Bloggers, etc. I am Thankful For

Well, Thanksgiving day is over and I meant to write a post about the bloggers and others on the internet I am thankful for, but we had 25 people for Thanksgiving dinner and I did not get a chance. So now that I have some time, here are the bloggers and others on the internet that really make my days brighter and get me thinking, and why I am thankful for them:

Ann Althouse at Althouse.blogspot.com: Professor Althouse is really witty and doesn't take herself too seriously. She can talk about trivial topics like squirrels, wine and the childish behavior of other bloggers in one breath while handling more serious topics with ease. I love the way she links to and seems fairly friendly with her ex-husband, who has a blog of his own. She has an artist's eye and a psychologist's observation of human behavior that makes for great commentary when combined with her knowledge of the law and politics.

David Bernstein at the Volokh Conspiracy who is the author of one of my favorite books, You Can't Say That!: The Growing Threat to Civil Liberties from Antidiscrimination Laws. I admire Bernstein's libertarian style and his willingness to take unpopular views and defend them with facts and intellect instead of shrill emotion and opinion.

Beccy Cole: The anti-Dixie Chick: Ms. Cole is an Australian singer who stood up to her fans who disapprove of her support for the Diggers, the Australian soldiers fighting in the Long War. Instead of sulking and acting like a bunch of rebellious adolescents like our own Dixie Chicks, Ms. Cole chose to act in a mature and reasoned manner by putting out a video that displayed her bravery and loyalty towards her country. Whenever I feel discouraged and start to think that many people are apathetic, or worse, show loyalty towards our enemies instead of our country, I realize that bravery and a will to fight for freedom still exists.

Michelle Malkin at Michelle Malkin.com: I absolutely admire Michelle Malkin, she not only deals with verbal insults on a regular basis but stands up without fear to those who wish her harm. She is a role model to bloggers and women everywhere for her tenacity, bravery, and ability to withstand criticism without worrying about being popular to the masses. She is a terrific role model and citizen.

Jane Galt at Asymmetrical information : Libertarian Megan McArdle is a clear and clever writer and I like her views on economic and healthcare issues. She generates interesting discussion and I find I agree with her much of the time and even when I don't, I find myself being persuaded by her factual and straightforward positions.

And finally, of course, Instapundit, who seems to hear all and see all, even when I least expect it.