Arm-chair Quarterbacks
I read a lot of political blogs recently, it’s part of my daily routine now. I always enjoy reading op-ed pieces in newspapers, and the blogs I read are just op-eds with a few more express shots. They opine and take stands on everything.
Now, this is in contrast to what happens back home. A lot of academics are becoming arm-chair quarterbacks, providing instant analysis on various subjects to the media. I don’t want to be too critical here, let’s just say there a lot of reasons for them to do this. They are also in great demand due to media and society obsession of high academic titles.
However, in the name of academic integrity and independence, the opinions offered are sometimes too stale and shallow. They comment on policies while trying to avoid alienating the policy makers. I’d like them to play real quarterbacking one of these days. Then they really have to choose their strategy and who to throw the ball to.