“Democracy without respect for individual rights sucks. It’s just ganging up against the weird kid, and I’m always the weird kid.” — Penn Jillette Follow Dr. Hurd on Facebook. Search under “Michael Hurd” (Rehoboth Beach DE). Get up-to-the-minute postings, … Continue reading
Category: Daily Dose of Reason
Sanctimonious Susan Sarandon Calls It “Courage” to Steal Other People’s Money
Actress and activist Susan Sarandon got teary as she introduced Bernie Sanders on the campaign trail last Wednesday in front of an overflow crowd of 1100 people during a town hall in northern Iowa. Sarandon, who has helped raise money … Continue reading
The Psychological Origins of the Gun Control Fantasy
In December 2015, the state of Delaware (where I live) received 348 concealed carry applications, more than double the 155 from the previous December. There were 2,614 permit applications in 2015 as opposed to 1,674 in 2014. Each month last … Continue reading
The Psychological Cost of Socialism
Bernie Sanders is an outwardly socialist candidate running for president who might actually get somewhere. In some polls, he’s neck-and-neck with Hillary Clinton for his party’s nomination. No, he will probably not get the nomination in the end. But he … Continue reading
The Habits of Others (Mark Twain)
Nothing so needs reforming as other people’s habits. — Mark Twain
Donald Trump vs. GOP Establishment: The Party’s Over
The “GOP Establishment” paints itself a victim of Donald Trump. However, there are no victims, not outside the context of force or fraud. The GOP Establishment consists of most of the people who hold elected office in that party. It … Continue reading
Step Right Up, Citizen, For Your Federally Mandated Mental Health Screen
A panel that makes recommendations to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a report recommending that all Americans have mental health screenings. No, it’s not (yet) mandated. But the logic of national health care ultimately leads … Continue reading
Trump’s Standoff With Fox News Shows Why He’s Popular
People wonder why Donald Trump is so popular. It’s definitely not about ideology. I agree with the pundits who say the 2016 election is not about ideology. How could it be? None of the candidates appear to have a discernable … Continue reading
Kill Off the Elderly? Former Apprentice Contestant Says, “Yes”
British television personality and former The Apprentice contestant Katie Hopkins is well on her way into seniorhood, a stage of life that she recently told Radio Times means a person is ripe for termination. Old people, she says, should be … Continue reading
Minnesotans Ban a Basketball Team for Being “Too Good”
A sample headline from a society gone bonkers: “Girls basketball team gets booted from league for being too good”. A measure of the insanity around us? We’re used to such headlines by now. A Minnesota youth basketball team has been … Continue reading
Loneliness (Ayn Rand)
The thinking child is not antisocial (he is, in fact, the only type of child fit for social relationships). When he develops his first values and conscious convictions, particularly as he approaches adolescence, he feels an intense desire to share … Continue reading
Absurdity du jour: Michael Bloomberg’s Threat to Run for President
Former New York City mayor and billionaire Michael Bloomberg may use his money to launch an independent bid for president. He says he’s alarmed by Donald Trump’s prospect of getting the Republican nomination, and Bernie Sanders’ possibility of getting the … Continue reading