The Topics to Avoid at Family Gatherings (Politics, Religion, Science) Bubble Over into the Blogosphere
Families intent on harmonious get-togethers often agree NOT to discuss topics of religion, politics or science....but family harmony is NOT apparent in the blogosphere today. All three of those topics, however, are:
Religion
Tensions remain high and violence has erupted over Muslim protests against the publication of Western cartoons that feature the prophet Muhammed (today's No. 13 top phrase). The Boston Globe's "We Are All Danes Now" essay (today's No. 2 news story), Mark Steyn's "Sensitivity Can Have Brutal Consequences" (No. 4 news story) and Slate's Christopher Hitchens' "The Case for Mocking Religion" (No. 9 news story) all examine the various short- and long-term implications of multiculturalism, respect and extremism in the modern world. Talking Points Memo does the same with historical context thrown in.
Politics
Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez was on the hot seat this week, as Senators grilled him on the Bush Administration's rationale for a FISA run-around that they say allows them to spy on U.S. citizens without legal warrants or oversight. Blogger Glenn Greenwald live-blogged the hearings.
Science
When NASA's global warming guru, Dr. James Hansen, went public about government attempt to squelch science last week, he started something. Astronomers who were worried that their niche would be next (the subject of today's No. 4 blog post)...are more worried now. Because of this (No. 5 blog post). And these reactions.
Posted by Sue MacDonald at February 7, 2006 01:19 PM
