From Sign and Sight, Europe's oppressive legacy: Nobel Prizewinner Imre Kertesz on the legacy of the last century and the challenges facing Europe in the next; and from closed circuits to communicating tubes: Polish journalist Adam Krzeminski points the way toward a European public sphere. Europe's Centre for Economic Policy Research has launched a new website called Vox, that seeks to become the focal point for discussion and analysis of policy-relevant economics. Unless Europe gets its act together, the world will continue to ignore it. How the West Was Lost: Theodore Dalrymple reviews The Last Days of Europe: Epitaph for an Old Continent by Walter Laqueur.
From Der Spiegel, it was a long time in coming, but finally Germany saw the birth of the new Left Party. Many see it as a collection of demagogues and former communists, but the political establishment is worried it could draw voters away from mainstream parties; and the Social Democratic Party is in trouble. A new poll shows they have their lowest approval ratings since elections in September 2005. The Left opposition in Germany: Why is the Left so weak when so many look for political alternatives? Ingo Schmidt investigates. A History of Hostility between Poland and Germany: Under the Kaczynski twins, ties between Germany and Poland have deteriorated to a level of animosity not seen since prior to the fall of the Iron Curtain.
From FT, how politics lost its punch: Alas the tradition of legislative fights long ago withered in Westminster and Washington. Life, liberty, and politicians' maddening way with words: Anne Applebaum on the infuriating blandness of political speech. From National Journal, Michael Barone on Open-Field Politics: Politics have changed. Surprises have become the norm as political alliances change overnight and voters feel free to move beyond party lines.
From Reason, The Minority Leader: Is Sen. Tom Coburn an extreme social conservative, a libertarian hero, or both? Uncompassionate Conservatives: Call them heartless and frugal—they'll be flattered. Sore losers: Michael Currie Schaffer on why Republicans are crybabies. A review of A Mormon in the White House? 10 Things Every American Should Know about Mitt Romney by Hugh Hewitt. Ron Paul is making a long-shot presidential bid to revive conservatism and lasso a party gone wild. The Party of No Ideas: Paul Waldman on the astonishing vacuousness of the GOP presidential campaigns.
From Business Week, The CEO Mayor: How New York's Mike Bloomberg is creating a new model for public service that places pragmatism before politics. Short Jewish billionaires from Manhattan who love gun control, gays and abortionists don't win national elections. Walter Shapiro on how Mike Bloomberg could buy the White House: Does America crave a sane version of Ross Perot with actual governing experience? Who would a Bloomberg presidential run hurt most? John B. Judis investigates (and more).
