"Only an economy that is constantly in transition can hope to approximate the changing needs and wants of a robust and flourishing society. "I also just signed up for a course with Marginal Revolution University, now I just need to find the time to take an intro course in economics.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
I like the intro to this article: This Month’s Cato Unbound: The Online Education Revolution
Monday, November 12, 2012
Is Eminent Domain Just About Aesthetics
On November 12, 2012, John K. Ross makes some good points on the status of eminent domain in California in 'California Kills Eminent Domain, Somehow Buildings Happen Anyway.' But this is the part that I like:
"It would've been just nice for the aesthetics of the campus to not have those two buildings on the corners like that," said [Hospital Vice President Jarrod McNaughton].If aesthetics is the reason, then I'm glad restrictions on eminent domain resulted in property owners getting to keep their businesses.
An Arguement Against Price Controls
Hammer of Truth and Ron Paul provide arguments against government influence over price controls, even following a natural disaster like Hurricane Sandy.
Of course, we may never see this in practice because people will cry for price controls and leaders, who lack intestinal fortitude and genuine leadership ability, will cave to immediate pressure rather than offer sound leadership that considers the impact of what happens next.
"temporarily higher prices would encourage those not directly involved in cleanup to stay home and out of the way until the economy stabilizes." (Hammer of Truth, October 31, 2012, Post-Sandy price gouging laws and gas shortages)
"But because prices remained lower than they should have been, no one sought to conserve gas." (Ron Paul, November 12, 2012, In Praise of Price Gouging).
Of course, we may never see this in practice because people will cry for price controls and leaders, who lack intestinal fortitude and genuine leadership ability, will cave to immediate pressure rather than offer sound leadership that considers the impact of what happens next.
Sucession Petitioners Should Make Requests by County
As many have posted, there are more than 20 different petitions to the White House for states to succeed from the union. However a view of the election results by county shows that for most states the ideological divide isn't by state line.
Support For Online Education
Love this. Been thinking it for the past year ever since I started taking online programming courses. Thanks for writing something much better than I could have.
by Alex Tabarrok
Lead Essay
November 12th, 2012
"I see three principle advantages to online education, 1) leverage, especially of the best teachers; 2) time savings; 3) individualized teaching and new technologies."
Why Online Education Works
by Alex TabarrokLead Essay
November 12th, 2012
"I see three principle advantages to online education, 1) leverage, especially of the best teachers; 2) time savings; 3) individualized teaching and new technologies."
Free Speech Inconsistency
Good points about being consistent with usage of free speech and placing blame where blame is due.
America’s Free Speech Retreat
The Obama administration’s shoddy response to the consulate attack in Libya
Matt Welch from December 2012
"Even more damaging than the White House’s blame-shifting spin was the notion, reinforced by President Obama, that a single piece of bad art in California could “spark” violence in more than 20 countries. It’s an inapt metaphor, giving the mistaken impression that the arsonist is not the one lighting the match but rather the one who allegedly makes the pyromaniac angry."
America’s Free Speech Retreat
The Obama administration’s shoddy response to the consulate attack in Libya
Matt Welch from December 2012
"Even more damaging than the White House’s blame-shifting spin was the notion, reinforced by President Obama, that a single piece of bad art in California could “spark” violence in more than 20 countries. It’s an inapt metaphor, giving the mistaken impression that the arsonist is not the one lighting the match but rather the one who allegedly makes the pyromaniac angry."
The Morality of Free Market
Dennis Prager posted an interview today with Walter Williams, Professor of Economics at George Mason University, who states: "I believe that the free market is morally superior to other ways of organizing human behavior, and the reason why is that the free market implies voluntary action on behalf of human beings." He goes on to describe what the role of government should be in supporting a free market system and offers a great explanation of why.
Thanks to Cafe Hayek for posting this.
Thanks to Cafe Hayek for posting this.
Inconsistent Use of Data
Its aggravating when policy makers use data to support one set of policies but then inconsistently fail to use the same standard for other issues. If emergency room visits is going to be the standard then be consistent about it.
The nation's drug warriors plow ahead, driven by fear of a world where addicts clog the gutters.
A. Barton Hinkle | November 12, 2012
"the
Obama administration notes that in 2009, marijuana was "involved
in" 376,000 emergency-room visits nationwide. Be afraid, be very
afraid: This represents less than 0.3 of 1 percent of all ER
visits, and 3.3 million fewer visits than are caused annually by
recreational sports."
Good points made in the comments section of this one.
Johnathan Pearce (London) European affairs
" Denmark is to rescind its "fat tax" because it has proven to be economically destructive,"
Is Kansas Secretary of State wasting time on a non-issue?
Yesterday, Bob Weeks, brought up a good question, "Who owns your ballot?" He further states, "I don’t think, however, that the state should start judging why people voted as they did."
Agree
Kansas Secretary of State, Kris Kobach, should not use his time creating policy on very low impact issues. News21's database shows that there was 1 accusation of vote buying in Kansas since the year 2000. Is there additional evidence that people are buying votes? If this is happening, what percentage of the votes are affected? Is there a more pressing issue that is having a greater impact on the population? If so, that's the issue he and his staff should be focused on.
Experiential Basis
After a decade of working in the federal government I met many managers who spent a significant percentage of their time focused on things that would likely never happen. Its like they sat around imaging all the bad things that could happen and then tried to create policies and rules that might prevent those bad things from ever happening. This often resulted in time being taken from the workforce to learn and follow the new policy when there were more pressing issues that were actually occurring which could have been addressed. The only explanation I could come up with is that there are too many decision makers who lack the imagination or cajones to address the more pressing issues.
Cynical Statement
Perhaps these people are trying to create an issue that they can resolve so they can get noticed and promoted.
Agree
Kansas Secretary of State, Kris Kobach, should not use his time creating policy on very low impact issues. News21's database shows that there was 1 accusation of vote buying in Kansas since the year 2000. Is there additional evidence that people are buying votes? If this is happening, what percentage of the votes are affected? Is there a more pressing issue that is having a greater impact on the population? If so, that's the issue he and his staff should be focused on.
Experiential Basis
After a decade of working in the federal government I met many managers who spent a significant percentage of their time focused on things that would likely never happen. Its like they sat around imaging all the bad things that could happen and then tried to create policies and rules that might prevent those bad things from ever happening. This often resulted in time being taken from the workforce to learn and follow the new policy when there were more pressing issues that were actually occurring which could have been addressed. The only explanation I could come up with is that there are too many decision makers who lack the imagination or cajones to address the more pressing issues.
Cynical Statement
Perhaps these people are trying to create an issue that they can resolve so they can get noticed and promoted.
Hyperbole
This fits within my meteorite strike prevention scenario, where: 1) there's evidence of meteors that have hit the Earth; 2) sometimes they wipe out entire species or swaths of forest; 3) at the expense of working on any of the other issues facing life on Earth, we all must do whatever it takes to prevent any meteor strike from hurting Earth again. And in the end time gets wasted on a non-issue.
11 November, 2012
By Michael Isikoff, NBC News
"After investigating a potential case of "cyber-harassment" for several months, the FBI wrapped up its case after interviewing Paula Broadwell -- the biographer of former CIA director David Petraeus -- on Friday, Nov. 2, four days before the presidential election, a senior U.S. law enforcement official told NBC News."
Discuss this Post:
by Viewer_Ready
"Why did the FBI get dragged into something so trivial?
Why could this not have been handled at a local level?
Why was the timing so close to the election?
Why was the timing so close to the Benghazi inquiry?"
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
By Fester's Den
Oklahoma Cop Tickets Mom For 3-Year-Old’s ‘Public Urination’ Outside His Family Home; Fine Comes to $2,500.
Posted: November 10th, 2012 by Militant Libertarianfrom CopBlock
"Mili Note: I’m actually kind of surprised that the kid wasn’t added to the sex offender’s registry since peeing in public is a “sex crime” in many places now.."
“I am disappointed that the officer thinks,” she continued, “what he needs to do with my tax dollars is sitting and harassing our family.”
No Change
Posted: November 10th, 2012 by Militant Libertarianby Chuck Baldwin
"within a year of the 1994 congressional elections, Newt Gingrich and Trent Lott had successfully fought off attempts of rank and file GOP congressmen to truly reduce the size and scope of the federal government, and by 1995, it was business as usual once again. And after Mr. Reagan was shot just a little over a year after taking office, much of the conservative agenda that he had campaigned on seemed to quickly fade away."
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Disengaged Politicians
I would also add that many politicians ignore science or flat out deny it. And those that do accept the results of scientific research often don't evaluate it correctly.
Interests or preferences?
November 10, 2012
Interests or preferences?
November 10, 2012
by Norman Geras
"But it's not just the voters that politicians are distant from. On fiscal policy, tax policy and - especially - immigration, politicians are as disengaged from experts as they are from voters."Friday, November 9, 2012
Americans in 6 states vote to nullify unconstitutional acts
Posted: November 9th, 2012 by Militant Libertarianfrom 10AC
"Voters in Alabama, Montana, and Wyoming all passed measures guaranteeing health care freedom, despite federal mandates in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Massachusetts voters defied federal law and approved a measure to legalize marijuana for medicinal use. And in Washington and Colorado, they took it a step further, decriminalizing pot completely."
The Dawn of Hope: Time for GOP Soul Searching on Why it Failed
Posted: November 9th, 2012 by Militant Libertarianby Judy Morris
"the Republican Party is disintegrating because it literally has 3 factions that do not peacefully co-exist: 1. the New England styled Rockefeller big government Republicans 2. the social conservatives who tend to only vote their so-called intolerant values and 3. the spirited assortment of Tea Party reformers, Libertarians, Ron Paul supporters, Independents and other fed up conservative voting blocks"
Great article, I can't quote the whole thing.
Why Mitt Romney Lost—and the GOP Will Continue to Lose
The party's message is confused, contradictory, and unconvincing.
"That’s because the GOP, despite its endlessly repeated mantra of limited government, is wildly out of touch with the majority of Americans who consistently say they want the government to do less, spend less, and not enforce a single set of values."
Why Mitt Romney Lost—and the GOP Will Continue to Lose
The party's message is confused, contradictory, and unconvincing.
"That’s because the GOP, despite its endlessly repeated mantra of limited government, is wildly out of touch with the majority of Americans who consistently say they want the government to do less, spend less, and not enforce a single set of values."
Chuck Schumer Thinks the Deficit Should Pay for Sandy Damage
"Senator Charles Schumer, who thinks the tab for the damage left by Hurricane Sandy should be picked up by the federal government and charged to the deficit, that extraordinary treasure chest of boundless wealth."
"Sen. Schumer isn't the only politician to think the deficit is the equivalent of an infinite bank vault. Rep. Tom DeLay had the same idea when it came to paying for Hurricane Katrina."
"Senator Charles Schumer, who thinks the tab for the damage left by Hurricane Sandy should be picked up by the federal government and charged to the deficit, that extraordinary treasure chest of boundless wealth."
"Sen. Schumer isn't the only politician to think the deficit is the equivalent of an infinite bank vault. Rep. Tom DeLay had the same idea when it came to paying for Hurricane Katrina."
The recent election has left me feeling that out of a population of 310 million Americans, we could have had much better options that the two candidates that were provided to us by Democrats and Republicans. The number of us who define themselves as independent or a member of another political party is growing. I believe this is a result of a growing portion of the populace who feel the government should be more fiscally responsible (fewer entitlements and wars) and stop trying to social engineer its population (stop telling me what I can or can't do with my own body). Neither the Democratic Party nor the Republican party seem to want to embody both of these ideas consistently across the political spectrum of issues. For instance when it comes to choice, the Democrats claim they are for choice, but only when it comes to abortion and not when it comes to things like schools or vice versa for Republicans. And so, we're left to vote for someone who isn't close to getting elected or picking the lesser of two bad options.
The media is overwhelmingly biased, their arguments leap to conclusions to support their opinions report the facts. I feel I must lend my voice to the chorus that is clamoring for something different, even if no one is listening to me just yet.
My goal is to see a solid 3rd candidate on the stage by the next presidential election. This needs to be someone who is more than just a candidate that's described as taking away votes from one of the two main party candidates but someone who is a real contender. Not sure how this will happen just yet but I'm going to start trying to figure out what I can do to make it happen.
The media is overwhelmingly biased, their arguments leap to conclusions to support their opinions report the facts. I feel I must lend my voice to the chorus that is clamoring for something different, even if no one is listening to me just yet.
My goal is to see a solid 3rd candidate on the stage by the next presidential election. This needs to be someone who is more than just a candidate that's described as taking away votes from one of the two main party candidates but someone who is a real contender. Not sure how this will happen just yet but I'm going to start trying to figure out what I can do to make it happen.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Bob Woodward's interview with Diane Sawyer. Sept. 10, 2012
"There's this divided-man quality to President Obama always. Initially he meets with the congressional leaders, he says you know, 'We're going to be accommodating, we're going to listen, we're going to talk, we're going to compromise," Woodward said.
"But then they -- Republicans ask some questions and challenge him a little bit and he says, 'Look I won. I'm in charge here,' " Woodward continued. "And the Republicans feel totally isolated and ostracized. And this was the beginning of a war."
Click here to see original ABC News Article
"There's this divided-man quality to President Obama always. Initially he meets with the congressional leaders, he says you know, 'We're going to be accommodating, we're going to listen, we're going to talk, we're going to compromise," Woodward said.
"But then they -- Republicans ask some questions and challenge him a little bit and he says, 'Look I won. I'm in charge here,' " Woodward continued. "And the Republicans feel totally isolated and ostracized. And this was the beginning of a war."
Click here to see original ABC News Article
Couldn't have said it better myself
Dust Bunny Queen
said...
The
first problem is that JUST passing a law in reflex to an issue that is either
not related to the initial "problem" or is only marginally
associated, means that the law being passed is a bad law. It doesn't fix or
address the initial "problem" and likely creates worse unintended
consequences. Prohibition is a prime example.
The
other first problem with passing bad law is that rarely if EVER is a bad law
removed from the books. We just keep stacking more and more bad laws on top of
bad laws.
Using
political points to try to solve social issues only exacerbates the social
ills. The only reason these bad laws are passed is for political power and to
have the politicians try to justify their jobs by doing something. Even if it
is ineffectual and wrong....it is still something......"See!! Re elect
ME!"
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Slower cars
On multiple lane roads, people seem to interpret, "SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT" as meaning, 'so long as you're going faster than at least one other car at some point in the near future go ahead and stay in the left hand lane.'
What should the sign say instead?
"Tailgating A-holes, left lane. Self-righteous, right lane."
"Inconsiderate drivers who lack situational awareness, stay to the right. Or even better stay home."
"If someone is driving right on your ass, give them the finger then move over to let them pass."
"Wouldn't you rather be driving on the autobahn?"
What should the sign say instead?
"Tailgating A-holes, left lane. Self-righteous, right lane."
"Inconsiderate drivers who lack situational awareness, stay to the right. Or even better stay home."
"If someone is driving right on your ass, give them the finger then move over to let them pass."
"Wouldn't you rather be driving on the autobahn?"
Full-on Brakes Dude
Driving North on the 405 in Los Angeles County during the AM hours can be stressful and at times panic inducing. This experience is made worse by drivers who should limit their driving to Sundays on rural roads where they can exhibit their abnormal behavior and decrease the chance of causing an accident.
Today I witnessed the most extreme instance of one type of driver which drives me bat shit crazy. I call him Full-on Brake Man. There is no gradual slowing of the car with this guy. Instead, he cautiously maintains a very conservative, safe following distance, which is a good thing. However, the instance he sees any brake lights he stomps on his brakes causing the nose of his car to immediately dive downwards. This action also activates the anti-lock brakes and the car comes to a complete stop in a very quick stop-go-stop motion which results in other drivers to conclude that something serious has just happened outside of the typical 15 mph stop and go commute. The resulting domino effect is that everyone else jams on their brakes. Its a wonder that no one slammed into one another in our immediate vicinity.
Why is this guy on the road? Perhaps he was hoping I would rear end him, however his Acura seems new, so its hard to tell if the back bumper had recently been replaced. Or maybe he has lost his sense of depth perception and appears to only be able to respond to break lights and not be able to tell if the car in front of him is actually slowing. There's probably an infinite number of explanations.
Normal drivers recognize that brake lights will illuminate with the slightest touch of the brake pedal, this does not mean that a car in front will becoming to a complete stop in the next second but could be slowly coming to a stop. Its not an on/off switch.
Maybe what we need are brake lights that get super bright when the pedal is depressed hard or perhaps driver's like this should become more aware of how their actions are affecting others. He does share an urban area with 15 million other people. And should give up on living in a vacuum. In the near term, this abnormal behavior needs to stop. People living in an urban environment need to recognize the behavior of those around them and fall in line. Those who can not deal with the stress of driving on congested highways, or wish to do their own thing and can not keep from over reacting should avoid the big highways and keep to the easy streets.
Thankfully this guy moved over to the right hand land and exited the highway.
Today I witnessed the most extreme instance of one type of driver which drives me bat shit crazy. I call him Full-on Brake Man. There is no gradual slowing of the car with this guy. Instead, he cautiously maintains a very conservative, safe following distance, which is a good thing. However, the instance he sees any brake lights he stomps on his brakes causing the nose of his car to immediately dive downwards. This action also activates the anti-lock brakes and the car comes to a complete stop in a very quick stop-go-stop motion which results in other drivers to conclude that something serious has just happened outside of the typical 15 mph stop and go commute. The resulting domino effect is that everyone else jams on their brakes. Its a wonder that no one slammed into one another in our immediate vicinity.
Why is this guy on the road? Perhaps he was hoping I would rear end him, however his Acura seems new, so its hard to tell if the back bumper had recently been replaced. Or maybe he has lost his sense of depth perception and appears to only be able to respond to break lights and not be able to tell if the car in front of him is actually slowing. There's probably an infinite number of explanations.
Normal drivers recognize that brake lights will illuminate with the slightest touch of the brake pedal, this does not mean that a car in front will becoming to a complete stop in the next second but could be slowly coming to a stop. Its not an on/off switch.
Maybe what we need are brake lights that get super bright when the pedal is depressed hard or perhaps driver's like this should become more aware of how their actions are affecting others. He does share an urban area with 15 million other people. And should give up on living in a vacuum. In the near term, this abnormal behavior needs to stop. People living in an urban environment need to recognize the behavior of those around them and fall in line. Those who can not deal with the stress of driving on congested highways, or wish to do their own thing and can not keep from over reacting should avoid the big highways and keep to the easy streets.
Thankfully this guy moved over to the right hand land and exited the highway.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday's Teaching Marathon
I created this blog, which is my first, several months ago but then put off posting something because I thought the first article should be significantly profound. Then I realized that I have..... yep, 0 followers, so it doesn't really matter what my first post is about. Today, I feel inspired to share my first Wednesday of the semester where I teach 3 sections of introductory biology laboratory.
5:00 A.M. Up. Need coffee in 5 minutes. Sinuses are clogged and my throat is a little scratchy. No doubt I've caught a virus which is common during the first few weeks of school. Little bit of hygeine, yogurt, facebook and I'm out the door at a quarter to 6.
6:06 A.M. Nice drive so far, its clear sailing even through the 22E to 57N interchange (Orange County, CA). I've lived in many places where the traffic is bad at 6 AM, but am thankful that many Californians still prefer to wait to get on the road.
6:30 A.M. Morning plans are ruined. Forgot to bring a shirt to wear to the gym and I can't go in a button down. Crap! And now I've spilled coffee on my shirt due to a broken lid.
6:46 A.M. Recovery in progress. Somehow there's no coffee stain on my shirt.
The rest of the day was a whirlwind of activity going from one lab period to the next. I got through teaching all three sections and feel good about it. Students seemed to be into doing what was required in each and I feel like I didn't leave anything out.
9:18 P.M. Now, its winding down time. Watching the State of The Union address and probably am going to fall asleep before its over.
5:00 A.M. Up. Need coffee in 5 minutes. Sinuses are clogged and my throat is a little scratchy. No doubt I've caught a virus which is common during the first few weeks of school. Little bit of hygeine, yogurt, facebook and I'm out the door at a quarter to 6.
6:06 A.M. Nice drive so far, its clear sailing even through the 22E to 57N interchange (Orange County, CA). I've lived in many places where the traffic is bad at 6 AM, but am thankful that many Californians still prefer to wait to get on the road.
6:30 A.M. Morning plans are ruined. Forgot to bring a shirt to wear to the gym and I can't go in a button down. Crap! And now I've spilled coffee on my shirt due to a broken lid.
6:46 A.M. Recovery in progress. Somehow there's no coffee stain on my shirt.
The rest of the day was a whirlwind of activity going from one lab period to the next. I got through teaching all three sections and feel good about it. Students seemed to be into doing what was required in each and I feel like I didn't leave anything out.
9:18 P.M. Now, its winding down time. Watching the State of The Union address and probably am going to fall asleep before its over.
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