Monthly Archives: November 2006

The Dark Side Of Realpolitik

I am planning as soon as I have six or seven hours to do it right to do a series of posts going into depth on foreign policy. I know, my posts are too long as a rule anyway but … Continue reading

Posted in Foreign affairs, Lance's Page | 8 Comments

Gregless Wiggles

For those of you with young children, this is potentially devastating news. The hugely popular children’s group The Wiggles is expected this week to announce the departure of its lead singer because of a serious illness, media reports said Wednesday. … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, MichaelW's Page | 2 Comments

“Exterminate the white people …”

Click play below to see and hear what apparently passes for acceptable social commentary for some (via Insty).

Posted in Culture, Domestic Politics, MichaelW's Page | 4 Comments

Thank A Soldier

Via email (name withheld), I’ve learned of a site where you can send a card to soldiers currently serving in Iraq: If you go to this web site, www.letssaythanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will … Continue reading

Posted in MichaelW's Page, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Redistributionism and Racism/Elitism

Over at The Volokh Conspiracy, Jim Lindgren posts about a statistical analysis he’s done regarding the correlation between pro-redistributionist and traditionally racist views. According to Prof. Lindgren, while the opposite correlation is accepted “fact” in the social science cannons, facts … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, MichaelW's Page, social science | 54 Comments

Remembering past Libertarian heroes

Although the world is certainly a darker place without the presence of champion of Libertarian ideals, Milton Friedman, I always felt that my libertarian leanings were more a product of the late Robert Nozick than more traditional authors like Friedman … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Libertarianism, The Poet Omar's Page | Leave a comment

Important History

Keith sent this very interesting link to Michael awhile back and he forwarded it to me. This is a great example of a moderate Muslim voice trying to offer a little fragment of the positive relationship that Jews and Muslims … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Religion and theology, The Poet Omar's Page | 7 Comments

YouTube and Propaganda

Radley Balko has a short article decrying the latest YouTube enabling of the Office of National Drug Policy (via Insty). A couple of months ago, the Office of National Drug Policy apparently decided that a “with it” kinda’ thing to … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Economics, Law, Libertarianism, MichaelW's Page | Leave a comment

Tuck Your Shirt In

My wife teaches at very fine private school (Government and AP European History) and often remarks that the main disciplinary issue is reminding the kids to tuck in their shirts. If only I had known:

Posted in Domestic Politics, Humor, Lance's Page, Law, Libertarianism | 1 Comment

The Interior Design of Liberty

In New Mexico it is illegal to call yourself an interior designer unless you have obtained an expensive and difficult to obtain government license. You can actually design interiors, and you can charge the fees you wish, but you cannot … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Domestic Politics, Economics, Lance's Page, Law, Libertarianism | 6 Comments

“Knock Down The Door To Reva’s House …”

Listening Notes: “Reva’s House,” Los Lobos, Kiko (1992) Another police “No-Knock” raid, and another tragic ending (via Insty): Police in Altanta have apparently shot and killed a 92-year-old woman Tuesday night during a drug raid. Details are sketchy, but unless … Continue reading

Posted in Law, Libertarianism, MichaelW's Page | 2 Comments

Is That Legal? – Rangel And The Draft

In an apparent fit of irony, the Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) is re-introducing legislation on conscription: Americans would have to sign up for a new military draft after turning 18 under a bill the incoming chairman of the House Ways … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Law, Libertarianism, MichaelW's Page | 33 Comments

Staying abreast of the implant issue-Updated

The FDA which has finally decided to allow silicone breast implants back onto the market: The decision appeared to end a controversy over the safety of silicone implants that lasted more than two decades and resulted in thousands of lawsuits … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Domestic Politics, Economics, Environment, Lance's Page, Law, Libertarianism, Media, Technology | 63 Comments

In Memoriam: Milton Friedman continued

Last Updated at 5:03 PM CST For all of our coverage of the passing of Milton Friedman, and all the links you could ever want, go to our Milton Friedman Memorial page. The government solution to a problem is usually … Continue reading

Posted in Developmental economics, Domestic Politics, Economics, Lance's Page, Law, Libertarianism, Milton Friedman Memorial Page | Leave a comment

Milton Friedman: Did he really have an impact over the long term?

Update: For all of our coverage of the passing of Milton Friedman, and all the links you could ever want, go to our Milton Friedman Memorial page. One of the more downbeat assessments of Milton Friedman’s legacy comes from the … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Economics, Lance's Page, Libertarianism, Milton Friedman Memorial Page | 3 Comments

A Collection of Thoughts on Friedman’s Passing- Continuously updated, just scroll down

Last Updated at 10:23PM Central Time For all of our coverage of the passing of Milton Friedman, and all the links you could ever want, go to our Milton Friedman Memorial page. From Pejman,”That’s right. A lecture concerning a mundane … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Developmental economics, Domestic Politics, Economics, History, Keith's Page, Lance's Page, Law, Libertarianism, MichaelW's Page, Milton Friedman Memorial Page, The Poet Omar's Page | 1 Comment

Milton Friedman R.I.P.

Update: For all of our coverage of the passing of Milton Friedman, and all the links you could ever want, go to our Milton Friedman Memorial page. The long struggle for true human freedom lost its most influential and humane … Continue reading

Posted in Developmental economics, Domestic Politics, Economics, Lance's Page, Law, Libertarianism, Milton Friedman Memorial Page | 1 Comment

Libertarian Bona Fides

Inspired by our newest member, Keith_Indy, I decided to retake the political compass questionnaire regarding political ideology. I’m not terribly confident about the accuracy of this questionnaire, but it is interesting to see the results nonetheless. Based on my answers … Continue reading

Posted in Libertarianism, MichaelW's Page | 7 Comments

Its a Boy!

I would like to announce for everyone who is paying attention, that the previous post reflects a brand spanking new addition to our little blogging family. For those of you who are already familiar with Keith I am sure you … Continue reading

Posted in Lance's Page, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Move Along – Nothing to Fear Here

This story has all the elements of a Tom Clancy novel. Mysterious narco-linked cash, info on nuclear materials and cyanide (great for causing mass panic,) and an unemployed man traveling through mysterious destination to a major US city. http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/11/16/D8LE7F981.html A … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Keith's Page, Law, Media | 4 Comments

Who Is “Dumber Than A Bag Of Hammers?” (UPDATED)

If this was Jeopardy, that’s what the “question” would be.  The “answer” is “Republicans.” *** UPDATE *** Ok, I guess “O.J. Simpson” would be an acceptable answer as well. powered by performancing firefox

Posted in Domestic Politics, Humor, MichaelW's Page | 4 Comments

A Government of Losers

It is axiomatic in libertarian circles that government should not be in the business of picking winners and losers. The mantra is most often heard in laments regarding the sclerotic and overbearing regulatory state (here, in Europe, etc.). One concrete … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Economics, Foreign affairs, Libertarianism, MichaelW's Page | 18 Comments

On the Lighter Side

All of the talk lately around the blogsphere tends to drift toward the Iraq War and how it will be handled in the very near future. Some bloggers have also discussed the plans that the incoming Democrat leadership will be … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Domestic Politics, Foreign affairs, The Poet Omar's Page | 3 Comments

Losing Gracefully

Of all the comments I’ve seen on the results of last week’s election, I think Pat Sajak really does sum it up best. Yes, that Pat Sajak.

Posted in Domestic Politics, The Poet Omar's Page | 1 Comment

Valour IT-Update

Update:The campaign has gone well, but if you haven’t given yet, please do so. I don’t have a lot to say, just give. If you want more visit here. Project Valour-IT, in memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss, provides voice-controlled … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Lance's Page, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Sins of Harman

One of the aspects of the controversy over the NSA surveillance program that is routinely ignored is the program was reported to the relevant members of both the Republican and Democratic leadership. Whatever the merits of the program it does … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Lance's Page | 13 Comments

The Disappearing Surplus

In The Math Behind the Sin of Profligacy I discussed the reasons why spending has increased so much, and therefore why I am pessimistic about the likelihood of spending restraint in the immediate future absent a significant change on the … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Economics, Lance's Page | 3 Comments

To Stand Upon The Tracks Of Europe Yelling, Stop!

I love Europe, I even love France. Therefore, as Europe moves in halting fits and starts to empower the bureaucrats in Brussels to turn itself into a sclerotic federal state I am concerned for what may come of that. Then … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, Foreign affairs, Lance's Page, Libertarianism | 1 Comment

Sometimes it does pay to read Kos

Why? Because sometimes amidst the venting of his spleen he links you to some real common sense reasons about why the Republicans lost. Heh. [tags] the Onion, Republicans, Democrats [/tags]

Posted in Domestic Politics, Humor, Lance's Page | 2 Comments

Spontaneous order can be so cool

Russell Roberts tells us why. Here is what he is talking about. “The orderly part comes from the visual image that emerges and the implications of that images. Each flight is represented as an animated path of light between the … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, Lance's Page | 2 Comments

Puritans’ Conquest – A Failure of Righteous Indignation-UPDATED

A puritan is a person who pours righteous indignation into the wrong things. – Gilbert K. Chesterton Character assassinations are not pretty things, especially when they go awry. Michael Ledeen, who apparently attracts this sort of attention, is undergoing a … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Foreign affairs, Lance's Page, Media, MichaelW's Page | 36 Comments

Dynamite Elections Down Under

Lest we get too caught up in our little world here in America, let’s not forget that elections are slated to occur elsewhere real soon, specifically in Australia.  In the Aussie states of Queensland and New South Wales, for example, … Continue reading

Posted in Foreign affairs, Humor, MichaelW's Page | 1 Comment

George Bush swallows Max Headroom and throws up U2

Video after the break.

Posted in Culture, Domestic Politics, Foreign affairs, Humor, Lance's Page, Media, Music | 5 Comments

The Math Behind the Sin of Profligacy

I have weighed in a few times here on the overemphasis many libertarians have made on issues that have been arbitrarily labeled as Civil Liberties as opposed to liberty as a whole. Like many I have advocated supporting those who … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Economics, Lance's Page, Libertarianism | 8 Comments

The Politics of Investments

Slate has pointed me towards information that we have never before had access to on the political class. The Center For Responsible Politics has been crunching the financial disclosure forms of our dear leaders. One interesting aspect to me (go … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Economics, Investing, Lance's Page | Leave a comment

49′ers relocating

After negotiations with SF mayor Gavin Newsom, yes that Gavin Newsom, broke down, the team announced it’s decision to pack up and move. Theoretically, this could be as soon as 2008 when their lease runs up, although they could always … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, The Poet Omar's Page | 3 Comments

Fisking Fox (or something like that)

This little charmer from the AP appeared on Fox News’ website today. Although I haven’t done a lot of “fisking” in the past, I’m going to attempt to do so now as this article is pure garbage and deserves to … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Foreign affairs, Media, The Poet Omar's Page | Leave a comment

A well oiled machine

That’s what brought the Dems control of the United States Congress (they have the House clearly and will probably get the Senate). Of course, given the ineptness of the Republican leadership, it was the Dems’ race to lose. Let me … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, The Poet Omar's Page | 13 Comments

Donald Rumsfeld Resigns

According to AP reports, Donald Rumsfeld will step down as Secretary of Defense and Robert Gates will be nominated to replace him. WASHINGTON – Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, architect of an unpopular war in Iraq, intends to resign after six … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Foreign affairs, MichaelW's Page | 7 Comments

Songs and Celebrities

When I decided to start writing about rock lyrics, I promised myself I wasn’t going to talk about the Beatles or Bob Dylan, because forests have already been harvested to provide the paper for musings on their lyrics, and I … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Great Lyrics Series, Humor, Media, Music, Robby's Page | 1 Comment

Hillary Thanks Me!

Well I feel special. I received a warm thank you from Hillary Clinton in an email with the subject line: “This is your victory.” From : Hillary Rodham Clinton Reply-To : info@hillaryclinton.com Sent : Wednesday, November 8, 2006 11:09 AM … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Humor, MichaelW's Page | Leave a comment

Just Desserts

Democrats win the House for the first time in twelve years, and in a surprise to many, quite possibly the Senate as well. So congratulations to the Democrats. Please govern well. How did my predictions do? Not so good. I … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, MichaelW's Page | 1 Comment

Election Predictions 2006

I have no oracle, I can’t see the future, I am privy to absolutely no inside information, and I have zero qualifications for assessing the validity and worth of any polls. So, naturally, I am the perfect candidate to make … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, MichaelW's Page | 2 Comments

On a related note

I’ve been reading quite a bit lately (big surprise, I know). In addition to re-reading TME mentioned below, I’ve also been reading a much more pop history type book (although a pretty darn good one), Team of Rivals : The … Continue reading

Posted in Books, The Poet Omar's Page | Leave a comment

Reflections on the past

I’m not really one to do book reviews. Frankly, I’m considered by colleagues to be overly critical. Almost every biography I’ve been asked to review I’ve rejected as shameless hagiography; every theology or comparative religious work incorrectly formatted for the … Continue reading

Posted in Books, The Poet Omar's Page | Leave a comment

Democrats’ “Leon Lett Moment”?

If you had gone into a coma a couple of weeks ago, and were just awaking now, you would probably believe that the Democrats were the verge of a blow-out victory in the House races, and potential victory in the … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Media, MichaelW's Page | 9 Comments

Iraq and the Paper Tiger argument

Over at QandO, McQ has posted an interesting take on the old US is a paper tiger debate. While he makes some excellent points, I consider that the “paper tiger” issue misses the more important point about the American people … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Foreign affairs, The Poet Omar's Page | Leave a comment

Stern Review Follow-Up

I inveighed against the “Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change” earlier this week, and now its Bjorn Lomborg* (via Pajamas Media) who weighs in: The report on climate change by Nicholas Stern and the U.K. government has sparked … Continue reading

Posted in Environment, Media, MichaelW's Page | Leave a comment

The Erstwhile President

How the Democrats went from a candidate like Bill Clinton, a political powerhouse and quite possibly the best politician of the last sixty years, to John Kerry, a complete dud in terms of political acumen and media grace, will be … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic Politics, Media, MichaelW's Page | 15 Comments

The Dolt Race

Although it looked as though John Kerry was going to win the race for “America’s Biggest Dolt” in a walk, a new contender just jumped out into lead in striking fashion: Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon and “Flags of Our Fathers” … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Humor, MichaelW's Page | 2 Comments