Evangelical ronny

Ronald Reagans' famous 'Evil Empire' speech, more interesting for his claims that religion is what makes america both good and great.

The inverted economics of global warming

An ecological economist argues that fossil fuels are in fact the the solution to global warming in the medium term. He argues strongly, however, the atmosphere must be priced.

Elias Khoury

To be reminded that, in addition to politics, there is culture in the middle east ... interview with Lebanese author on his passion for the region.

Elizabeth I rallies the troops

Without bodyguards, Elizabeth went among her troops and said these words to rally them for an anticipated Spanish invasion of England in 1588. One line ties her to Maggie Thatcher, making her either a pioneer of women's rights or another in a long line of traitors: 'I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king'

Churchill 'We shall fight on the beaches'

This short speech, delivered to the House of Commons soon after Britain's June 1940 massive defeat in France by the Germans, is extraordinary not for its delivery, but for its complex structure and hopefulness. (12 min)

MacArthur's Exit Interview

Extraordinary context: MacArthur speaks to congress after being fired by Truman for both excess independence and excess political potential.

Nixon's Exit Interview

Listen to this with the Checkers speech to see the bookends to Nixon's career. Interesting emphasis on world peace in both; while one tends to dismiss it, I wonder whether it is connected with the fact he was a Quaker.

Nixon's Job Interview (Checkers)

It's hard to listen to this 1952 speech, where, in order to keep his spot as VP on Eisenhower's ticket, Nixon defended himself against allegations of having a secret slush fund, uninfluenced by what we later learned about him. His skill is stunning, however.

Maggie Thatcher 1980

This is a great speech to be reminded of the issues of the time and to be amazed at the power of Thatcher's oratory and intellect, much as you might despise her. (42 mins)

Richard Dawkins on the God Delusion

The new darling of the atheists speaks out on the sunday edition. Christopher Hitchens shares similar views in his new book God is Not Great.

Charles Taylor

A selection of interviews with Canada's best philosopher. Of note is his argument that neither secularism nor fundamentalism provide a way forward. In other words, he stakes out a middle position between the atheists (see Dawkins) and the new believers (see Radical Orthodoxy). (52 mins)

Ideas on the end of science

This is a great piece where a historian argues that science has lost it's claim on the truth and is now indistinguishable from engineering, i.e. just another tool for power and money. He argues that claims that a scientific era would lead to secularism have proven false.

Listen to this piece in combination with the previous post on Radical Orthodoxy to see how this links to what some claim to be the fall of modernity.

Sunday morning on civilian oversight of police

Discussion of civilian oversight issues in police, touching on recent scandals with surveillance of Susan Eng and the death in RCMP custody of a BC man.

Ideas on Radical Orthodoxy

This new christian theological movement claims that modern secular philosophy is at a dead end and that religion is the only solution. Fascinating listening.