The popular linguistics blog "Language Log" had some interesting commentary on "Politics and the English Language" written in a calmly analytical style (interspersed with some judicious jibes) that I think many YC.HN readers will find rather agreeable:
I think all the things criticized were intentional. It's hard not to think that a writer of Orwell's caliber would say something without meaning exactly what he said. A careful read becomes: "these are good general rules, and in describing them I'll also show you how to break them when appropriate". It would be fitting with Orwell's style in his fiction writing.
I just read that today. It's fantastic. I submitted it thinking there must be some number of people (ducks) who haven't read it. I would have done better to just upvote you.
The U. Adelaide guy has been doing a great job for quite a few years. I confess I hadn't visited recently - they have redecorated (with blog instead of "what's new" page, etc.)
http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/orwell46.htm