The
Rational Argumentator
Issue CCXLIII
April 6-10, 2010
Abstract Orderism Fractal VII - Insignia Fractal II:
G. Stolyarov II
April 6, 2010
This is one of Mr. Stolyarov's insignia fractals. See another such fractal: Abstract Orderism Fractal V. The current fractal employs more curves and flourishes.
Abstract Orderism Fractal VIII - Shuriken Fractal:
G. Stolyarov II
April 10, 2010
The sharp, jagged shapes constituting this fractal by Mr. Stolyarov resemble extremely intricate shurikens. The orientation of the individual components of this fractal contributes to an impression of spatial depth and three-dimensionality.
Abstract Orderism Fractal IX:
G. Stolyarov II
April 10, 2010
This fractal by Mr. Stolyarov is based on the intertwining of numerous subtle loops and curves.
Culture
What is America?:
Gary Wolfram
April 7, 2010
Hayek, in the Constitution of Liberty, wrote that a society becomes civilized, not by giving itself laws, but by agreeing to a common code of conduct. This common code of conduct is what is known as the culture of a country, and this is true of the culture that defines America. Dr. Gary Wolfram explains how the false hope of centrally planned "security" is endangering this culture.
Economics
David Frum, Neoconservative New Dealer:
Robert P. Murphy
April 8, 2010
In the wake of Ron Paul's straw-poll victory at the CPAC convention, neoconservative author David Frum told CNN's readers that a return to the gold standard was both undesirable and impossible. Frum and and Dr. Robert Murphy have gone back and forth on the gold standard in the past, and Dr. Murphy want to repeat those arguments. In the present article Dr. Murphy raises new objections focused just on Frum's latest attack on the gold standard.
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The Fable of the Krugman:
William L. Anderson
April 8, 2010
Dr. William Anderson writes that, while Paul Krugman likes to present himself as being a Keynesian, in reality, his intellectual roots run back a few centuries to the mercantilists. If you wish to see the Krugman of 300 years ago, read Bernard Mandeville's The Fable of the Bees, first published in 1705, to see all of the same economic (and logical) fallacies that haunt Keynesianism and Krugman's columns.
Politics
The Federal Government and Gasoline:
Ron Paul
April 6, 2010
As we head into the summer driving season and gasoline prices are again creeping up, the administration has announced plans to explore opening up more off-shore areas for exploration and drilling. Rep. Ron Paul writes that, on the one hand, this can be lauded as a positive step. On the other hand, it is too little, much too late to have any meaningful or long-term effect on what Americans pay at the pump any time soon, if at all.
The Equal Protection Affordable Omnibus Insurance Act:
Charles N. Steele
April 7, 2010
It’s been noted that when a person suffers catastrophic loss and bankruptcy, it inflicts great harm not just on him or her, but on many others: family members, friends, neighbors, business partners, employers, co-workers, merchants with whom s/he does business. In fact, all of society ultimately suffers to some extent. But until now, there’s been no good way to avoid this damage. Enter H.R. 40110, the Equal Protection Affordable Omnibus Insurance Act of 2010. This visionary proposal would provide for general insurance that would protect every American against catastrophic loss and possible bankruptcy. Under the proposal, each citizen would be able to purchase a mandatory insurance policy against losses stemming from any cause. Dr. Charles Steele explains further in this article.
Subway Terror: Halloween Comes to the Subways:
Fred Reed
April 7, 2010
Fred Reed believes that Washington has lost yet another round to its Islamic fundamentalist enemies. Gaming America is so easy. The pattern is that Islam’s fascists do something cheap but gaudy, whereupon in response our federal fascists do something comic, hysterical, ineffective, expensive and, usually, unconstitutional. Oh good.
The Trouble With No Child Left Behind:
Anton Batey
April 10, 2010
Good intentions are no excuse to continue a failed policy. Many bad policies in history were surely paved with good intentions. The same applies to the No Child Left Behind Act, according to Anton Batey. The results of this disastrous agenda not only contradict the very name of the program, but trump whatever alleged "good intention" was behind it.
"All Wars are Follies, very expensive, and very mischievous ones. When will Mankind be convinced of this, and agree to settle their Differences by Arbitration? Were they to do it, even by the Cast of a Dye, it would be better than by Fighting and destroying each other."
~ Benjamin Franklin