IntentBlog

Terror and Transition

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 13:19:36 -0800

"One day after the British police discovered what they called a double car-bombing plot in London, two men slammed a Jeep S.U.V. that caught fire into the departure doors at Glasgow Airport," the New York Times reported last week.

Learning from the Past, Moving Forward Together

Sun, 06 May 2007 16:34:42 -0800

"It is difficult to comprehend senseless violence on this scale." These words, stated by Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine in reference to last month's shootings at Virginia Tech, also could apply to another national tragedy still fresh in the hearts and minds of Americans, the attacks of September 11, 2001.

On Turbans

Fri, 04 May 2007 19:36:34 -0800

As someone who is very interested in civil rights and the post-9/11 climate facing turbaned Sikhs in particular, I was very disturbed and saddened to learn personally that negative views of men with turbans still persist over five years after 9/11 and exist in major metropolitan areas.

A Crisis in Work Ethic?

Sat, 13 Jan 2007 10:26:07 -0800

In the New York Post, Saira Rao offers this excellent article on young lawyers leaving large firms and generous salaries because of the demanding lifestyle associated with working at a major law firms. This topic interests me not only as a young lawyer, but also as a South Asian.

Media and Muslims

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 14:10:36 -0800

The general climate that Muslims encounter in post-9/11 America is affected by several different types of actors, including the government, the media, and ordinary citizens. For example, government treatment of Muslims after 9/11 arguably legitimizes private violence, such as hate crimes, against Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim.

The Audacity of Hope

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 11:06:03 -0800

There seems to be little cause for optimism in American politics these days. Consider, for example, the ongoing military campaign in Iraq, the morally questionable conduct by members of Congress, and the negative ads flooding the airwaves due to the approaching elections in November. Despite the disappointing judgment of our leaders and the discouraging nature of American political culture, I'm actually hopeful.

On Peace

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 08:42:03 -0800

The human race has witnessed a number of positive developments over the course

Hamdan v. Rumsfeld

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 19:02:08 -0800

On Thursday, the Supreme Court of the United States issued one of the most important decisions of our generation, one that vindicates the American constitutional design and, in particular, the judicial check on executive wartime authority.

Class in Edmonton

Mon, 19 Jun 2006 10:17:08 -0800

Tonight, the Stanley Cup -- the National Hockey League's championship trophy -- will be awarded to the Carolina Hurricanes or the Edmonton Oilers. This post is not about hockey -- regrettably an unpopular sport in the United States and presumably with most Intent readers -- but about something increasingly rare in sports: civility.

"Divided We Fall" Screening

Sun, 28 May 2006 18:10:05 -0800

My good friend and partner at DNSI, Valarie Kaur, is screening her documentary, "Divided We Fall," this Saturday at Stanford University. I viewed a rough cut of the film last year; it was excellent. I hope the readers of Intent will consider attending and informing others of this upcoming event.

Idol Winner, Idle Nation

Wed, 24 May 2006 21:26:24 -0800

This evening, FOX crowned a new winner of the popular television competition, "American Idol." The show's bland and inoffensive host, Ryan Seacrest, announced that over 63 million votes were cast, "more than any president in the history of our country has received."

"America, you lose, and I won."

Thu, 04 May 2006 19:55:31 -0800

The words of a defiant Zacarias Moussaoui, who yesterday was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Twelve jurors deliberated for seven days before reaching this decision. What may be going through the minds of many Americans is the following question: what would I have voted for -- life or death -- if I was on the jury?

On Immigration

Mon, 01 May 2006 22:17:04 -0800

Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of America today, marching in support of immigrants' rights and in a dramatic display of solidarity. Some of those taking part were illegal immigrants who left work to expose the void that would exist if the immigrants were not in the country. In this sense, the demonstrations were not just about rights, patriotism, and unity, but about sheer economic power.

On United 93 - The Film

Sun, 23 Apr 2006 19:56:27 -0800

United 93, a film that recreates the drama of the fateful September 11, 2001, flight that crashed in Pennsylvania due to the heroic efforts of hijacked passengers, debuts nationwide on Friday. The film has already generated significant controversy because of its sensitive subject matter, timing, and profit-motivated existence.

Tavalon Tea Bar

Wed, 12 Apr 2006 08:25:54 -0800

This month, a good friend of mine opened up Tavalon Tea Bar in New York City -- a lounge that sells gourmet loose-leaf tea along with tea accessories. I invite you all to visit Tavalon, not only because of its tea products and the cultural importance of tea to many of us, but also because of the spirit and vision that led to the birth of Tavalon.