I grouped these entries under the categories we use here at Kesher Talk:

WWIV:

These days we are all wondering what to do about Iran. Louisiana Libertarian has some suggestions. (I wonder if we aren't doing most of this anyway . . . ) (Can I add a relevant blogpost from someone who's not a RINO? Check this out.)

Pigilito notices that the US is rewarding Indonesia for taking Islamic terrorism seriously. One tactic of the Indonesian government is to encourage the nation's leading clerics to theologically critique the terrorist-mongers. Maybe they can critique the Iranian mullahs while they're at it.

Decision '08 says the antidote to terrorism is . . . . freedom. It's a cliche, but worth repeating in light of the successful Iraqi elections.

Argghhh! goes arrggghhhh!!! over the latest naysaying about the elections. Some of us call it “goalpost moving.” Some of us call it being an Eeyore. Some of us call it “the best is the enemy of the good.” And some of us just go “arrggghhh!!!” (But a fun gun-totin' Christmas party alleviates the frustration.)

Enrevanche highlights an amazing and thought-provoking article on torture as public policy, by former Soviet dissident Vladimir Bukovsky.

Restless Mania gives a thumbs up to Pentagon Psy-Ops.

The Bostonian Exile questions the timing of the NYTimes revelation of NSA eavesdropping.

The Strata-Sphere continues on this topic, pointing out that controversial eavesdropping didn't start with Bush, and speculates on motives for the recent publicizing of the program.

Kesher Talk has an example of how the “human rights” movement has an agenda when deciding which dissident to support.

From Sea to Shining Sea:

Searchlight Crusade makes a case that - even if patriotism doesn't float your boat - the United States is worth defending as a laboratory for economic and social ideas which make life better for everyone, and as a competitive spur for other societies to emulate our successes.

The Commissar explains the difference between “civilian” and “citizen” for progressives, using a Venn diagram.

Tom Hanna says our criteria for citizenship have stood the test of time:

A group in Congress wants to tamper with the fundamental principle that a person born in the United States is a US citizen . . . Apparently these illustrious individuals are unfamiliar with the concept of American Exceptionalism, the idea that the United States, the City on a Hill, is great precisely because it is different.

Inside Larry's Head says: "I think all Center-Right bloggers should start every morning with this simple declaration “Thank God for Howard Dean.”

Balloon Juice compares the Bull Moose and the Donkey: Should the Democratic Party seek a unified position on the Iraq War? (Editorial comment: Is the subtext "Are we going to excommunicate Joe Leiberman, or showcase him as evidence of our big tent?")

Across the Pond:

Legal Redux wonders if the Kyoto Treaty is enforceable, and concludes: “An altruistic treaty with the best of intentions, turns sour because a lack of enforceability. Isn’t that the story of the United Nations?”

Competing Narratives:

Classical Values fisks a naive essay which argues that the pooling of restaurant workers' tips demonstrates that Communism is good, and sympathizes with the waitrons who want to keep their own tips.

Orac Knows that sometimes the cure can be worse than the disease. If the disease is Holocaust denial, is the cure really suppressing free speech?

Don Surber asks: “How dead is the CBS Evening News?”

Evolution looks at identity politics and the Philadelphia NAACP's attempt to smear Donovan McNabb.

Inside Larry's Head examines how the apologists for Tookie Williams invoke religion. Ignorantly.

Life and How to Live It:

Digger does us all a favor by designing a BlogAds Rate Calculator. (Maybe no one's clicked on my Google Ads because they're below the fold . . . )

Technography has a lyrical essay about the camaraderie of military veterans, and the bittersweet memories of battle: The Walking Drum

The Countertop Chronicles brings you a beautiful Advent Calendar with some sneaky surprises (which may be useful when the Gestapo's at the door).

When he was fourteen, Say Uncle learned many useful things from a man named Earle.

Enrevanche has some preliminary thoughts on the NYC transit strike.

Sensual Pleasures:

Ex-Donkey Blog reviews “King Kong,” with a special parent advisory.

Cardinal Martini found himself in “That Lion movie with the Witch, the Closet, and a bunch of people in a theater.” He liked the movie, but he doesn't give a good review to the bunch of people in a theater.

Right Thoughts says: Gotta love a guy who refuses to apologize for getting rich and dropping out of the Hollywood rat race!

Kesher Talk wants everyone to experience - even vicariously - the wonderfulness of the Austin 37th St. festival of lights.