Latest Posts
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18th Century British Confucianism
It's been a crazy week: lots of work, lots of distractions (third presidential debate), and various meetings thrown in for good measure. I've thus gotten behind in blogging. But before the week gained momentum and stole my time and attention… Continue reading
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A Conservative, Christian Confucianism
I had not seen this before (hat tip: Western Confucian) but here is an intelligent and thoughtful consideration of Confucius from a Western, Catholic, Conservative point of view. Jim Kalb, the author, gets at many of the issues in regard… Continue reading
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Remember: Bush Lost the War
There is a lot of talk these days about how the "surge" in Iraq has worked and that "victory" is at hand. Rubbish. While it is true that the "surge" was one of several elements (the others being internal Iraqi… Continue reading
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Confucian Art
This slipped my attention last month: an exhibition at the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena entitled, "Confucius: Shaping Values through Art." The museum's web page on the exhibit has a short video with various people talking about how Confucianism is… Continue reading
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Embarrassed for Democracy
I am one of those people who believe that, even with its obvious shortcomings, democracy (and by that I mean political contestation and inclusion), is generally the best means for securing political justice. Democracy, in other words, is good. It… Continue reading
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John McCain is a Little Person
As the McCain campaign descends further and further into ugly sleaze and erratic posturing, two passages from the Analects remind us that he is, indeed, a small person. The Master said: "The noble-minded are calm and steady. Little people are… Continue reading
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More Thoughts on the Economic Crisis
The Master said: "Poor food and water for dinner, a bent arm for a pillow – that is where joy resides. For me, wealth and renown without honor are nothing but drifting clouds." Analects, 7.16 Things are starting to… Continue reading
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What Does Palin Mean by “Corruption on Wall Street”?
In the Vice-Presidential debate last night, Sarah Palin railed against "corruption on Wall Street." She referred to this notion at least five times, by my count. But the more I think about it, the less it makes sense (which is… Continue reading
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Taoist Debate Advice for Sarah Palin
I have no sympathy for Sarah Palin. She is obviously not prepared or qualified to be vice president, much less assume the presidency in a crisis. That is obvious. She did not have to accept the candidacy but she… Continue reading
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Tuesday I Ching Blogging: The Economic Crisis – It’s going to be bad….
It's been a while since I last consulted the oracle. With all the turmoil in stock and credit markets the time is now right. I asked: how bad will the economic crisis be? And the I Ching answered that it… Continue reading
The Useless Tree 