-called war on terror? A few libertarians, Glenn Greenwald, and one right-winger at National Review. So, to review: Stripping away the actual constitutional rights of U.S. citizens without due process through a secret military-intelligence process without appeal, trial, or representation? Hunky-dory. Ordering the assassination of U.S. citizens because one of them is, in your considered view, “the Osama bin Laden of Facebook”? Kill away. But telling a few Iranians that they are welcome to travel anywhere in the world they like except the United States?" You know the answer...

MIchael: You seem to forget: President Obama only killed US citizens without due process when it seemed like a good idea. So we always had that safeguard in place... Wasn't it amazing when all the left-wingers were out protesting (sans pussy hats, mind you) the drone-killings of US citizens by executive fiat? Made me proud to be an American. Their patriotism was on display for all the world to see,* and their commitment to constitutional principle brought tears to my eyes. I remember the wall-to-wall coverage of the protests like it was yesterday...** *Note to Baal--I'm being sarcastic. None of these things ever happened. **Note to Greg--yes, everybody gets what they deserve, every single moment of every single day in every single circumstance, and anybody who doubts this is a liberal, feminized weenie....

This was an A+ selection.

Agreed. A very cool quote. Frankl was a closet Stoic in many ways. That may be one reason why you like him...

I found Trump's speech quite good. I didn't listen to it, but read it. I suspect it reads better than it sounds. No matter your political views, his words were powerful and persuasive. I agree with much of what Kelley says, but it seems like criticizing Trump for not being Adam Smith on trade is a stretch. Of course, he's not Adam Smith on trade. That's a major reason for his election.

Mine was excellent, Jules. I had to choke it down with a stern glass of white wine, but hey, that's how these things go. I must say I am finding DT's cabinet choices fascinating. Lotsa Alpha males in that crew. It's a good sign that DT is comfortable being around such folk.

Michael: Do you serve Crow Omelettes at this OL Diner? That way I can pay my debts AND do so with appropriate egg on my face at the same time. I am very happy for you and the Gang of Trump here at OL. The word that comes to mind is prescient. That's what you were (and are). And, not that it matters what I hope, but I really hope the best for President-Elect Trump.* I very much look forward to many executive orders being repealed on Day 1. Once he does that, I will be pushing on the bandwagon with all my might. If he appoints a serious constitutionalist to the Supreme Court, I may just jump on that same bandwagon, assuming you guys let me in. *Not unforgotten is my $500 pledge if a balanced budget is signed by Trump into law. I really hope to have to pay up on that pledge, and buy you dinner in Chicago as I pay up..