Words Fail The Hitch
“Gorgeous George” Galloway, a maverick British left-wing politician, who loudly opposed the Iraq War and who is accused of taking kick-backs from Saddam Hussein, testified before Congress yesterday. One of his interrogators was Christopher Hitchens, a British left-wing journalist, who supported the War. I should explain that The Hitch (as he called by those who love him) is brilliant, prolific, effortlessly eloquent, fearless–and is known to like a good drink. Or two. Or three.
Gorgeous George: “You’re a drink-soaked former Trotskyist popinjay. Your hands are shaking. You badly need another drink.”
The Hitch (words, for once, utterly failing him): “And you’re a drink-soaked …” (Giving up) “You’re a real thug, aren’t you?”
American public life in comparison to this sort of thing is pallid, self-important, and spiritless. Also, much less funny.
Keep Reading
Most Popular

These materials were meant to revolutionize the solar industry. Why hasn’t it happened?
Perovskites are promising, but real-world conditions have held them back.

Why China is still obsessed with disinfecting everything
Most public health bodies dealing with covid have long since moved on from the idea of surface transmission. China’s didn’t—and that helps it control the narrative about the disease’s origins and danger.

Anti-aging drugs are being tested as a way to treat covid
Drugs that rejuvenate our immune systems and make us biologically younger could help protect us from the disease’s worst effects.

A quick guide to the most important AI law you’ve never heard of
The European Union is planning new legislation aimed at curbing the worst harms associated with artificial intelligence.
Stay connected

Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.