NOTE: I don't typically use vulgarity in public conversation, either verbally or in the written word. So I ask for forgiveness of my use of the phrase "Kiss My Ass." Unfortunately, it's the best way I can describe my feelings at this moment in history. As 2020 comes to a close, I find myself unusually thoughtful about what the year has wrought. We all know how unusual it was. This is the first time I can recall being angry about a year in my life. It doesn't escape me how weird that sentiment … [Read more...] about Hey, 2020: Kiss My Ass! You Too Facebook.
What Happened to Intellectual Curiosity?
Humans are naturally curious creatures, but so are monkeys. It is this curiosity, combined with the requisite tools of reason, logic, and the scientific method which differentiates humanity from other species. This difference has allowed us to better our way of life over the millennia. It took hold especially during the Scientific Revolution and the Age of Enlightenment in the 17th century when humans began to understand and put into practice the importance of the scientific method, reason, and … [Read more...] about What Happened to Intellectual Curiosity?
Losing to an Army of Karens
"418,000 Americans died in World War II. Now we blindly piss away those hard-fought freedoms, allowing ourselves to be ruled by tin-pot tyrants"THE KAREN PREMISE: "We should stop at nothing to prevent all deaths from COVID-19. This is why we should all be okay with shutting down our entire way of life. Get used to it. It's the new normal."THE KAREN PREMISE, UNPACKED: Yes, we'll lose more people from deaths of despair caused by the shutdown than from the virus itself, but those deaths … [Read more...] about Losing to an Army of Karens
No, The Maskless are Not Violating the Non-Aggression Principle
When trying to introduce the philosophy to newcomers, I always try to begin with an introduction to first principles, which typically leads to a discussion about the non-aggression principle (NAP). And there could never be a better test for the NAP than a time like this with the issue of masks, the topic at the top of everyone's social media feeds for months now.Masks are the quintessential controversial subject. I've rarely seen such a sticky divisive topic. There's little point in trying … [Read more...] about No, The Maskless are Not Violating the Non-Aggression Principle
Fisk me, please?
This article is not an argument about the validity of taking precautions for COVID-19. It is solely about who is responsible for the mandatory shutdowns, social distancing requirements, and other protections mandated by government officials. I invite criticism of what you find below, but only on my reasoning, not the wisdom of said mandates. Whether those mandates are justified or not is the subject for another debate. I recently posted a remark on Facebook positing something … [Read more...] about Fisk me, please?