Comments on: Tribe of Al-Ameriki http://www.julescrittenden.com/2007/07/24/tribe-of-al-ameriki/ Forward Movement Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:10:13 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: saltydog http://www.julescrittenden.com/2007/07/24/tribe-of-al-ameriki/comment-page-1/#comment-22098 saltydog Wed, 25 Jul 2007 08:48:31 +0000 http://www.julescrittenden.com/2007/07/24/tribe-of-al-ameriki/#comment-22098 The problem with many Think Tanks is that the people doing the thinking are rationalists. A rationalist begins with his axiom and deduces his conclusions. Proper reason begins with the facts of reality, and continually refers back to reality to make sure that the focus remains on what is. This is why the inaptly named "realists" never were. The consequences of their trumped-up reality have been deadly--literally. The problem with many Think Tanks is that the people doing the thinking are rationalists. A rationalist begins with his axiom and deduces his conclusions. Proper reason begins with the facts of reality, and continually refers back to reality to make sure that the focus remains on what is. This is why the inaptly named “realists” never were. The consequences of their trumped-up reality have been deadly–literally.

]]> By: tanstaafl http://www.julescrittenden.com/2007/07/24/tribe-of-al-ameriki/comment-page-1/#comment-22055 tanstaafl Tue, 24 Jul 2007 20:27:35 +0000 http://www.julescrittenden.com/2007/07/24/tribe-of-al-ameriki/#comment-22055 I agree with the comments as to a separation between intellect and intellectualism. Although it is undoubtedly true that, relative to 2003, the US must necessarily better understand and acknowledge how Iraqis work (and how that might diverge from a "western" orientation or mindset), I would still not want to rely (exclusively or mainly) on "think tank" explanations and solutions for working our way through the very complicated set of dynamics known as Iraq. Or, for that matter, the near, middle and far east in general. "Paul Bremer, former head of the Coalition Provisional Authority, was referred to by Iraqi Sheikhs seeking an audience to pledge their loyalty and seeking patronage as the "Sheikh of Sheikhs" " P. Bremer was a very poor choice for post invasion Iraq, sheikh credentials or not. I agree with the comments as to a separation between intellect and intellectualism.

Although it is undoubtedly true that, relative to 2003, the US must necessarily better understand and acknowledge how Iraqis work (and how that might diverge from a “western” orientation or mindset), I would still not want to rely (exclusively or mainly) on “think tank” explanations and solutions for working our way through the very complicated set of dynamics known as Iraq. Or, for that matter, the near, middle and far east in general.

“Paul Bremer, former head of the Coalition Provisional Authority, was referred to by Iraqi Sheikhs seeking an audience to pledge their loyalty and seeking patronage as the “Sheikh of Sheikhs” ”

P. Bremer was a very poor choice for post invasion Iraq, sheikh credentials or not.

]]> By: Purple Avenger http://www.julescrittenden.com/2007/07/24/tribe-of-al-ameriki/comment-page-1/#comment-22040 Purple Avenger Tue, 24 Jul 2007 17:45:02 +0000 http://www.julescrittenden.com/2007/07/24/tribe-of-al-ameriki/#comment-22040 There is only a very casual relationship between intellect and self appointed intellectuals. There is only a very casual relationship between intellect and self appointed intellectuals.

]]> By: blogagog http://www.julescrittenden.com/2007/07/24/tribe-of-al-ameriki/comment-page-1/#comment-22036 blogagog Tue, 24 Jul 2007 17:02:25 +0000 http://www.julescrittenden.com/2007/07/24/tribe-of-al-ameriki/#comment-22036 He's assuming a stronger connection between intellect and intellectualism than actually exists. He’s assuming a stronger connection between intellect and intellectualism than actually exists.

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