Progressivism as a philosophy is about improving the human condition. In my opinion, the only way to improve the human condition is to improve the conditions wherein a person may act.
Category: Two Cents
On Government Parasitism II
Government supporters will tell you that without the state making it possible for markets to function safely, we would all be worse off. One must wonder where the the state gets the resources it requires to effectively “regulate” markets.
On Determinism
Something else that bothers me about the free will debate: if determinism (or variant) is true, then accepting it requires us to engage in delusional thinking. Hear me out.
On Voluntaryists
There’s a simple trick to tell if someone is a voluntaryist or not based on the solutions they offer to socio-economic problems: do they advocate for more government control over peaceful people, or less?
On Intellectual Property IV
I heard the claim recently that to use an idea that originated with someone else is to commit a trespass. This begs the question and assumes what proponents of strong intellectual property rights are trying to prove.
On Christmas
As I am no longer religious, I see no reason to continue celebrating the Christmas holiday. In fact, every year my weariness of the obligations that Christmas requires grows deeper. If I had my way, there would be no Christmas in my house.
On Patriarchy
I’ve been in an audit by the IRS for over two years now concerning my 2015 return. I suppose my constant challenges of jurisdiction have a way of delaying the process. However, I’m thinking of trying a new approach: asserting my patriarchy.
On False Allegations
Fortunately it was well before my time in the culture wherein I find myself, but I’m sure you can recall when rape victims were further victimized by their loved ones and society for the “crime” of being raped.
On Politics V
Politics is the use of violence in society. Which is a bigger evil?: 1) the vices you may oppose, such as drug use, alcohol use, sex work, praying to the wrong god, sketchy business practices, et cetera, or 2) threatening violence and imprisonment against those who engage in whatever it is you consider vice?
On Intellectual Property III
The private property convention is meant to reduce conflict over naturally scarce resources. When something is made artificially scarce by government fiat, say when ideas are monopolizable (copyright and patent), it is as if a wrench is thrown into the works of a machine.