It's never a bad idea to critically analyze your own beliefs. As a lower case libertarian, I like to believe my principles are my guide with respect to nearly everything in life. Those principles might be based on any number of things which led me to my current world view. I also like to believe my principles are based on logic, reason, and rational thought. While these principles guide me, I'm not perfect and in certain circumstances, I may reluctantly but willingly violate them. I believe you … [Read more...] about How Strongly Do You Adhere to Your Principles
Asking Fundamental Questions
I've discovered a new hobby, albeit one that sometimes causes me more grief than pleasure. I like to examine any controversial subject and whittle it down to it's most fundamental underpinnings, then ask some basic questions. It's amazing what you can dig up when you do that. Below is just one of those. I dared ask myself what I would do if I could change just one thing in the U.S. Constitution.Many of us spend a lot of time trying to figure out ways to "get back to it," or "protecting it," … [Read more...] about Asking Fundamental Questions
On Lemmings
I listen to a lot of podcasts, mostly IDW stuff, but also several others with strict libertarian leanings. One of those is Dave Smith's show called Part of the Problem. I listened to one where he recounted his discovery of libertarian philosophy and how it was an epiphany for him. I recall the same discovery. I'd always felt uncomfortable with both the liberal and conservative movements as they exist today so I felt disenfranchised. Dave Smith mentioned how disappointed he was because he thought … [Read more...] about On Lemmings
A Year of Positive Immersion
WARNING: This article is over 1,500 words. If you're used to absorbing information in sound-bites, this article is probably not for you, but I ask that you make an exception.I'm Outraged About OutrageIn the immortal words of Cheech and Chong, "I'm sick up and fed." About what? I'm outraged with controversy and hatred and I am going to do my small part in trying to end it. Now that most of us are embroiled in social and other forms of media, we've become addicted the outrage-of-the-day. … [Read more...] about A Year of Positive Immersion
A Call for Free Market Solutions to Our Addiction Problem
In April, 2016 my then 23 year old daughter told me she was an addict and asked for my help. This began a journey of heartache, frustration, fear, and anger. My desperate search for information yielded a vast array of quackery, fraud, greed, and sometimes well-meaning individuals spewing opinions based on little evidence. After careful consideration and copious research, I completely reversed my opinion about how to deal with our problems with drug abuse. Below is part rant, part pleading, but … [Read more...] about A Call for Free Market Solutions to Our Addiction Problem