Le “Je Suis Charlie Hebdo” Édition
Listen to Slate's Political Gabfest about the Charlie Hebdo tragedy, the new Republican majority in both houses of Congress, and the decline in NYPD policing.
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On this week’s Slate Political Gabfest, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the tragic attack on the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, the return of a full Republican majority in the 114th Congress, and the NYPD’s apparent work slowdown with regard to “broken windows” policing.
Here are some of the links and references mentioned during this week’s show:
- A heartening anecdote about the fear Muslims experience in the face of Islamism.
- Ross Douthat’s insights into blasphemy in a free society.
- Arthur Goldhammer cautions us not to sacralize Charlie Hebdo.
- Nicholas Kristof answers the question: Is there something about Islam that leads inexorably to violence, terrorism, and the subjugation of women?
- George Packer argues why we must all try to be Charlie, not just today but every day.
- National Review highlights Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s address to leading Muslim theologians, calling for a revolution in Muslim “thinking” and a renouncement of its commitment to texts and ideas that justify killing infidels.
- Republicans say they’ll act swiftly in advancing their agenda.
- President Obama spent his first six years vowing to use his pen to get things done. Now he is pledging to use the power of the pen to protect his legacy.
- Slate’s Jamelle Bouie explores whether or not Republicans can govern without a crisis.
- The GOP has a historic majority in Congress, but it's also turning to the courts to aid its agenda.
- John Boehner is re-elected for a second time as House speaker, with a firmer grip on power than ever before.
- Revisit William Thackeray’s classic novel Vanity Fair.
- As the NYPD and the mayor continue their feud, arrests and citations plunge in New York City.
- What did Mayor de Blasio do to upset the NYPD so much?
- Is the NYPD’s “virtual work stoppage” actually a good thing for New Yorkers?
- Radley Balko debunks the narrative that policing is getting more dangerous.
Max chatters about the documentary Led Zeppelin Played Here.
Emily chatters about the Sixth Circuit’s split on gay marriage and the Fair Housing Act and disparate impact.
John chatters about his forthcoming piece on restraint in personal and public life.
David Plotz chatters about Oxford American’s story on Sky Burial.
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Podcast production by Mike Vuolo. Links compiled by Tarik Barrett.