Is Trump truly under the mistaken impression that US military might is ailing? Or is he mindlessly aping Ronald Reagan and hoping it brings in the re-election votes? Or perhaps something else entirely?
Tag: history
Rothbard #18 — Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes?
Rothbard’s major point seems to be “[b]ut who is to defend the people against the governors?” But his secondary point may be that Burke was much more profound than just being the “Father of the New Conservatism.” Let’s examine both points.
The Shining City on a Hill: Commentary on Reagan
While wrapping up my graphic novel, I wound up reading Ronald Reagan’s famous Farewell Address – his “Shining City on a Hill” speech. Given my broader views, I obviously have some objections. But I was amazed to read an actual presidential speech where I agreed with entire paragraphs.
A Pizza Problem: Why Those Third Party Polls Don’t Pan Out
Plurality or majority support for a generic third party in principle is not the same thing as plurality or majority support for a specific third party in the voting booth. In practice, most voters who say they want a third party end up voting Republican or Democrat, or just not voting. Why?
The Flynn Effect vs. the Greatest Minds in History
What do rising IQs really show? I remain undecided, but here’s an argument that strongly inclines me to pessimism. To wit: When I read the smartest thinkers from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, they seem roughly as smart as the smartest thinkers from the 20th century. In fact, the same goes for the smartest Greeks from the 4th and 5th centuries B.C.
Evolution IV — Elevation of Reason
We should be able to solve most problems, particularly those arising through war, poverty, irrationality, and malfeasance. But the scroll of history shows the contrary. We have little to boast of in any of these areas.
Education and Its Discontents
What is taught to the students at school is basically: “You have no choice in where you will be. If you do not do as I tell you, worse things will happen to you. If you follow orders, better things will happen to you.” The subject here is learning to accept the basic context of being in a prison and to follow orders to escape a worse fate. The kind of learning environment that I support can more or less fit under the category of unschooling.
Happy Holidays; Yes, All of Them
Like it or not (personally, I like it a lot), America IS a multi-religious and multi-cultural country with holidays galore. So what if you don’t celebrate them all? Why not just congratulate those who do? Shut yer griping, Trump. Merry Christmas AND Happy Holidays!
A Meditation on Internet Bullshit, Avoiding It, and Finding Truth
The internet is not an easy place to find truth. Truth and nuanced reporting is at a distinct disadvantage in a world of viral sharing. Bullshit is far more appealing, far more polarizing, and far more lucrative – in the short term – than reality.
And Now, A Prairie Home Sexual Harassment Complaint
It’s impossible to know in advance how far any social sea change will go, or how far it should go. But this one may have just seen its first bit of backlash — literally.