Some Stuff on Liberalism

The term "liberalism" has been used and abused over the years, its meaning has been distorted in different eras and countries to the extent that to different people who use it in the most narrow sense it has come to signify diametrically opposite ideas. So, for example, leftists in parts of the former Soviet bloc will deride "liberals" as heartless, free-market capitalists who ruthlessly exploit workers, natural resources, the earth... you get the picture. In the US, however, "liberals" are considered by many in the mainstream to be just the opposite - leftists and hippies who favor big govermnent and all kinds of welfare. I remember some of my friends in the US being quite surprised when I told them that they are typical free-market (right) liberals. Why am I getting into this topic? Because here is a great article that came out in the New York Times that, I think, silences the "conceptual cacophony" as the author puts it. This piece takes a close look at how the perception of "liberalism" and "liberal" has evolved over time and in different parts of the world.

I particularly agree with the author's point that there are some enduring values that constitute the core of liberalism such as it is in the 21st century. Some of them, as he points out, are liberty under the law, limited and accountable government, free markets, tolerance, individualism and equality. If these values endure, as they will, liberalism will be around for quite a while, no matter what spin some people will try to put on it.

Obama: Words into Action

First, no matter how many times I listen to Obama speak, I totally enjoy his eloquence and ability to get to the issue. After eight years of George W. Bush wrestling with his inability to produce a coherent thought (okay, I exaggerate), here comes Obama who not only recognizes the complexity of the problems that the US faces, but analyzes them and (hopefully) is able to propose a solution befitting the problem. What a contrast with Bush who saw everything in black and white.

Second, after only two days as President, Obama has hit the ground running. In less than 48 hours, he has addressed Gitmo (to be closed), lobbyist (restrictions put in place), salaries for high-ranking staff (frozen) and most recently the new (dream) team to be leading the State Department. Looks like Obama is walking the talk so far.

Third is a general observation after the inauguration. What impressed me, yet again, as someone who was observing from a distance, was the fluidity of the transition of power. It was basically Obama and Bush walking shoulder to shoulder after the oath of office was taken. For dozens of nations elections and transition of power are anything but peaceful and orderly. In the States two men who disagree on so many issues gave everybody a lesson in democracy. No revolutions, no violence, no manipulations. It is a government of the people, by the people, for the people and it works.

Libel Tourism

Over the weekend, I read this piece on libel tourism in the Economist. What’s libel tourism? As you may have guessed it, it’s a form of forum shopping, where plaintiffs are looking to file a complaint in a jurisdiction which will give them the best shot at winning. In this case, the Economist points to London, England. Cost of litigation in London can be prohibitively high, especially for small players, which often results in a default judgment for the plaintiff.

Costly litigation and steep default judgments, the magazine argues, may have a chilling effect on free speech on a global scale. One good example is a default judgment against an American author who, in her book titled “Funding Evil”, implicated a certain Saudi national who sued and won. Aside from the fact that it is often difficult to collect on such judgments, the article reminds me once again of the power of some courts and the extraterritorial reverberations their judgments may have.

The effect of such libel judgments has been felt strong enough to stir both the US and England into action. Seems like both countries are pushing bills that aim to protect the free speech of writers, the media and NGOs. I am curious if bloggers, as the newest and most dynamic section of the media, are going to be dragged into court for some of their writings?

US Airways Jet Crashes in the Hudson: A Rescue to Remember

These are by far the pictures of the past week for me. I watched most of the rescue live on TV and was absolutely amazed to learn that all passengers and crew made it alive. For this to happen (I don’t call it a miracle) every step of the crash-landing in the Hudson and the following rescue had to happen by the book. And it did! Not only was the pilot, Chesley B. Sullenberger III, a total bad-ass who kept his cool throughout the whole time, but all the ferries, barges and boats were on the scene in a matter of minutes.