I just added links to two political blogs I visit frequently. I’m not an intensely political person, but I do like to read a variety of opinions on “the issues of the day”. The Huffington Post needs no introduction to most netizens, since it has received rightful praise from a number of sources. I first started listening to Arianna on KCRW’s show “Left, Right, and Center” years ago (now available as a podcast – highly recommended), and always find something interesting and provocative to read on her site.
Charles Johnson’s Little Green Footballs is more controversial and narrowly focused. Since 9/11, Charles has been obsessed (I don’t think he would object to the use of that term) with national security issues in the age of Islamic Fundamentalism. His blog has been called a “hate site” by some for its critical attitude towards Islam as a a religion; he believes that Islamist terrorists are interpreting the Koran faithfully (as one might say). Similar views have been espoused, in a less strident way, by writers such as Sam Harris. But just as Harris is not a hate-monger, neither is Charles. He goes out of his way to praise Muslims who are trying to reform their religion. He also forcefully criticizes the various neo-Nazi groups (especially those in Europe) who have taken up the banner of the “anti-Jihadist” movement. Finally, while I think he is quite unfair to democrats for what he perceives as their “softness” on national security issues (I’m an enthusiastic Obama supporter), few have criticized far-right Republicans as harshly as Charles for their support of “Intelligent Design” (aka Creationism).
The other reason I visit Little Green Footballs is to find out what Charles has been listening to lately. I learned of the guitarists mentioned above from posts on his site.