Flatiron Hot! Pundit
“Zero Dark Thirty” Review: Torture Controversy in bin-Laden Raid Movie Absurd
January 15, 2013 | Eric ShapiroDirector Kathryn Bigelow and screenwriter Mark Boal have caught a lot of flack for their portrayal of torture in Oscar-nominated film Zero Dark Thirty, detailing the operation that resulted in the death of 9/11 mastermind Osama bin-Laden. Ultimately, the controversy says a lot more about the state of Hollywood than it does about the film.
Bigelow handles the loaded issue of torture in a manner in line with her cinematic vision, as witnessed in prior films such as 2008’s The Hurt Locker. That being said, her latest movie harbors, if anything, an anti-torture message, although it requires a bit of discernment on the part of her audience to notice. Fortunately, the Flatiron Hot! News critic is on hand with 800 words of discernment.
New York Times’ Louis David Seidman Right to Oppose Constitutional Originalism, Wrong to Trash U.S. Constitution
January 7, 2013 | Eric ShapiroOn December 31st, The New York Times published an editorial titled: “Lets Give up on the Constitution.” The Flatiron Hot! Pundit respectfully disagrees. Whether you consider yourself an adherent of Constitutional Originalism or subscribe to the notion of a living Constitution, America’s founding document is a bedrock of U.S. politics that has done more good than harm over the course of nation’s history. The Founders, particularly Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams and George Washington designed it to be highly adaptable, and it is this adaptability that has allowed it to keep pace with historical change.
Flatiron Hot! Pundit: Obama Fiscal Cliff Deal a Loss for Liberals, a Rout for G.O.P.
January 3, 2013 | Eric ShapiroA decisive election victory. An increased Democratic majority in one house of Congress and substantial gains in another. An automatic expiration of the Bush tax cuts. Leading up to the election, many expected Barack Obama to be a one-term president. But a mere few months later, he could hardly ask for better conditions to start out his second term (adjusted for the recession, of course).
Flatiron Hot! Pundit: Video Games Not to Blame for Sandy Hook Shooting
December 28, 2012 | Eric ShapiroGamers with any passing interest in politics were likely counting down the days (or, perhaps, hours) before pundits and politicians alike cited violent video games as a motivating factor behind the horrific Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, that left 26 dead, including 20 young children. Why? Because the killer, 20-year-old Adam Lanza, was known to play violent video games.
Flatiron Hot! Pundit: Conservatives’ Reaction to Sandy Hook Elementary School Shootings
December 28, 2012 | Eric ShapiroThe right’s attempts to grapple with the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings that claimed the lives of over 20 people, mostly young children, would be comical if their implications were not so troubling. Suffice to say, you won’t find much in the way of meaningful suggestions or solutions to the problem of gun violence in the words of prominent movement conservatives.
Flatiron Hot! Pundit: Don’t Ask Us to Pray For Sandy Hook Shooting Victims
December 28, 2012 | Eric ShapiroThe hearts of all compassionate Americans go out to the victims of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Our prayers, though, are a different matter.
Flatiron Hot! Pundit: The Case for Judicial Restraint on Gay Marriage
December 11, 2012 | Eric ShapiroProponents of marriage equality were understandably jubilant when the Supreme Court announced that it would rule on the legitimacy of same-sex nuptials. The willingness of the highest court in the land to take on gay marriage represents a victory for activists who have fought for years to acquire a right that all people should have: to enter into a culturally and legally-vital contract with a partner of their choice. Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) are unconstitutional and immoral, and liberals are rightfully calling for the Supreme Court to recognize them as such.
Northport Three Weeks Later: Surveying the Wreckage of Superstorm Sandy on Long Island
November 26, 2012 | Eric ShapiroFor some of us, Hurricane Sandy is already subsiding into a distant, traumatic memory. Our residences are intact, power has returned and our loved ones are safe and sound. For the inhabitants of ravaged areas such as Staten Island, the Jersey coastline, and the shores of Long Island, however, the “superstorm” is a continuing nightmare. Even as we return to our daily routines in the Flatiron District, Chelsea, and all around NYC, it is important for us to keep in mind communities that still haven’t recovered from Sandy’s onslaught.
Flatiron Hot! Pundit: Israel, the Palestinians, and the Gaza Offensive
November 16, 2012 | Eric ShapiroIn the storm of media coverage that has cropped up in the wake of Israel’s targeted killing of Hamas military commander Ahmed al-Jabari on Wednesday, the focus has understandably been on the devastating human costs of the ensuing hostilities. Footage readily accessible on Youtube provides a window into a devastating tableau that recalls the early days of Operation Cast Lead, Israel’s 2008 offensive in Gaza.
Flatiron Hot! News & Bulletin Now on Facebook
November 14, 2012 | Eric ShapiroFirst and foremost, thanks so much for all your support and attention thus far! We couldn’t have made it this far without you. Now, help us build our social media presence by liking our new Facebook page. And if you haven’t already, follow us on Twitter (@FlatIronHot & @EricShapiro3). Read on to find out all our Facebook page has to offer, including special deals and discounts on local office space, dining and nightlife venues.