Gavin's Blog

I have switched from the always interesting Caesar to Homer’s Illiad, a book I have been meaning to read for all too long. I plan to take notes on the book and blog as I go. Plans don’t always work out though.

Some new books arrived this week, I am buying lots but not reading near as much as I should. Peter was complaining that I am still reading Rubicon – I am just spending too much time online folks.

Charles Kupchan, The End of the American Era, Knopf 2003.
Bill Bryson, A Short History of Nearly Everything, Black Swan, 2004.
David Ray Griffin, The New Pearl Harbour, Arris, 2004.
Timothy Garton Ash, Free World, Penguin, 2004.

The Economist has some stinging criticism of the collection of essays that make up the new book, Michael Moore Is A Big Fat Stupid White Man by David T. Hardy and Jason Clarke, two bloggers.

I can only agree with the Economist’s position. Although I have not read the book, I have a good idea of its content from reading the bloggers in question.

It ends on the intellectual high note, “Go to hell, Mikey”. This level of argument is hardly the sort of thing to sway anyone who does not already share the authors’ maniacal dislike of Mr. Moore. Indeed, their loathing leads them not only to ad hominem attacks but also to exaggerate Mr Moore’s influence.

Its heavy-handed and self-congratulatory manner utterly defeats its purpose.