The
Rational Argumentator
Issue CCLXXXVI
April 27-28, 2011
Abstract Orderism Fractal XXV
G. Stolyarov II
April 28, 2011
This fractal by Mr. Stolyarov is centered on a sphere, with numerous projections, bounded by curves, radiating in all directions.
Abstract Orderism Fractal XXVI
G. Stolyarov II
April 28, 2011
This fractal by Mr. Stolyarov contains a catterpillar-like pattern of successive spheres. Within each sphere is a succession of ever diminishing loops. Both the series of spheres and the patterns within them become fainter as they decrease in size.
Abstract Orderism Fractal XXVII
G. Stolyarov II
April 28, 2011
This is the fifth of Mr. Stolyarov's insignia fractals, with a particular emphasis on intricate, delicate ornamentation.
Economics
Where is QE2 Taking Us?
Robert P. Murphy
April 27, 2011
Six months into the second round of quantitative easing – "QE2" – it is useful to take stock of what it has, and has not, accomplished. In short, writes Dr. Robert Murphy, the monetary base is way, way up, price inflation is up, long-term interest rates are up, and bank lending is down. QE2 has thus begun to deliver on all the dangers of which the critics warned, but not the alleged benefits.
Everybody Knows Bernanke Is a Joke
Robert P. Murphy
April 27, 2011
As YouTube and other digital media move beyond computer-savvy young people into the ranks of even stodgy businessmen, these subversive outlets become serious problems for the ruling elite. This trend is epitomized by the radical change in the Federal Reserve's image. In just a few short years, writes Dr. Robert Murphy, the Fed has transformed in public opinion from a mysterious, wise, and boring institution into a fascinating engine of corruption and comedy.
The Fed Obliterates the Savings Ethic
Douglas French
April 28, 2011
A central bank's debauchery of the currency serves to raise people's time preferences and impair their judgment, writes Douglas French. This leads many to shy away from the ethic of savings and to adopt a "live for today" attitude that can only have tragic consequences.
Politics
Political Payback, Oregon-Style
Paul Driessen
April 27, 2011
Paul Driessen addresses the incredible and despicable actions taking place at Oregon State University. His column explains how Dr. Art Robinson has been the target of retribution by OSU and Congressman Peter DeFazio – or more accurately, and more despicably, Art’s CHILDREN have been the target – for his “crime” of running against DeFazio in the last election, and declaring that Art will run against DeFazio again in 2012. Now the school is trying to kick all three children out of their PhD programs, even though they are and have always been stellar academics, and have only a short stretch to go before completing all their studies. Just so you know: The three Robinsons have good grades, good exams, and good research. What have they done to warrant this? Nothing. In fact, the students are accused of nothing – openly. But meanwhile vicious and defamatory rumors are being spread behind the scenes to justify what is clearly, and can only be described as, political payback, Oregon-style.
Scaring Mothers and All Others - The BPA File, Part Four
Alan Caruba
April 28, 2011
In a revealing article in the April issue of The Atlantic, “Beyond BPA: Could ‘BPA-Free’ Products Be Just as Unsafe?” the effort to scare American consumers and others around the world comes full circle. In essence, the people and organizations behind campaigns to ban bisphenol-A (BPA) and anything made from plastic exist to frighten everyone about everything. From the snake-oil salesmen who pitched their phony medicines in the days of the early West to today’s purveyors of fear about a wide range of chemicals that protect health and extend life, the key element remains the same; they lie to enrich themselves. Alan Caruba continues his series regarding the lies perpetrated in an attempt to ban the life-improving chemical BPA.
Editor’s note: You can read The BPA File – Part One here, The BPA File – Part Two here, and The BPA File – Part Three here.
Owls, Mules, and Lizards: The Makeup of Federal Land Management
Marita Noon
April 28, 2011
For the last thirty years the environmental movement has been using the Endangered Species Act, environmental litigation, and wilderness designations to remove people. This movement has successfully killed entire industries and severely damaged economies. Now we have federal workers that are being paid to block productive activity—as addressed in this piece by Marita Noon. Their next battle is upon us. The difference is that the public is becoming aware that “protection” and “wilderness” may not be as “nice” as they sound on the surface.
The US Should Follow Europe's Lead
Paul Driessen
April 28, 2011
President Obama and environmentalists often say America should follow Europe’s lead on energy, climate, and economic matters. Paul Driessen writes that recent events suggest that we should listen more attentively to the Europeans. For instance, two brutal winters have awakened Europe to the fact that global temperatures stopped rising in 1998 – and that frigid days and nights pose far graver dangers to the elderly and poor than warm weather and moderate global warming.
"Truth is not for the philosopher a mistress who corrupts his imagination and whom he believes to be found everywhere; he contents himself with being able to unravel it where he can perceive it. He does not confound it with probability; he takes for true what is true, for false what is false, for doubtful what is doubtful, and probable what is only probable. He does more, and here you have a great perfection of the philosopher: when he has no reason by which to judge, he knows how to live in suspension of judgment... The philosophical spirit is, then, a spirit of observation and exactness, which relates everything to true principles..."
~ Denis Diderot