NN Friedman V. Pynchon

[Malignd]

<<Speaking of powerful rebuttals, still waiting to see
you come up with some reason why Friedman is to be
preferred over Pynchon for his grasp of world affairs.
You've already pointed to F's resume and handed out
personal insults -- anything of substance to say,
referencing something F has written that demonstrates
your point? >>

What would you have one do:  post one of his books to
the list?  Here's a title:  The Lexus and the Olive
Tree:  Understanding Globalization.  There was
discussion on the list just yesterday about Friedman's
views on globalization that referred to this book.  

Or you might read From Beirut to Jerusalem.  He lived
in Beirut for nearly five years, in Jerusalem for
four.  The book can be (has been) criticized for being
pro-Israel and for being more journalistic than
analytical.  Nevertheless, it won the National Book
Award.  

As to why I might feel his writing on the subject is
to be preferred to Pynchon's: (a) Pynchon has written
nothing on either subject; and (b) other things being
equal (i.e., had Pynchon actually written something),
I would tend to trust more someone whose job was
on-site foreign correspondence than someone who is
likely a recluse.

But, books aside, any one column of Friedman's-- they
appear regularly in the Times (I know, I know, the
Times; but the guy has to make a living), many are
available on-line -- despite such issue as you might
take with his opinions, demonstrates an engagement
with and expertise in current foreign affairs
exceeding what Pynchon has demonstrated (which, I
remind you again, is zero).

But Pynchon is wise and knowing, surely, and if he
weren't so distracted or preoccupied or craven, he'd
certainly speak out on current affairs and we'd no
doubt all be as impressed by his opinion as you are by
his silence. 



__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month!
http://sbc.yahoo.com