Just a few days ago, I was asked to write a column about heroism. Heroism of the sort displayed routinely by those in the military, police and elsewhere. And then the incident on the French train happened: Recounting how he … Continue reading
Heroes
Category: Daily Dose of Reason
Why There’s No Such Thing as “Stealing American Jobs”
Donald Trump and others have been accusing other countries of “stealing American jobs.” Trump is half right. China is an authoritarian government that manipulates its economy for the sake of power. Governments like this — i.e., most governments, throughout history … Continue reading
Let’s Replace Psycho-Speak with Real-Speak
Do you notice how we say things can change our view of them? For example, just the other day I heard a parent say about his 13-year-old son, “He has anger issues.” What triggered the comment was an unexplained, and … Continue reading
Dow Plunges: What Happened, Obama?
“Dow Plunges 530 Points.” Whose fault is it this time? The last time it happened, the established “wisdom” went as follows: The market crashed because of capitalism. False. We’re not a capitalist economy. We’re a mixed economy, i.e., a mixture … Continue reading
Pope Francis: Hates Capitalism, Loves Hard Work…Go Figure!
In his weekly Angelus message Wednesday, Pope Francis praised the value of hard work and a willingness to do one’s part for the common good rather than freeloading off society. Citing Saint Paul, Francis said that “anyone unwilling to work … Continue reading
Public School Teacher Blames “Privatization” For Failing Schools
Federal and local governments spend billions and billions more dollars on education every year. Yet the results are unimpressive, to say the least. Many public school teachers are frustrated and dispirited. Here’s what Stephanie Keiles, a long-time public school teacher … Continue reading
What It Means to Drive Your Own Life
I’m always saying that in psychology and daily life, philosophy matters — particularly ethics. Here’s an example to support my point. Psychotherapist Amy Morin, writing at psychologytoday.com, has a sensible article entitled, “5 Signs You’re Trying too Hard to Please … Continue reading
The Art of Ripping up the Deal
The Iran nuclear deal reached in July will have catastrophic consequences for the world, Republican candidate Donald Trump has warned. In an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press today, the billionaire Republican candidate claimed the agreement was a “bad deal” … Continue reading
Hillary Clinton Needs a Tutorial in Accountability
Donald Trump has been asked if he has the proper temperament to be a U.S. President. However, it seems highly unlikely that Hillary Clinton will ever be asked the question. Recently, as most people know, Hillary Clinton has been investigated … Continue reading
What it Means When Others “Push Your Buttons”
“He pushes my buttons.” “She knows how to manipulate me.” We’re all familiar with, and at some time have felt, these particular expressions. What do they actually mean? Emotions move us. (The Latin root of the word, “emotion,” literally means … Continue reading
Have American College Campuses Finally Gone Bonkers?
As a mental health professional, people sometimes will ask me, “Am I crazy?” My reply usually goes like this: “If you were truly crazy, you wouldn’t possess the objectivity and rationality required to ask the question.” It’s the truth. But … Continue reading
Dissenters Are Now “Free Speech Nuts”
A mob hacked to death secular blogger Niloy Chakrabartu, who used the pen name Niloy Neel, on Friday in Bangladesh. He recently posted on Facebook that two strangers followed him after he attended a protest over Ananta Bijoy Das’s murder, … Continue reading