Citizen's Rent 2005: Friday Random 10: Subvert the Dominant Link Hierarchy

I've been negligent keeping my commitment to subvert the dominant link hierarchy with a regular Friday series of 10 links to blogs that haven't broken the cyber-ceiling into a-list dominance. It's likely that it will be an every-other-week feature, given the time it takes to find and read new blogs. Nevertheless, two days late, here's the latest round of blogs worthy of your time (IMHO).

Watching America: I'm not sure this site qualifies as a blog, but it has too much promise to exclude over a technicality. The site declares that you can "discover what the world thinks about U.S." and then makes it possible by providing English translations to news coverage of the US from around the world. They claim that the translations aren't available anywhere else (and who am I to argue the point). The site layout is painful, but the content is compelling enough to push me past the poor layout and navigation. Here's hoping they clean that up as their readership grow.
Democracy Arsenal: This hefty group blog focuses exclusively on US foreign policy and global affairs. The contributors are credible sources for informed opinion (check out their bios and see). The posts are generally meaty, often long, and educational. It's a good place to build foundational knowledge while keeping up on the topical issues like the Bolton nomination, intelligence reform, or cross-Atlantic relations.
Things As It Is: It's always a pleasure to stumble on to a blog that is well written, that takes information or ideas from another source and really adds to them instead of just kvetching. Such is the case on this blog. The blogger does us the favor of providing enough background that we don't have a prerequisite knowledge base to engage. Neither do we have to link away and read up on another post before we can enjoy the insights offered on the site. The posts are topical, informative, often insightful, and not repeats of what we find elsewhere in the blogosphere. The blog deserves more attention than it gets so go give it a look see.
JayBradfield: Here's a blog by a recent convert from the dark halls of conservativism to the light of the progressive world. In some ways, he strikes me as the political equivalent of the reformed smoker who can't help but preach the evils of nicotine to those who still light up. And yet, it's interesting to read his analysis of the issues that can move progressives closer to electoral success. He can write, and he's thoughtful, informed, and passionate - all the qualities of a good blogger.
Nick Lewis: I haven't included Nick before because I just assume everyone knows who he is and where to find him. He's a co-founder of the Progressive Blog Alliance so he's no stranger to many of us. His posts are almost always original and thought provoking. He's got a real fondness for Orwell, Foucault, and if I recall correctly, Jackson Pollock. He covers a huge range of topics, often outside of the common memes, and is one of the most responsive bloggers I know when it comes to replying to readers' comments. Those of you who haven't bumped into Nick are missing out. Time to correct that.
Why Are We Back In Iraq: Ron Brynaert, the owner of this blog, is more activist than blogger. He is cause oriented, whether it be the recent detainment of two sixteen year old girls as potential suicide bombers or Gannon's plagiarism, when he gets the bit in his teeth he doesn't let go. He can be explosive, even offensive. He takes on the a-listers as he sees fit. Agree with him or not, you've got to respect his passion and his persistence. His blog is a good check on the echo-chamber that can arise in the blogosphere. So add it to your blogroll.
Sister Novena's PortaPulpit: I had to include this blog if for no other reason than it's name. It's too good. But you visit it and find a post on Rush Limbaugh titled "Drug-Addled Racist Obsessed With Oral Sex" and you know you're in for some fun reading. Unfortunately, the blogger intends to reduce their posting, to avoid politics (though the post just after that announcement was, um, political). Here's hoping she can't keep her resolution to stay away. It's our loss if she does.
Last Left Turn Before Hooterville: I can't put my finger on what it was, but I swear that when I clicked to this blog and started reading it, I relaxed. Perhaps it's the bloggers personal voice coming through the posts, perhaps it's the clear voice of a woman that I hear in her writing that let's me breathe just a bit deeper. I'm not sure. What I am sure of is that I'm glad I clicked over. Her writing is clear, her occasional personal posts are interesting and topical, and her voice is strong. Worthy reading.
The Curmudgeonly Crab: This irreverent blogger lets loose on whatever grabs her attention and more often than not it's the freepers, the religious hypocrisy on the right. This excerpt is representative of the riffs you'll find: "Mention that Jesus might not be pleased with their mean-spiritedness and they freak out and get all proprietary. 'He's MY Jesus. Hands off, you harlot. My Jesus can totally kick your Jesus' ass.' Well, I've never actually heard anyone say that, but I know that's what they're thinking. To which I say, "You talk to Jesus with that mouth?" I've gotta say that at a certain point, there's nothing more refreshing than hitting a blog that just let's it rip. This one does.
Threading the Needle: If, in your blog surfing, you find that you've overindulged in short, pithy posts, then go to this blog for a remedy. Most of the posts are lengthy, but they're lengthy for a reason: they're substantive. They also cover a wide range of topics, from WMD in Iraq to the "minutemen" at the border, and opium in Afghanistan. If the topic is on your mind then the posts are well worth reading. So mark this blog as the antidote to short, echo-chamber posting found elsewhere.

Okay folks. That's it for this week. Look for more Random 10 links in roughly two weeks time. And PLEASE email me with links you recommend. If you don't, I'll have to start ripping off eRobin's lists.