The Useless Tree

Politics

  • When Faced with the Absurdities of American Politics, The Taoism Helps

    We have reached that moment in American presidential campaigns when I realize just how far out of the mainstream of the indigenous political cultural I am.  The precise instant was last night, as I suffered through Sarah Palin's speech.        … Continue reading

  • John McCain, Legalist Power-Monger

    I have been completely obsessed of late with the bizarre and depressing turn of events in the Republican presidential campaign.  The more I consider Sarah Palin, the worse John McCain looks.  What does his choice of her tell us about… Continue reading

  • Sarah Palin, Taoist Sage

        US politics have been roiled for the past few days in reaction to the announcement of John McCain's running mate.  Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska is an unknown to a national audience.  She has very little political experience,… Continue reading

  • Menicus in Denver

    I am an Obama guy.  The speech last night was not his inspirational best.  The descent into policy details took some of the air out of it (I have never been passionate about capital gains taxes).  But maybe that is… Continue reading

  • The Olympics are not Important

    I'm back from summer vacation.  Our England trip was great.  We saw a lot (London, Oxford, the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and Bath Spa) and we walked a lot.  Best of all, it was a stark change of scenery and activity for… Continue reading

  • Power and Authority

         Following on yesterday’s post (below), I wanted to mention another idea that came up in the course of my summer class.  We talked, in various ways, about the notion of authority.  I must admit, I do not often think… Continue reading

  • Power and Order

    Today the summer program I have been overseeing for the month of July ended.  My students have scattered to the four corners of the country, to return in about a month better prepared, I believe, to begin their four years… Continue reading

  • Life Without a “True Emperor”

    Mencius has much to say about political leadership.  For him, a wise leader, some times termed a “true emperor,” is key to stability and prosperity.  The US has suffered for so long with the venal and bumbling Bush administration, that… Continue reading

  • Red Star over Purchase

          People sometimes ask me how I first became interested in China and Chinese politics.  Today, C.W Hayford has a post over at Frog in a Well that provides a significant part of the answer: I read a book when… Continue reading

  • Sometimes a Panda is just a Panda

        I didn’t realize a couple of weeks ago when I saw the anodyne children’s movie Kung Fu Panda that it would create such a stir in China.  The controversy, however, is not so much about orientalism, as I had… Continue reading