Comments on: Obama Channels John F. Kennedy: Brown Bag (III)

By: sargent6

sargent6 — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:28:53 +0000

Excellent show. As you began I figured – oh no, another Kennedy groupie trying to figure out a way to keep the sparkle on a rock star president who failed miserably (bay of pigs, cuban missles, vietnam). Keep in mind, I live in Massachusetts where Kennedyism is a cult.

Well, Mr Blight gave me a different perspective. I still think it’s easy to pick out the facts that support your notion that Kennedy was swell and would have gotten us out of Viet Nam. But the arguments were good and maybe I was a bit harsh.

By: enkerli

enkerli — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 21:52:43 +0000

Enjoyed the anthropological/ethnographic reference, for obvious reasons. It was rather appropriate in that we are indeed “detached” in our approach to understanding people before (or, even, “instead of”) condoning or condemning them. The notion of “cultural relativism” has often been misunderstood but Blight’s description fits.

Speaking of anthro, it’s rather surprising that Lutz has yet to be on Open Source. She’s connected to the Watson Institute and is well-known throughout the discipline (in part because of her work with Abu-Lughod). Would make for a fascinating conversation with a global attitude.

By: sidewalker

sidewalker — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:58:50 +0000

Hear hear! OCP. And thank you Chris for bringing us this conversation with James Blight and the previous one with Anthony Bogues. These voices and the great questions from the host are what make OS vital. Keep them coming.

Listening to both shows and the two clear voices appealing for America and its president to find a peaceful way in a post-colonial, post-Coldwar, post-Neocon (hopefully) world, I was drawn back to the lyrics of the Star Spangled Banner, especially the following lines…

And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:

… and really wonder if it is possible for the US to be a nation without an engaged enemy, real or, more often the case, fabricated. I’m hoping that Obama’s empathic heart might lead him to choose the road less travelled.

By: olivercranglesparrot

olivercranglesparrot — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:42:29 +0000

Superb. Absolutely superb. Thank you Professor Blight. Thank you Chris. Very enjoyable. To repeat myself, Mr. President, get on board with the ICC and Kyoto, as a first and important step to show some moral/ethical high ground. And, most importantly, no horse trading immunity as a sign concession. Jam through congress at the first opportunity.

My ‘What-If’ regarding JFK and Vietnam. I would guess a draw down escalation after the 1964 election. But, just speculation on my part.

My favorite moment in this conversation, regarding McNamara and Vietnam: The whole idea of bombing them (North Vietnamese) to the table was total bullsh*t. Yepper. Can’t be said enough about a variety of contexts.