The
Rational Argumentator
Issue CCLI
June 17-18, 2010
Abstract Orderism Fractal XX:
G. Stolyarov II
June 17, 2010
This fractal by Mr. Stolyarov, comprised on interwoven lines and curves, can be said to resemble both the plumes of a bright orange-gold bird and a path to the top of a hill.
Culture
Whose Environment?:
David Kelley
June 18, 2010
Dr. David Kelley, founder of The Atlas Society, was accosted by a young woman on a street corner with "Got a minute for the environment?" as she thrust a leaflet in his direction. Dr. Kelley did not take the leaflet but did take up the challenge of asking himself what she meant by "the environment" anyway. He concluded that the term as used by most people today is a floating abstraction with literally no meaning. Read Dr. Kelley's excellent philosophical analysis of how to approach those who approach you about "the environment."
Economics
The Fractional-Reserve Banking Question:
Robert P. Murphy
June 18, 2010
In this article, Dr. Robert Murphy walks the reader through a simple example to illustrate the strange nature of fractional-reserve banking. In a very real sense, this process creates money out of thin air. This observation alone doesn't prove its illegitimacy, let alone its connection with the business cycle, but it should give pause to those who see nothing wrong with the practice.
Did Hoover Really Slash Spending?:
Robert P. Murphy
June 18, 2010
In a recent piece in the New York Review of Books, Paul Krugman and Robin Wells discuss two IMF publications and Reinhart and Rogoff's This Time Is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly. Along the way, our reviewers repeat the myth that Herbert Hoover slashed spending, while the Federal Reserve implemented tight policies, and that this contributed to the severity of the Great Depression. Dr. Robert Murphy has pointed out repeatedly in prior articles that this simply isn't true, but since the Keynesians keep saying the falsehood, Dr. Murphy feels compelled to keep pointing out that they're wrong.
Music
Progress Amidst a Crisis, Op. 66:
G. Stolyarov II
June 17, 2010
This composition by Mr. Stolyarov intends to convey the struggles and determination of a creative, productive individual who continues to accomplish and persevere in an atmosphere of chaos, uncertainty, and the pervasive failure of societal institutions. Inspired by the current worldwide economic crisis – which has posed significant challenges to the most blameless, conscientious, and hard-working individuals – this composition exhibits a clear contrast between the principal melody and the rapid, tumultuous accompaniment during the majority of the passages.
Politics
Capitalizing on the Latest Crisis:
Harry Jackson, Jr., Niger Innis, and Samuel Rodriguez
June 17, 2010
This informative and provocative article was written by Bishop Harry Jackson, Niger Innis, and Reverend Samuel Rodriquez – co-chairs of the Affordable Power Alliance. The article highlights how the White House and Congress are trying to use the Gulf oil spill crisis to advance their cap-tax-and-trade, anti-oil, pro-renewable-energy agenda – without regard to vitally important energy, economic, and environmental facts of life, and while ignoring the high costs of carbon taxes and wind and solar power.
Authoritarianism is Bad for Your Health:
Ron Paul
June 17, 2010
The administration's terrible healthcare reform bill is now law, but, according to Rep. Ron Paul, the debate over how -- and whether-- the federal government should be involved in providing healthcare services is not over. It is not too late for America to correct its course and stop the march toward a government-run, "single-payer" healthcare system.
Carbon, Cults, and Control Freaks:
Edward Hudgins
June 18, 2010
A scramble by Democrats on Capitol Hill to prevent a particular vote on a particular bill highlights for us two of the most pernicious threats to our liberties. Dr. Edward Hudgins gives the story.
Regulating Caveman Technology:
Dave Albin
June 18, 2010
The law is supposed to maintain rights, but in the case of city governments deciding whether and when residents can burn yard waste, it can easily be used to violate them, writes Dr. Dave Albin.
Videos
The Transcendent Tofu -- Video:
G. Stolyarov II
June 18, 2010
In the cafeteria, I once met an eater of raw tofu, who told me that what he was eating was not, in fact, raw tofu. “It is sjorg,” he said, his voice filled with conviction, “and you should eat it, too. Everyone should eat it.” This video depicting a satirical short story by Mr. Stolyarov satirizes religious fanaticism and intolerance and explores the manner in which certain arguments commonly advanced in favor of Christianity appear to many non-Christians.
"Money has no utility other than that arising from the possibility of obtaining other economic goods in exchange for it."
~ Ludwig von Mises