Today's Boston Globe articles

1. Invasive Species: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/07/11/a_recovery_takes_root/

The blight of the Asian longhorn beetle shows the importance of a rich native biodiversity, including both predators that can control the population growth of invasive species (though that is less likely) and trees some of which can withstand the invasive species.

2. Police and Race: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2010/07/11/the_avoidable_arrest/

I agree: the Gates arrest was largely based on race. Unless the police educate themselves better about dealing with civilians, especially those of different races, this problem may well recur.

3. War on Terror: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2010/07/11/a_jihads_inspiration/

I agree: Bin Laden now is more of a figurehead whose relevance depends on al-Qaeda's: close to nil. What matters more for US foreign policy is addressing the underlying tensions that led to Bin Laden's resurgence, including Israel.

4. World Cup: http://www.boston.com/sports/soccer/articles/2010/07/11/theres_a_world_of_difference/

I agree that Americans do not understand or appreciate soccer like they appear to be (except maybe when the US team is playing). And I love the Daily Mail headline: 'If the Few had defended as badly as England did, we'd all be speaking German now'.

5. Democracy and Information: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2010/07/11/how_facts_backfire/

People are predisposed to agree with facts that fit their beliefs, but let's not use this to disparage the importance of facts. It is imperative that democracies safeguard a 'marketplace of ideas' where facts, both true and fanciful, may prosper.

6. States and Military: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2010/07/11/military_rule_20/

I find the military takeover of civilian sectors prevalent (just look at how China's PLA is controlling so many economic enterprises). Excessive military involvement in civilian sectors and decision-making bodes badly for many of the world's governments.

7. Environmental Protection: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2010/07/11/river_wild/

In such difficult debates, the present must take priority over the past. If enough scientific evidence suggests that a dam should be razed to save the environment or species, historical appeal or aesthetics should not bar.

8. Facebook: http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2010/07/11/facebook_world/

Facebook is just getting started in reshaping human relations. In ten years, this book and its analysis may well be old news.