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
Young vs. Old
Category: Daily Dose of Reason
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
Can Anxiety Stop Your Breathing?
A reader writes, “Thanks for your article on talking too much. You leave out one major thing: the nervous system. I talk too much sometimes because I am jumpy and nervous because of anxiety in certain social situations. It’s an … Continue reading
Nobody Makes You Feel Guilty Without Your Consent
Dear Dr. Hurd, I’ll get to the point. I can’t get past my anger toward my mother. My husband and I decided never to have children. Though I’ve long since informed her of this, she never misses a chance to … Continue reading
Can’t You Be Black, Gay or Hispanic…and Not a Socialist?
Columnist Juan Williams, himself a black, pro-Obama Democrat, wondered in a recent commentary about why pro-Obama officials at Rutgers University in New Jersey voted to cancel the honorary degree of Condoleezza Rice, George W. Bush’s Secretary of State. Williams sarcastically … Continue reading
Tax “Credits” for People Who Don’t Pay Taxes?
President Barack Obama will propose an expansion of popular tax credits for middle class and working poor Americans on Tuesday in a fiscal 2015 budget designed to serve as a blueprint for Democrats in this year’s congressional elections. The budget, … Continue reading
Ukraine Demonstrates the Importance of a Free Economy
Much is made of Russia’s threat to invade Ukraine, and justifiably so. However, almost nothing is made of the fact that Ukraine is floundering economically. Associated Press reports: Ukraine also is struggling on the financial front. The treasury is almost … Continue reading