Steve Kelman on Politics, Culture, and Life, 1.3.24
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
Chinese “prosperous” New Year greeting
Just got a New Year's card from a Chinese friend that wished me a prosperous new year. This is a common form of the greeting in China standard New Year's wishes center on prosperity, not health or happiness. Actually, the Chinese word that is used means "rich." And it is sometimes said we are the materialistic culture.
Women in Hamas-controlled Gaza
Hamas controlled schools in Gaza segregate students by gender, and all girls are required to wear religious dress. You can see why the left in the West supports them! (not)
Pro-Hamas demonstrators support attack on US ship
Some pro-Hamas demonstrators in New York have chanted slogans praising the Yemeni attacks on US ships. They are sadly returning to the lowest days of the student movement of the 60s.
Retired people not taken seriously?
Line from my Singapore novel about police officer who has been forced into retirement for being too outspoken, not a great thing to be in Singapore; "Nobody took retired people seriously. Retired people were invisible." As a newly retired person, yikes is that true?
Gender voting differences in Sweden
Gender differences in voting have increased over the last year in Sweden among young voters-- men have moved further to the right (the anti-immigrant Swedish Democrats are now the largest party) and women towards the Social Democrats and Left party.
Facelift or photoshopped?
Xi Jinping looks younger and thinner in his New Year's photo. Global Times writes, "For many Chinese people, sitting in front of the TV at 7 pm on December 31 every year has become a unique tradition. They tune in to listen to Chinese President Xi Jinping's New Year address. His warm and resolute voice has been encouraging the Chinese people to stride toward a brighter future and overcome challenges." Let's just say they love him.
Stoning gay people?
The President of the African nation of Burundi has proposed that gay people be herded together in a stadium and stoned.
Ex-DoD officials as venture capitalists
Interesting article in Times today about ex-DoD officials working for venture capitalists promoting defense tech innovations. I have mixed feelings about such revolving doors, but I do feel this beats going to work for traditional defense contractors.
Dementia at age 70?
There is a discussion in the book I am reading on William Donovan that he showed increasing signs of dementia starting around the age of 70. Would that today be considered a young age to start experiencing dementia or not? Not an expert on this and hope never to need to become one.