no third solution » Archive
The Non-Libertarian FAQ
I came across the Non-Libertarian FAQ recently — it’s not the first time I’ve seen it, and it won’t be the last. Sigh. For grins, decided to write a reply to the non-libertarian FAQ. I know it’s been done before, but it’s a fun exercise in futility anyways. I’m responding to the objections in order of appearance, but I have not responded to every objection, yet. Comments are open. There’s really only one thing to say to people who refuse to tolerate your peaceful existence. It starts with an “F” and ends with an “uck you!”. Do the math. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Anarchy!, Blog Reactions, Left Libertarian
The Right to Exist
The Arab-Israeli conflict is interesting as a microcosm things gone terribly wrong. There are no “good guys.” American financial and military support does not mitigate Israeli criminality (I’m thinking about cluster bombs, and phosphorous munitions, dozens of recorded civilian massacres, the intentional firing on a U.S. vessel, just to name a few.) But it doesn’t justify the Palestinian criminality, either (e.g., indiscriminate shelling of civilians). All men have the right to exist. All men have the right to self-sovereignty. But the nation of Israel deserves no special treatment. I reserve no special judgment for Israel, Japan, Zimbabwe/Rhodesia, Algeria or Sweden. None of these nations has any more right to exist than any other, which is to say no right at all. Do not confuse “the nation … Read entire article »
Filed under: American Politics, anti-zionism, World Politics
From the Cradle, to the Grave
An article in the Economist called The Cradle’s Costly Revenge, highlights a number of unfortunate and unintended consequences of government planning. In Quebec, some parents are lucky enough they may leave their children with state-subsidized daycare providers, for the bargain-basement price of $5 to $7. It should go without saying that there are enough “long waiting lists” for the 200,000 day-care places that the Province plans to build another 20,000 in the next few years. In other news, “The parental-leave programme, which was forecast to require C$1 billion annually, already costs 50% more.” Elementary comprehension of economics could’ve prevented these problems. I notice that this paradox is a recurring theme here: If the policy makers responsible did not know elementary economics, they were unfit to make the decisions in the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Economics Lessons, World Politics