Is there anything more wonderful than the sight of a father (David Goldman) finally reunited with his son? (Something, unfortunately, far too many American fathers take for granted, not making the time to be with their children; life is too short. See the musical interlude segment below.) The Bring Sean Home Foundation reminds us that other American parents in marriages with foreign-born spouses are in David Goldman's former position, fighting to have their children brought home in accordance with the Hague Convention dealing with international child abduction, and each American child deserves the opportunity to grow up in his or her American home.
Waterboarding for Abdulmutallab? No
Rasmussen published a poll last week showing that 58% were in favor of waterboarding the Nigerian underwear bomber for additional information. I have a nuanced view here: I see Abdulmutallab as being more of "foot soldier" terrorist; I'm not sure why someone intent on killing himself would be in the know about future plots. At the same time, I don't believe in lawyering up a terrorist, and I believe that he should be tried in a military tribunal. I do think it would be invaluable to know whom his contacts on the Arabian peninsula were, and I would be disappointed to hear that the Obama Administration did not send in their best CIA interrogators before he lawyered up.
Political Cartoon
Brian Farrington's variation of the truth-telling child observing the emperor wears no clothes:
Musical Interlude: My Favorite "Stop and Smell the Roses" Song
Harry Chapin: "Cats in the Cradle"
Probably the greatest American storyteller/troubadour, particularly in the 1970's, Harry Chapin is best known for two signature songs: "Taxi" and this song. The core insight of the song, in my view, is the character's recognition that he repeated the cycle of his own father; it reminds me of a brother-in-law whom had sworn that he would be a "better" father than his own but once he had his own kids and came home from work, he would often retreat to his den, often past the kids' bedtime.
