Mike Pilewski writes about life, politics and culture in the United States
In presidential elections, Republicans face an uphill battle. Changing demographics mean that, over time, fewer Americans are identifying with the party. To win the White House, the Republicans need a candidate who appears centrist enough to pull in independents and conservative Democrats. At conservative events in non-election years, party insiders study and groom potential candidates. Their choice this time is … >>
For years, American politicians from all parties have talked about a “threat” from Iran’s uranium-enrichment program. So now that Iran has reached a provisional agreement with the permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany to keep it at non-threatening levels, who’s not happy? To Iran, the deal will mean a (conditional) end to the international sanctions imposed in … >>
You’ve no doubt heard by now of the latest threat to international stability. A radical group called ISIS has rapidly taken over one third of Iraq and one third of Syria. ISIS is a coalition of known Sunni insurgent groups, including the Mujahideen Shura Council and Al Qaeda in Iraq. Saying they have a “take no prisoners” attitude is an … >>
You’ve got to love Michio Kaku. The smiling American physicist knows the answer to everything, and because he does, he appears in every single science documentary these days — at least those produced by the Discovery Channel. Kaku’s 2009–10 series Sci-Fi Science: Physics of the Impossible, currently showing on German TV, underscores the extent to which science fiction inspires today’s … >>
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” — American philosopher George Santayana (1863–1952) “Every successful revolution puts on in time the robes of the tyrant it has deposed.” — American historian Barbara Tuchman (1912–1989) Americans love historical reenactments. In the Deep South, actors at historic mansions dress up as plantation owners and Southern belles. On both … >>