Conclusion of yesterday’s column. The reader continues: Aside from further documenting the massive, total failure of the welfare state, these stories underscore the principle that government handouts and/or benefits cannot reduce poverty – at least not in any real way. … Continue reading
Category: Daily Dose of Reason
There’s No Welfare in the “Welfare State” (Part 1 of 2)
A reader wrote me regarding a story published recently in The Wall Street Journal about how the vast majority of people who have signed up for health insurance under ObamaCare were previously covered elsewhere. One survey found that only 11 … Continue reading
Can “Mindfulness” Therapy End Violence?
First of all, wow. How refreshing to read these words from a fellow mental health professional — for once, not myself: Violence is not a product of mental illness. Nor is violence generally the action of ordinary, stable individuals who … Continue reading
The GOP Suicide Mission
Former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell warned that Republicans ignore social issues at their peril in the upcoming November election, maintaining that the nation’s only path to a robust economy is an adherence to a strong moral code and … Continue reading
Your Victory is My Victory (Seligman)
On the relationship side, if you teach people to respond actively and constructively when someone they care about has a victory, it increases love and friendship and decreases the probability of depression. — Psychologist Martin Seligman It’s so true. If … Continue reading
Employers Are Not Mommies and Daddies
The Internal Revenue Service has ruled that employers cannot hand tax-free contributions to their workers and tell them to purchase health insurance, The New York Times reported. Employers who try dumping employees into the healthcare exchanges to avoid having to … Continue reading
Self-Esteem: How Much is Too Much?
Is it possible to have too much self-esteem? It’s commonly thought “yes,” and the definition of “too much” self-esteem is labeled narcissism. This may be well and good, but the question remains: How do we quantify the “right” amount of … Continue reading
Violence Against Women OK…So Long as it’s Muslim
Should courts excuse Muslim men who beat up their wives on account of freedom of religious practices and beliefs? Do religious and cultural “sensitivity” count more than individual rights? It seems incredible that we even must consider such questions, but … Continue reading
Hillary Clinton: Profiteer of Convenience
Hillary Clinton, while preparing to continue Obama’s war against profit, greed and selfishness, has made a cool $200,000 a speech ($5 million total), paid for by companies who fear her future rule over them. Pretty good for someone who condemns … Continue reading
Managing the Boss
Dear Dr. Hurd, I work for a charity. I answer to the executive director who makes me responsible for various fundraisers that I am expected to plan, advertise and set up. However, she then undermines me by either doing things … Continue reading
The Psychology of Status-Seeking
Dear Dr. Hurd: Many people seek mass wealth because it brings social status. Throughout history status has always existed in cultures. From kings and queens to tribal hierarchies. Even the animal kingdom has examples of status. Status appears to be … Continue reading
The VA Scandal Should Be No Surprise
CNN.com reports on 5/20/14: For six months, CNN has been reporting on delays in medical appointments suffered by veterans across the country and veterans who died or were seriously injured while waiting for appointments and care. The VA requires its … Continue reading