The root of authoritarianism is collectivism; the negation of individual rights for the supposed better of the collective. Tyrants do not ascend to power by promising despotism, oppression, and corruption. They come to power promising to make things better for the majority, usually calling for a racial, religious, or economic minority to be eliminated. The…
The case for higher minimum wages across the country is based on the premise that Americans cannot keep up with the cost of living. Recently I came across a post that charged Wal-Mart was irresponsible because a high number of their employees were receiving state benefits. The post claimed that Wal-Mart’s wages are so low…
It isn’t hard to notice an increased sense of entitlement in younger generations today, mine included. It is partly due to a culture of entitlement which pervades American society and demands comfortable, high quality lifestyles without understanding that one should work for what one wants. Ask a teenager what makes a country or a government…
One of the biggest stories this year has been the release of nude photos of celebrities that were stolen from Apple’s iCloud. The theft and release of such photos is clearly a violation of privacy and an act of voyeurism. I must admit, however, that like many Americans, I did not feel much pity for…
The Law by Frédéric Bastiat Influenced heavily by John Locke and Henry Hazlitt, The Law is an exploration of individual rights and the proper role of government. Bastiat lays out the case for individual rights of man and the morality of defending those rights. The State, being a collective of individual forces, is properly used…
Auto repair can be costly. In times like these, where many Americans are feeling the pinch of the economy, having something break on your car can be devastating. Garages charge nearly $100 an hour in labor in addition to the markup on parts. Even a simple job can leave an unwanted dent in your already…
While some schools are better than other, generally basic economic lessons are absent from public school curriculum. These are vital lessons needed to understand the world around them. Here are just five lessons I wish someone had taught me in school. 1. Prices Why do some things cost more than others? Why does the price…
Bitcoin and other crypto currencies exploded into the world this year. As the value of bitcoin soared, optimists declared we were seeing the beginning of a new world. Realists warned us, however, that it was a bubble, that Bitcoin had no real value. It appears, for now, those skeptics were right, as Bitcoin is currently…
When the use of steroids and performance enhancing supplements became widespread in Major League Baseball, fans were in outraged. If some players had an unfair advantage over others, it sullied the entire sport. Americans who followed baseball felt cheated and duped. Congress even got involved, citing The Federally Controlled Substances Act and anti-trust exemptions held…
With the advent of social media, the sharing of opinions across a broad spectrum has never been so easy. Of course, what many of those who opine fail to recognize is that debate from opposing views will naturally follow. Debate is a valuable tool in civil discourse. Argument is not. Argument is simply disagreement voiced,…
Take a look at almost any prepackaged food product you buy at the store. You will be surprised how many products contain High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), a sweetener derived from corn sugar. HFCS is not better tasting than sugar, nor is it healthier, as studies have shown a link between HFCS and increased rates…
I was amidst pouring the sum of my knowledge on government taxation and the effect that it has on income disparity into an online argument when I realized it was pointless. In this instance, the other person I was debating with didn’t even have the necessary foreknowledge required for either of us to have meaningful…