Thoughts On Romneynomics

Carl asked that I give Romney’s economic plan the same treatment I gave Gingrich.  Okay.  Here is a quick summary of what I think: 1.  Romney’s 59 point plan isn’t that bad or good. It doesn’t include huge new programs or include tax cuts that will blow a hole . . . . Continue Reading »

Ceaser the Poet

On the naturalness of gratitude (as obscured by not obliterated by our pursuit of rational control): Many thinkers today contend that there has been a steepdecline in the ethos of gratitude in modern America, citing as causes failuresin civic education and a diminishing influence of religion. In . . . . Continue Reading »

Red Kettles

My spare change often makes its way into the red kettles outside the stores I frequent during the holiday season. Now we’re being urged to direct our donations elsewhere, as the Salvation Army doesn’t serve gays and lesbians: “The Salvation Army has a history of active . . . . Continue Reading »

Some Self-Serving Musings

1. First off, let me alert you that we’re having a debate between Jay Cost and Sean Trende (the two most prominent and astute of the young and constantly online political analysts) on the current presidential nomination system at Berry next Thursday, December 1 at 5:30 in Krannert. If you . . . . Continue Reading »

Some Brief and Banal Comments

Here’s me on generosity. Carl and Pete have some great posts: I do have to say that “acid” is objectively overrated as a drug that fosters social transformation. It didn’t having the staying power in the life of anyone of any consequence that heroin did in, say, Charlie . . . . Continue Reading »

When Pepper Spray is Excessive Force

By now you’ve probably seen the pictures or video of seated, non-violent protestors at U.C. Davis being doused with pepper spray . Having been subjected to pepper spray (and its nasty cousin, tear gas), I can empathize with the protestors. While I’m not particularly sympathetic to their . . . . Continue Reading »

Women's Dignity in the Workplace

Do women have to act like men when they enter the professions? The person who has most helped me to ponder this question is Edith Stein: an intellectual and a woman of deep faith who worked in philosophy and education. Stein was raised Jewish in Germany, became atheist, converted to . . . . Continue Reading »