Today's Best: The Philosopher's edition (11-15-12)

1. Today's best way to celebrate World Philosophy Day: As reported by Inside Higher Ed: "I've gotten word from a philosophy major at Howard University that he and other students will be occupying Alain Locke Hall on Thursday, November 15, to protest tuition rates, administrative mistreatment of janitorial staff, and program cuts."
2. Today's best diss from a philosopher : The mighty Jurgen Habermas writes that the German Constitutional Court is 'solipsistic and normatively depleted.' Wish I'd had that line handy in some arguments with former friends. ("You're not just inconsiderate. You're solipsistic and normatively depleted.")
3. Today's best beneficiary of the view from nowhere (journalistic version): popular-musician-turned-politician Michel Martelly, known during his performing days as 'Sweet Micky,' has taken to the Haitian presidency with enthusiasm.

Yes Were Are Here or Y'all Should Be Ashamed Vol. (I am Looking at You Cornel West)

  In an ongoing demonstration of what even the most sympathetic allies think of as deeply problematic, Dr. Cornel West (I would mention the other guy but do we really care) continues his criticisms of the policies of Pres. Barack Obama. Except policy critiques are no longer enough. Apparently Dr. West's consistent attempt to establish a new Black authenticity demands that Barack Obama be seen ideological, thus

Obama should be criticized for the use of drones in Pakistan, the lack of real corporate sector reform and magical thinking around poverty in the US and his failures to even imagine a real re-organization of the manner in which US economic, social and political culture arraigns itself.  But this shit above? This shit above is insulting to anyone that once looked to Dr. West for insightful meditations on the nature of US society. Cancel Christmas because those days are over! There are more reasoned, engaged, credible and mature ways to engage in political debate and criticism. However Dr. West seems to be ramping up the Black authenticity debates of the 60s by accusing Obama of a "fear of free black men and the like. This shit is childish and beneath people that want to engage in a real criticism of centrist neo-liberal policies. What Dr. West is doing is the opposite and his slinging of dated, nationalist provocation is beneath rationality. I am almost waiting for West to start talking about whose has the bigger afro and the longer penis. (F*** the flourishes) Dr. West You Should Be Ashamed of Yourself.