While reading the first few pages of Jason Brennan’s Against Democracy recently, the idea came to me (not directly from what I was reading, mind you) that the advent of modern democracy may have been the result of a desire by the landowning class to control the means of expropriation.
Tag: security
The “Social Contract” Excuse
There are zero rational justifications for the existence of a ruling class (“government”). So what the believers in the Divine Right of Politicians have, instead of logical arguments, is contorted retroactive excuses for why they still believe things that are patently ridiculous.
Political Interests, National Security, & Moral Imperialism (24m) – Editor’s Break 038
Editor’s Break 038 has Skyler giving his commentary on the following topics: political vs. public interest, forgiving others of the mistakes they make, Trump’s foolish approach to national security, trusting people to choose political leaders but not to take care of themselves and others, moral imperialism, and much more.
Trump’s “National Security Strategy” is the Opposite of National Security
A real “National Security Strategy” comes down to two things: Free trade, and minding our own business. Early in his presidential campaign, Trump hinted at the latter, but quickly reverted to business as usual. He’s clearly never grasped the former at all.
A Crowdfunding Proposal: UFOs Deserve Better and More Public Investigation
Among the public, opinion on UFOs runs the gamut from belief that the whole idea is a product of fevered imaginations to conviction that Earth is frequently visited by extraterrestrial beings possessed of technologies beyond our ken. But all along that spectrum there remain good reasons to investigate UFOs.
The FBI Is Not Your Friend
One of the unfortunate ironies of the manufactured “Russiagate” controversy is the perception of the FBI as a friend of liberty and justice. But the FBI has never been a friend of liberty and justice. Rather, as James Bovard writes, it “has a long record of both deceit and incompetence.”
How to Stop Raping People (1h44m) – Episode 098
Episode 098 welcomes Jessica Burden back to the podcast for an important and lively conversation on what people should do stop the epidemic of sexual assault. Topics include: pedofilic neighbors, sex offender registries, community vigilance, hitting children, what trauma is and what causes it, adult connections with children, childhood autonomy, sexual drives, puberty, personal responsibility for one’s security, double standard on inebriated responsibility, institutional analysis, false accusations, Trutheum, and more.
As They Perpetuate Their Endless Crimes
Many Americans become enraged in response to reports of personal misbehavior by politicians (of the other party), especially sexual misbehavior. The news media cover the matter 24/7. Allegations are periodically resurrected decades after the public has lost interest. Meanwhile…
Assertions versus Facts
CNN can show us an apple, but it can’t show us Russian election meddling or global warming or people being made safe by gun control. Unlike apples, these are complex things not amenable to depiction.
Real Common Sense on Gun Control
Here’s how to judge the pragmatic case for gun control: if the pro-control lobby managed to have each of its favorite restrictions enacted, could we as individuals be more casual about our safety than we are today? The answer clearly is no. So what’s the point of the restrictions beyond letting their advocates feel good about themselves?