Barack Obama has declared the “Affordable Care Act” a success. Success — by what standard? By what criteria? “Well, at this point, enough people are signing up that the Affordable Care Act is going to work,” Obama said before the … Continue reading
Category: Daily Dose of Reason
In the Age of Texting, We Still Need Boundaries
Dear Dr. Hurd, My partner and I are good friends with another couple. (We’re both in lesbian relationships.) Recently, one of the women in that relationship started paying (what I believe to be) inappropriate attention to my girlfriend; sending personal … Continue reading
New York Mayor de Blasio: Spread the Mediocrity
In a recent column, Democrat Juan Williams wrote: Bill de Blasio is the best thing to ever happen to the School Choice Movement. The New York City mayor is crippling the growth of charter schools by throwing them out of … Continue reading
“Spread the Wealth” Fails on Its Own Terms
According to a study at MoneyRates.com, income inequality is actually rising, not falling, during the Obama years. Ironically, in electoral “blue” pro-Obama states, income inequality is rising even higher than in “red” states who didn’t vote for Obama. If it … Continue reading
When Spouses/Romantic Partners Are Mean
Emotional abuse is a fancy, clincial term for simply being mean. According to healthcentral.com [1/8/13], there are numerous indications you might be in an emotionally abusive relationship. Examples include: “Emotionally abusive spouses want you all to themselves. They do not … Continue reading
Young vs. Old
When dealing with someone younger — or older — many people mistakenly make age the primary factor. For example, “You’re younger than I am. You have no idea what I’m talking about.” Why does age have to be the primary … Continue reading
Obamacare: A Case Study in Central Planning
“Central planning” refers to government bureaus and agencies replacing the marketplace when it comes to basic decision-making about goods and services. For example, let’s say the government decided to institute central planning for smart phones. Government planners in Washington DC … Continue reading
“President Windrip” 1935,”President Obama” 2014
One of the expressions people use that concerns me is “do something.” It’s not that I’m against doing something. Quite the contrary: Following up rational, constructive thought with constructive action is crucial. Most people who feel stuck or depressed end … Continue reading
Who’s the Boss? Reciprocity in Relationships
Dear Dr. Hurd, Everything seemed perfect when we first met 8 months ago. Now, my girlfriend is starting to get bossy and controlling. She interrupts me, finishes my sentences, and always seems to have a better way of doing everything. … Continue reading
Legislation and Litigation as Anxiety Therapy for Some
Regarding your article against government regulation of movie volume levels (3/9/14): You assume that a person will not be permanently damaged by an unexpected experience. I went to a restaurant once and was served food that was so hot that … Continue reading
Unlimited Government (Ayn Rand)
We are fast approaching the stage of the ultimate inversion: the stage where the government is free to do anything it pleases, while the citizens may act only by permission; which is the stage of the darkest periods of human … Continue reading
The Latest: A “Right” to Quiet Movies
Should the government decide how loud movies are? Connecticut is attempting to outlaw movies that are above a certain noise-level. Associated Press reports: The legislature’s Public Safety and Security Committee is considering the bill, which would prevent theaters from showing … Continue reading