HOT5 Daily 8/28/2010

1. "Islamophobiaphobia" One contrived term deserves another.

Representative Sample: With very minor exceptions, I have seen little irrational fear of Islam in our society. What I have seen is a lot of serious and justifiable dislike of the religion for its ideology.

2. "Pointless US Plan for China?" I have some problems with this analysis, but it's still interesting.

Representative Sample: China rises as the United States seems to stagnate. The Chinese military grows more powerful as the Americans struggle to maintain their current strength. Washington remains committed to defending Taiwan and dominating the entire Pacific, but finds its aspirations apparently at odds with reality. So, with no new money and a rival flush with cash, the best weapon the Americans can apparently propose to counter the Chinese is an idea.

3. "Ritual and Atheism" Not incompatible.

Representative Sample: For as long as humans have been able to recognise that we all feel the same way about the great events in our lives, and we feel the need to share these event. We celebrate achievements in our lives, and collectively commiserate anniversaries of momentous dates in human history. And a way to make these celebrations and commiserations more powerful, we ritualise them

4. "A perfect illustration of how the Left counterattacks" Left-wing smear tactics not restricted to America.

Representative Sample: The mosque debate in America has been instructive when it comes to Leftist rhetorical tactics. Ordinary Americans make an argument — “the mosque is inappropriate on secular sacred ground.” The Left then responds, not substantively, but with personal attacks — “you’re racist, Islamophobic, xenophobic and stupid.”

5. "The Women Men Most Over- and Underrated Women, by guys, according to women " These kinds of lists are usually interesting.

Representative Sample: It's a list.

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