Our good friend and fellow Blogcritic N.Z. Bear has a new group blog focusing on politics and policy called The Weblog Action Center. Categories of posts include Leaders, "Fighting the good fight, or a well-intentioned fool? The trick is telling the difference"; Issues, "From pending legislation to global threats. Pick a side and make your stand"; Orgs, "An NGO that getting it done? Or not?"; and Grab Bag, which is just that.

From the assortment of fine thinking, "Free Trade and the War on Islamofascism" by Inscrutable American particularly struck me:

I believe that the United States should cement its ties with its allies in this war by creating a new free trade area that joins democratic nations that are committed to the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

There are nations out there, fighting on the frontlines of this war, the most of significant amongst which is the trinity of Israel, India and Turkey. The US already has a free trade agreement with Israel (you don't hear too much about that one, do you?). Trade ties with the other two should be strengthened so that we may once again become the "arsenal of democracy" and in addition, the protector of liberty. We must also develop free trade agreements with our "cousins," the British, the Aussies and New Zealand. Only by working together with our allies can we win this War. Even if we just have bilateral free trade with each nation, it will help bring them together.

The Weblog Action Center is also looking for contributors: if you have a blog and write about politics, policy or world affairs, hop on board. I'm a member (as of today), join the contentious crew and speak out.