Via MSNBC “Employers in Europe are free to refuse smokers a job…The European Commission, which has presided over a vast array of anti-discrimination legislation in the past six years, has confirmed that it does not cover tobacco users.” Nor should it. But then again, I would suggest that the anti-discrimination policy ought to be abolished, along with a slew of other complicating factors that make racism and discrimination economically viable even when there exist laws ostensibly aimed at preventing it. Employers ought to be free to hire whomever they prefer, on whatever grounds they deem necessary. If that means that someone refuses to hire you because you’re a jew, a woman, Chinese, etc., then so be it. Why would you want to work for someone who has demonstrated his … Read entire article »

I spent the last week studying at the Ludwig von Mises Institute in Auburn, AL. Went out on the town a few nights, met some people, had a good time. Listened to some engaging speakers – notably Roger Garrison, whose work on Business Cycle Theory will be of great help to me, and Jörg Guido Hülsmann, who delivered an amazing lecture on further explorations of the theory of interest rates. Needless to say, walking back into the monotony that is my daily routine, I’m thoroughly disappointed. To go from an environment wherein your intellect is being constantly stimulated and pushed ever-further, to a dull job where I do nothing of any import or difficulty, is like coming of a week-long bender. Like the alcoholic who … Read entire article »

I’m attending a very intensive economic seminar at the Mises Institute this week – internet connectivity is available but time is scarce. I’ll try to throw some stuff out there when and if I get the chance. … Read entire article »