I’m not saying that philosophy as a whole is without contradiction, however through years of weeding through different philosophies and theories I was able to find what works best for me. A collection of tools with which anyone can use to truly test whether an idea, concept, law, or edict is just, fair, and equitable. In no particular order I’d like to present a few of the tools I use use when trying to make a consistent, rational, and logical judgement or claim.
Tag: control
First They Came for Backpage
In 2016, after a court slapped down the attempts of Kamala Harris (D-CA), then attorney general of her state and now a US Senator, to prosecute Backpage for “pimping,” I suggested that merely dismissing the charges was not enough. I am still of that opinion.
The Classical Liberal is a Dreamer
Classical liberalism does not disavow the state. Indeed, it embraces and celebrates it, but only, the classical liberals insist, in the form of “limited government.” This regime, sustained by taxation, includes legislators who enact rules, executives who control police and armed forces to enforce the rules, and judges who settle disputes between persons and between persons and the state. In many versions it also includes active engagement in the construction and maintenance of public works (now often called infrastructure) and a system of government schools (now often with compulsory attendance). The classical liberal imagines that this setup will support free markets and more generally a free society and that it can be sustained indefinitely.
When Smart People Unwittingly Embarrass Themselves
I shouldn’t be embarrassed for other people when they say stupid things. But I am. I can’t help it. I want to help them stop saying dumb things and embarrassing themselves. But when they refuse to see that what they said is dumb, due to being blinded by their superstition, they won’t believe they need to change. It’s sad. And painfully embarrassing.
Who’s Afraid of Russian Propaganda?
If we believe the people who claim to be so concerned about Russian Facebook activity, we really ought to be concerned about something much deeper: the apparent fragility of American society. For if the Russians can strike a propaganda blow comparable, as some have ludicrously said, to Pearl Harbor and 9/11, isn’t that also true for any number of domestic websites across the political spectrum?
“We Must Do Something!”
Every time something horrible happens, whether as a result of malice or bad luck, there will be a number of people clamoring for “government” to propose some new legislative solution. Rarely does it do any good, and often it makes things worse. But most people would rather “demand” some pointless measure, than face the fact that there is a lot about the world that is simply unpredictable and uncontrollable.
“Statistics” are Irrelevant
Even if some former slaves die after being freed (and the evidence is pretty clear that a lot of them did die as a direct result of “emancipation”) you still have no right to enslave anyone for any reason. Not for their own good, not “for the children”, and not because the cotton won’t be picked otherwise.
Scott Adams on Guns
It is in every decent person’s self-interest to encourage gun ownership for everyone. Even if I go crazy and try to kill an innocent person, and they shoot me in self-defense, I completely support their right to do so. Maybe knowing they are armed would help keep me sane, or scare me into not attacking them even if I go nuts.
Keep Your Nose on Your Own Property
Neglecting to understand which things are your business, and which are not, causes many problems. People spend too much time with their noses in places where they don’t belong while ignoring things for which they are responsible.
The Denial is Strong in This One
In the past I have pondered whether it is ethical to accept “welfare” from government, but I have never doubted that it is dangerous. I have compared it to milking a grizzly bear.