Impromptus

The only author I always--always--take time to read is National Review's Jay Nordlinger. Even when I don't have time to the assigned reading for classes, I always try to squeeze in his Impromptus. And he never disappoints, especially not today.

Why do I like reading Nordlinger so much? Can't say for sure, really. You can chalk it up to a short attention span; one of his impromptus is "long" if it goes for more than three paragraphs. Whenever I read another columnist, I always find myself feeling guilty if I skim, or if I stop reading before the end. Not so with Nordlinger!

But I'd like to think there are nobler reasons for liking him. His style, his grace, his way with language. The way he refuses to take politics seriously. That, I think, is one of the defining traits of a conservatism: a sort of elegant detachment from everyday politics. Maybe that's why we lose so much. But hey, I suppose it's worth it.

If you haven't got my message yet, let me repeat myself. Go read Jay Nordlinger. I'd say he's the new William F. Buckley, but he's rather up there in the years himself. So...let's say he's more like Buckley's twin brother.