People typically look at the concept of independence this way: “If I do something by myself, alone, then I’m independent; if I do something at all in collaboration with someone else, I’m not independent.” This is erroneous. While being independent … Continue reading
Category: Daily Dose of Reason
Committed to Growth
Being committed to growth means that you are willing to question yourself and others; to think philosophically and critically, rather than just react to events; and to go by reason rather than by sheer “instinct.” Being committed to lifelong personal … Continue reading
A Symptom of the Problem
William F. Buckley was supposed to be a great inspiration to “the conservative movement.” Yet for all his charm, eloquence and intelligence, he was a symptom of the problem. The conservative movement has been defined primarily by (1) the absence … Continue reading
What Kind of President Will He Be?
Will Obama, if elected, govern as a middle-of-the-road “centrist” or as a strong left-wing zealot? My prediction: The latter. Why? Because: (1) He will have a left-wing Congress, in power so far as the eye can see (so too would … Continue reading
Election 2008: Our Foreign Policy Choices
McCain: Fight terrorism with conventional warfare that has nothing whatsoever to do with the terrorist threat itself. Spend 100 years sacrificing young American soldiers in Iraq, or longer if necessary. Glorify sacrifice and dare anyone to question this of a … Continue reading
The Error of Regrets
People who dwell on regrets are making the error of granting the past too much importance. The reason I say “too much importance” is because nothing about the past can be changed by anyone. It’s self-evidently done, and over, by … Continue reading
The Powerless Who Seek Power
Power, in the usual sense of the term, isn’t even necessary. Power over yourself is what you possess if you first have: control of your mind; a confidence in the ability of your mind to trust its senses and to … Continue reading
Censorship 2008
It’s widely assumed that sticking to principle is impractical and stupid. Yet consider those who support the reimposition of the “Fairness Doctrine” on radio. These opponents of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and other conservative talk show hosts take heart in … Continue reading
Love of Power, Love of Country
Michelle Obama’s remarks that she was never proud of her country until her husband verged on gaining major political power are interesting and revealing. People like her don’t love what their country stands for; they only like power. She’s proud … Continue reading
To Be “Good” You Have to Be “Bad”
In refusing to say NO to others, even though it’s the honest answer, you’re presumably doing it to protect them. Their interests require that you say YES, even though your own interests require that you say NO. Yet there’s a … Continue reading
It’s Not Working!
The biggest excuse I hear from people about not holding loved ones responsible for their actions is, “It’s not working.” For example: “My twenty-five year old son moved back in. He stays at home and doesn’t even seek out a … Continue reading
Change in What Sense?
His supporters say that Barack Obama “is a movement–not a candidate.” Towards what will he move us? Towards even more government statism and bureaucracy than we already have? Towards more taxes and regulation against the most productive in our society, … Continue reading