For anyone having difficulties choosing between "Realist" vs. "Idealist" schools of thoughts, here's another choice to add to the mix, i.e., "Realism Suffused By Panic". Check out Brett Stephens piece in today's Wall Street Journal, entitled "Father Knows Best?"

An excerpt:

As president of Texas A&M University, Bob Gates abolished admissions preferences for the children and grandchildren of alumni, reportedly saying it was "unworthy of a great university." Funny, then, that he should be returning to Washington on the strength of his reputation as daddy's boy.

"Daddy," of course, is former President George H. W. Bush, for whom Mr. Gates served as deputy national security adviser and director of Central Intelligence. Today, the elder Mr. Bush is being celebrated as a foreign-policy sage whose adroit stewardship of the world stands in flattering contrast with current management. Mr. Gates, along with Bush ... more here

[Posted by R.S.]