[Madame Dufarge]

For now, tes, I thought Rep. Joe Wilson was a boor to scream out at the President during a Joint Session

I have to disagree with VDH here. In Carnage and Culture, he argues that Western civilization successfully spread because westerners were superior killers.

If politics is war by other means, then Wilson made a tactical strike in front of the whole country and it had maximum effect.

Of course, he probably could have waited for the New York Times and the Washington Post to interview him so that he could have made the point. /s

[LearsFool]

In Carnage and Culture, he argues that Western civilization successfully spread because westerners were superior killers.

True. And I'm somewhat inclined to disagree with Hanson and agree with you.

However, Wellington argued that "the Battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton." In other words, it takes more than superior skill (at war, etc.) to win.

Part of what has made the West superior killers is our ability to maintain order in battle. Uncivility and outbursts have their place, of course. But when they become the rule rather than the exception, our battle lines - political, social, military, what-have-you - become weakened and vulnerable.

[slowhandluke]

If politics is war by other means, then Wilson made a tactical strike in front of the whole country and it had maximum effect.

Absolutely, it was the best political strike I've seen by a republican do since Reagan wouldn't bring up Mondale's youth and inexperience.

The president has been a boor in all his speeches, calling the Republicans liars, telling them they have no more right to speak (as they caused the mess). Turn about is fair play.