Machiavelli Article at First Things

I must apologize for the delay in updates, but Barroco Cervantes is back this week with some new material.

Over at First Things, Luther College philosophy professor Matthew Simpson has an interesting post on Machiavelli, including some of the historical context for the former Republic of Florence in his writings. It's definitely worth a look.

------
Source: First Things [Matthew Simpson].

A Quick Request of the Readership

One of the inevitable pitfalls of a start-up blog is a lack of readers--readership can take a long time to establish. I think one of the best ways to bring in readers is by amassing information for ease of reading. You'll notice that much of the right column of this site is full of the latest updated items on a multitude of other websites, including First Things, National Review Online, Time, CNN, Christianity Today, and others. Every time these sites update their content, they are automatically updated on this site as well. Those familiar with my site will note that I frequently post on these items.

I understand the difficulties of beginning the conversations on a passive website, especially when evangelism is involved. Yet I also believe that with time, such events can and do become more frequent.

I close with a humble request: if you do enjoy (at all[!]) visiting the site, I would encourage you to contribute to the conversations as well. From comments to contributing posts, feel free to contact me if you desire to add to the program. I never intended for this to be a one-person show--there is always room for contributing writers.

And of course, if you feel so inspired, feel free in promoting Barroco Cervantes to those you know. I believe that the more people who are able to enter the conversation, the more interesting the insights and discussions can become. And of course, that would make your reading time all the more valuable.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

This is the first time that 9/11 has fallen again on a Tuesday. I would hope that all would take a moment out of their day today to remember those who perished on that tragic day. I pray that God would be with each and every one of us, the families, the friends, and all of those who continue to suffer.

Goldberg's Comments on Vick

No one needs refreshing over the allegations against Michael Vick. The other day, Whoopi Goldberg rallied to Michael Vick's defense on The View. Mark Goldblatt has an interesting take on the significance of her words over on National Review Online.

I agree with Mark that her perception of geographical custom is somewhat questionable. While it is absolutely unquestionable that some of our nation's darkest history lies in the South, it would be hard-pressed to add this type of brutality to that terrible list.

But the problem here is that the real issue doesn't necessarily lie in our collective history. The bigger problem is that her stance insensitively dismisses the moral and legal culpability of his actions in addition to denigrating an over-broad swath of society. Rarely--if ever--do you see our morality resorting to the so-called "boys will be boys" sentiment and then dismiss the wrongdoing.

Either Goldberg is taking the charges against Vick too personally (which one should find odd) or she's equally guilty of taking as long as Vick took to realize the nature of these horrid acts. Either way, one is unfortunately left to wonder the exact motive of her defensive advocacy.

------

Sources: USA Today [Associated Press]. National Review Online [Mark Goldblatt].

Relativism Revisited

For those with the time, I recommend this blog entry at First Things by Edward T. Oakes S.J. about the (sometimes) hidden absolutist tendencies in relativism. It may be a bit lengthy, but you will become all the better for having read it.
------
Source: First Things [Edward T. Oakes S.J.]

Farewell to Pavarotti

I am quite sure there are many saddened by this recent news: famed opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti has passed away at the age of 71. Whether you followed his celebrity escapades over the decades (or not), he was nevertheless revered throughout the world for his abilities.

If you read one article on this, make it [National Review Managing Editor] Jay Nordlinger's piece for a bit of context regarding the importance of the singer in our cultural history. It was written when Luciano retired several years back, but it fits quite well today.

If you must read more, then I also submit the following: Time's expose and Newsweek's article (with extra audio).
-------
Sources: National Review [Jay Nordlinger]; Time [Christopher Porterfield]; Newsweek [Cathleen McGuigan]

Dialogues on Justice and Judges

For those of you who, like Jeremy, are entering the legal profession (or already a part of it), you'll be very interested in the new issue of the Mars Hill Audio podcast. This issue, the first in a series entitled Dialogues on Justice and Judges, will feature discussions on the Supreme Court, its recent rulings, and the legal philosophies of the jurors upon its bench.

If you're not familiar with Mars Hill Audio, it's an audio journal produced by Ken Myers, a former NPR journalist and editor. Myers hosts a wide range of guests to discuss issues of religion, cultural, politics, and modern life. Mars Hill is well worth the subscription costs (the podcasts mentioned above are free), and I'd encourage you to check it out.

Rethinking "The Secret"

There is a book out there called The Secret*, which purports to instruct all of us how to cure our problems simply by harmonizing with the universe's frequency. I assume the book logically follows in the forward that if you aren't aware of this book, then apparently you aren't doing enough to harmonize with the publisher's frequency.

Fortunately, Anthony Sacramone has shed some (comical) light onto the book and its precepts: "Do you want to know the real secret? There are no secrets ... the real secret of The Secret—namely, that there’s a lot of money to be made in the self-help market."

* I am not linking this at all as an endorsement, mind you. Simply to point out this book does exist.

-------
Source: First Things [Anthony Sacramone].

The Weekend Five Ruminations - 9/1/2007

[1] Richard John Neuhaus has an uplifting entry regarding life choices at First Things: "I have had frequent recourse ... to one of the most liberating passages from Saint Paul, 1 Corinthians 4. He has been trying to explain himself and his apostolate to the Christians in Corinth. He doesn’t know whether he has succeeded, and then he says this: 'But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself ... [t]herefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.' Do not judge before the time! I do not even judge myself! These are the words of a life set free from the tangled web of introspection and indecision." Source: First Things [Richard John Neuhaus].

[2] There is an interesting discussion occurring regarding my earlier tax post in the comments section. I am very curious what the rest of the readers think on the topic.

[3] I think the only thing really worth mentioning (at all) about the Craig scandal is that his resignation is warranted--I think it is unfortunate that many politicians who stand for family/moral values in the limelight have also been the ones lately to fall. Not only do we all have a duty to be witnesses, but those actively seeking the spotlight by their position or standing in society have an even stronger burden that must be met. Honesty is the watchword. Source: CNN [Bash/Crowley/Yellin].

[4] On an off-beat note, apparently there is a massive spider web collective in a Texas park. If this is the closest thing we get to other life forms incorporating into loose organizations with tracts of real estate, then we can consider ourselves lucky. Or at least move to a colder climate. Source: CNN [AP].

[5] I wouldn't be living up to the blog's namesake if I didn't issue a reading challenge once in a while. I thoroughly encourage all of you to read Don Quixote at least once. Cervantes really did create a masterpiece that speaks to all of life's facets. Give it a read, it might be long, but I guarantee you won't regret your time. [I recommend this edition for those seeking to purchase an English translation of the novel]. Source: Amazon (booklink).