I am a bibliophile, yet Thomas Friedman is the only author whose book I actually threw in the trash rather than donate to someone. I couldn't get through it.
I have a friend whom I have known since high school. I haven't seen as much of her lately. My husband asked why, and I told him that she mentioned to me that she LOVES Keith Oberman (sp) of MSNBC because he is so funny and sarcastic.
He said, "Oh. That is a good reason."
I try not to judge people, but honestly when I see that their perceptions are 180 from mine, I just don't think we have anything in common.
Whenever I hear that BS about Friedman being such "an expert on Middle East Affairs", I remind them that Mr. Friedman was one of the leading cheerleaders, if not the Numero Uno cheerleader for the Oslo Accords back in the 90's.
History has proved him to be wrong, very wrong and that was a long time ago so why should anyone listen to what he proposes or says.
After I state this, I ask them if they were aware of that fact. They usually don't respond and try to change the subject.
What a perceptive and principled person you are. And I'm not kidding. The oracle of the NYT is a doofus.