Lileks:

I agree with Mr. Jones; Human nature is immutable, damn the luck – although I suspect a great many of Mr. Jones’ prescriptions rely on its endless mutability – but the nature and quality of societies change, which is why Tony Blair left office on his feet instead of being dragged into the public square to have his bowels unspooled, and Mr. Jones himself – who believes Chaucer was assassinated for political reasons – can speak his mind without fearing for his life. Especially since he took the right side on the matter of the Crusades – those rude God-bothering popish maniacs blundering into the civilized gardens of Islam, ad so on.

What is it with these guys? You point out that America was the first nation to land on the moon, and they nod and say yes, well, the Sumerians first described the moon’s orbit 2000 years ago. Perhaps, but that’s like saying that marrying Sophia Loren is an equal accomplishment to watching her walk across the street. Historical perspective is one thing. But “nothing changes” is a sad gust of defeat. Things change, all right. Just wait.

And listen to the Diner.