The
Rational Argumentator
Issue CLXXI
August 17-26,
2008
Booms, Busts, and Krugpot Economics:
William L. Anderson
August 23, 2008
In a recent column, Paul Krugman tries to explain the “Bush bust.” Instead of clear, cogent economic theory, we are fed a mass of contradictory ideas, a bit of political partisanship, and explanations that simply make no sense. When one attempts to apply economic theory in order to explain certain events, one is reminded of Carl Menger’s dictum: “All things are subject to the law of cause and effect. This great principle knows no exception, and we would search in vain in the realm of experience for an example to the contrary.” William Anderson debunks Krugman's faulty logic.
Politics
America's Greatest Threat:
Chuck Baldwin
August 18, 2008
Every time violence erupts somewhere in the world, our national leaders and news media make it sound like that particular outbreak is America’s greatest threat. The conflict between Russia and Georgia is no exception. But Chuck Baldwin categorically states that no foreign nation is America’s greatest threat. America’s greatest threat comes from within.
How Foreign Policy Affects Gas Prices:
Ron Paul
August 22, 2008
We’ve heard how the value of the dollar affects gas prices – and indeed the price of everything. But how does foreign policy affect gas prices? Rep. Ron Paul explores this question and concludes that American politicians' interventionist mindset when it comes to foreign policy never ceases to get us into sticky situations, for which we pay a premium at the gas pump.
The Iran Scenarios:
Alan Caruba
August 18, 2008
These days you can read as many different scenarios regarding the likelihood that Israel will attack Iran’s nuclear facilities as there are experts putting them forth. History, past and present, may have already written the script. Alan Caruba discusses the likelihood of an Israeli strike against Iran.
Videos
Why You Will Disagree With Me and Why This is Not a Problem - Video:
G. Stolyarov II
August 17, 2008
Disagreement among any two individuals is inevitable, particularly when individuals think for themselves and refuse to rigidly obey party lines. Mr. Stolyarov explains why you will on some occasions disagree with him and why you should not take offense when you do disagree.
True and False, Right and Wrong, Good and Evil - Video:
G. Stolyarov II
August 18, 2008
In order to preserve a civilized society, it is important to keep in mind a threefold distinction: Ideas are true or false, actions are right or wrong, and people are good or evil. Mr. Stolyarov discusses how the criteria for evaluating ideas, actions, and people are different and should not be conflated.
Life as the Origin and Basis of Morality - Part 1 of 2 - Video:
G. Stolyarov II
August 23, 2008
Part 1 of this video presentation by Mr. Stolyarov explains why any rationally grounded, consistent ethical system presupposes the desirability of human life, the human volitional faculty, and rationality.
Life as the Origin and Basis of Morality - Part 2 of 2 - Video:
G. Stolyarov II
August 24, 2008
Part 2 of this video presentation by Mr. Stolyarov discusses the fundamental alternative between life and death faced by every human being and how agreeing about the value of human life presents us with a starting point for an extensive ethical system. The three tiers of basic morality - non-harm to self, non-harm to others, and civility/integrity - are also explored.
Bob Barr versus Chuck Baldwin on Immigration - Part 1 of 2 - Video:
G. Stolyarov II
August 25, 2008
Mr. Stolyarov examines in detail both Bob Barr's and Chuck Baldwin's positions on immigration and argues that Barr's views are more reasonable than and preferable to Baldwin's.
Bob Barr versus Chuck Baldwin on Immigration - Part 2 of 2 - Video:
G. Stolyarov II
August 26, 2008
Mr. Stolyarov delves further into the problems with Chuck Baldwin's positions on immigration - both legal and illegal. Baldwin's support for crackdowns on employers who hire illegal immigrants, as well as his insistence on federal impositions on state and city governments would, if implemented, result in massive violations of the Constitution and the emergence of a police state.
"Upper classes are a nation's past; the middle class is its future."
~ Ayn Rand
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