I have never pimped a diary or a blog. What I have done is pick out parts of the best of them as a means of illustrating or promoting my point of view (which like everyone thinks of their own, I think is a correct one:). But, in this case, I am going to make an exception, with regard to a blog, and specifically to one item of content.
The blog is ‘The Washington Note’, a blog of Steve Clemmons. IMO, he gives some of the most reasoned and balanced views of what is happening in Washington, what is happening in the world, and particularly what is happening in US foreign policy, of anyone on the political scene. But, he is not just a ‘pundit’ – he is actively engaged in the process, interacting with movers and shakers not only in the US but around the world.
If you have not experienced ‘The Washington Note’, I encourage you to do so.
And now for the other part of the endorsement.
Clemmons and Kos share something - this. They both ‘talk the talk’ and they ‘walk the walk’. By that, I mean they both have a focus, albeit different ones in many respects, and they both act on their focus and beliefs. Kos is focused on electing progressives, Democrats... he travels, goes to meetings, appears in various venues, as well as sponsoring and maintaining this very wonderful forum.
Clemmons does the same things... travels, meets with people, appears in various venues – and promotes political thought in other ways, perhaps most notably by participation in and sponsorship of the New America Foundation.
That foundation seems, so far as I can tell, to foster honest and open political discourse on a non-partisan basis, on the basis of what is it that is best for the nation. So, just as I tip my hat to Kos, I also tip it to Steve Clemmons.
But enough of personal testimonials to those two:) This is actually about Sen. Russ Feingold. He made a presentation hosted by the New America Foundation that is absolutely astounding in its content, in his candour. For anyone interested in US foreign policy, national security, and the commonsensical aspect of each, I cannot recommend watching Sen. Feingold’s presentation too strongly ('You Tube' link later). (He also addresses FISA in the Q&A.)
So far as I am concerned, Feingold is a champion of the Constitution, bar none. He is clearly principled and willing to stand by those principles. (This is not a ‘conversion' on my part; I have long thought this.) Wisconsin should be boastingly proud of him as one of their Senators, but he is more. While he listens to his constituents and takes their views on-board, while he works for his constituents, he is more than ‘their’ Senator, IMO. He is a Senator for America! Not namby-pamby, not blind to the broader good, willing to take the hard stands... and clearly dedicated to the Constitution and the rule of law.
So, without further ado, I invite you, I entreat you, to watch Sen. Feingold in a presentation to the New America Foundation. It is a long one (recorded on ‘You Tube’) of about 55 minutes, but it is well worth it. It will restore faith that there are at least some elected politicians who realize that this is all about what is good for the nation, not just re-election.
Here is where you find it.
The first couple of minutes are an introduction by Clemmons, which contains in itself a couple of gems worthy of a great deal of thought. Sen. Feingold’s presentation lasts until about minute 25... riveting in itself, truly. The remainder is Q&A... absolutely mind-boggling. IMO! A man who speaks the truth, not just what is politically convenient.
If you can spare the time and/or bandwidth, please watch. I do not think you will regret it.
Cheers, as always:)