The role of government, as taught in university

I like studying the arguments of those who disagree with me, mostly because of the proof that they provide, that the American educational system is worthless, even at its highest levels. In my earnest opinion (and I think most would agree), Americans should not spend a penny on anything that is worthless, and they [...]

Clearing a path to affordable living

Markets are most advantageous to individual participants in a state of perfect competition, where we find fair wages, fair prices, and fair opportunities.  Perfect competition is unattainable in any market. However, this does not mean our society should not strive to attain it.  With the passing of Sherman Anti-Trust legislation in 1890, Congress first recognized [...]

Holocaust Museum, Yad Vashem (05.14.08)

I continue to be frustrated by the nature of holocaust conversations.  The sole intent of such discussions is almost always the provocation of emotional reaction and attachment.  To me, if we simply become attached to the victims emotionally, we unwittingly blind ourselves to the condition of the perpetrators.
Our guide Moshe asks, “How could people have [...]

My first attempt at poetry: “I am a human”

Perhaps the most important thing I have learned from Shakespeare is that the leading edge of social reform is always artistic.  Shakespeare created individualism before it was ever really known.  I write social commentary all the time, but I have never tried to form it in a more attractive, presentable, widespread way.  “I am a human” is [...]

Letter to the neo-American

I wrote the following to a dear friend and fellow American who will remain anonymous:
When I reflect on our conversations, and consider the compassionate and insightful person I know you to be, I find it hard to believe that you sincerely support the hostilities in Iraq, or that you cannot see through the confines that [...]

The Road to 1984: Corporatism and the International Police State

Below is an excerpt from my upcoming book (title undetermined): 
Washington, D.C. is broken. The tweaks and levers of contemporary politics offer no fixes for the economic and social problems the United States faces, as they are more of the same. The more energetic a government becomes, the fewer freedoms its citizens enjoy.  Still, the petty partisan battles [...]

Huckabee, Schmuckabee

“The handcuffs are on government not people…the government’s position is hands off in either preferring one religion to another or prohibiting one.” – Mike Huckabee
It would be nice if Huckabee practiced what he preached. This statement directly opposes a marriage amendment. How does banning gay marriage in the U.S. enhance freedom or limit government? It [...]

Old government should be replaced

Prudence often precedes implementation of government programs, regulations, or taxes. Precaution is wise, but it does not guarantee good results. Some government endeavors, most haloed in conception, turn devilish in practice. Therefore, policymakers should scrutinize their decisions just as closely after implementation, recognizing that government and failure are seldom far apart. Unseemly [...]