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PaperclipPerfector  4d ago (text post)   2608 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for July 26, 2026

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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So, what are you reading?

Going through Felix Cohen's The Legal Conscience, though I've skipped the first section for now. My interest was rekindled after reading a Tablet article which argued that "Israel is best understood not as an apartheid state, but as a protected tribal reserve." Not sure how coherent that argument is, and I don't know if Cohen would make it, but I feel that he is nevertheless someone who can't be ignored.

Two factors now, as then, are involved: a native [American Indian] population in possession of areas rich in natural resources but without the techniques, or without the incentives, needed for the full development of these resources, and, on the other hand, a population with the desire and techniques to exploit these material resources. The problem now, as then, is to preserve the rights and liberties of native groups while permitting the fullest development of the world's resources. In seeking a modus vivendi for racial groups of varying cultures, those who will build a better postwar world can well afford to ponder the legal relationship of American Indians to the Federal Government, which, after three centuries of experience and experimentation, often bitter, conforms more closely today than ever before to the humane legal ideals first formulated by the theological jurisprudence of sixteenth century Spain.

Also picking up Slezkine's The Jewish Century, which seems like an overdue read.

There was another book thread in the Fun Thread. Posting here because the Fun Thread has a no-culture-war rule.

Just finished Between Two Fires.

I’m not religious and have zero biblical knowledge - loved the entire book.

Like a buddy road trip book about a gay priest, a dishonored knight, and a 12 year old girl walking through plaque stricken Europe because angels are telling the girl to.

Several very fun fantastical depictions, a wonderful ending (with a full on dire description of Hell), a fun twist - awesome!

plaque stricken Europe

Okay. I get it. I have bad teeth.

:P

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