Steve Kelman on Politics, Culture, and Life, 12.8.2021
Steve Kelman, Harvard Kennedy School prof, moderate Dem, pro free speech/anti cancel culture, pro tax rich, pro-Israel. Research improving gov performance, China interest. Blog reprints Facebook posts
British anti-immigration origin in anti-Semitism
It turns out that the first anti-immigration campaigns in the UK were just at the beginning of the 20th century with opposition Jewish immigration from Eastern Europe.
Clinton chaotic meeting style
Colin Powell discusses the transition to the Clinton chaotic meeting style compared to what he was used to. "Backbenchers sounded off with the authority of cabinet officers. I was shocked one day to hear one of Tony Lake's subordinates, who was there to take notes, argue with him in front of the rest of us."
Colin Powell summarizes his political philosophy
At the very end of his memoirs, Colin Powell summarizes his political philosophy.. He says hes a strong believer in entrepreneurship and free enterprise as a driver of prosperity. However, he is also a believer in the welfare state and social protections, also constitutional protections of minority rights.
More on Colin Powell
Great personality detail in Colin Powell's book. Discusses the disjointed style of Clinton Defense Secretary Les Aspin: "In a building full of neatly pressed uniforms, the top man looked out of place in his dated, rumpled tan suits and wrinkled shirts. ....He resisted seeing foreign leaders. When he did see them, Les would hunch over the table and say, 'So, how's it going in your country?'"
Colin Powell discusses the transition to the Clinton chaotic meeting style compared to what he was used to. "Backbenchers sounded off with the authority of cabinet officers. I was shocked one day to hear one of Tony Lake's subordinates, who was there to take notes, argue with him in front of the rest of us."
Supply chain and Mel Brooks
Great line from Bret Stephens in today’s NYT: “The supply chain situation has gotten so out of hand that there’s even a cream cheese shortage at New York City bagel shops, which is like one of the 10 biblical plagues reimagined by Mel Brooks.”
Chinese app dominates youth culture
An article on TikTok in The Times today refers to the app as "2021's central vehicle for youth culture and online culture generally." quite amazing for an app from China.