In getting to know Uwe Siemon-Netto, I learned that one of his most admirable qualities is his willingness to speak his mind and stand clearly for truth amid a drifting and compromising culture. I'm sure he'd think nothing of my complimentary view of his character given all he has seen and accomplished. His life reminds me of the popular song "I've Been Everywhere," first made popular in America by the country singer Hank Snow. Siemon-Netto has been all over the world as a journalist covering many of the biggest and most chaotic events of the twentieth century.
As readers will see in this issue's interview, Siemon-Netto's life in journalism gives him added insight as a theologian. As a journalist and theologian, he sees deeply into many of the problems that plague the media today. As somebody who enjoys studying military history, I appreciate Siemon-Netto's willingness to discuss what has become a narrow and flawed history of America's war in Vietnam. He covered the war as a reporter for five years and has written an excellent memoir titled, Triumph of the Absurd: A Reporter's Love for the People of Vietnam. As a leading Lutheran theologian, his insight and study of Luther's doctrine of vocation is, I would argue, essential for today's culture.
After reading an excellent piece on John Milton and liberty in the Journal of Markets & Morality, I asked the author, David Urban, to offer us a version for Religion & Liberty. Urban is a professor of English at Calvin College and delves into Milton's elevation of virtue as a chief requirement for liberty.
Mark S. Latkovic reviews Charles Murray's The Curmudgeon's Guide to Getting Ahead, and Matthea Brandenburg reviews The Idealist: Jeffrey Sachs and the Quest to End Poverty by Nina Munk. The book by Munk is a thorough examination of the problems with aid and high-minded theories for ending poverty in Africa. Writing in Barron's, William Easterly titled his review "The Arrogance of Good Intentions."
For "In the Liberal Tradition," R&L profiles the Lebanese diplomat Charles Malik (1906-1986). Malik drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and served as the president of the thirteenth session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.
Many of you have had the chance to visit our new and impressive headquarters. Acton's Kris Mauren provides an update on the capital fundraising campaign that made our move possible. He also touches on some new investments that will expand Acton's outreach thanks to our many generous supporters.
Ray Nothstine
