Socialism initially was defined as government controlling the means of economic production. Capitalism is the opposite…completely. It is business controlling the means of government. Which is more problematic for freedom? And what is the alternative that will allow individuals, families, and communities to enjoy prosperity and freedom and to pursue happiness?
Archive for the ‘Philosophy’ Category
Turn the other cheek? Are you serious?
July 26th, 2007
11 Comments
Leo Tolstoy is perhaps the ultimate example of the late-in-life nihilist-turned-idealist. He is best known for his mid-life fiction, most notably War and Peace and Anna Karenina. He was early on somewhat of a determinist and nihilist but late in life began a study of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and came [...]
Control, Ownership, and Independence: a discussion
February 22nd, 2007
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Richard Eyre, author of numerous parenting and self-management books, wrote this column in an LDS magazine. He invited comments and discussion on the topic. Here a copy of my email to him:
Learning from Life and Thing that are Unseen; a Role for Idealism
January 23rd, 2007
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This post is essentially a prolonged comment at my brother’s blog here. Please read the post and the comments prior to commenting here (unless you don’t feel like it).
Thought on Government from Henry David Thoreau
January 10th, 2007
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“This government never of itself furthured an enterprise, but by the alacrity with which it (the government) got out of its (the enterprise’s) way. It does not keep the country free. It does not settle the West. It does not educate. The character inherent in the American people has done all that has been accomplished; [...]
Isaiah
January 8th, 2007
3 Comments
The prophet Isaiah was another critic and idealist, and was so popular among the elite in his time that rumor has it that he met death by being “sawn asunder.” Chapter 1, verse 23 I think has much applicability to politics of our day: “Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth [...]
Separation of Powers
January 5th, 2007
1 Comment
I just read significant portions of The Political Writings of John Adams, a collection of writings from 1765-1820′s; some letters, some critiques of political writings of others. The main portion of the book is made up of his A Defence of the Constitutions of the United States of America written in 1787 in response to [...]
Freedom for bread
December 30th, 2006
4 Comments
One of socialism’s fundamental tenets is its desire for the government to universally care for people, whether it be through single payor healthcare or ensuring jobs and even equal wealth for all. These are lofty and admirable goals and desires. However, what are the potential costs?
The Role of the Critic (and an appropriate response)
June 24th, 2006
1 Comment
Throughout history there have been those who argued against the status quo; who railed against the dominant paradigm; who were willing to point out that the emperor had no clothes. These range from Socrates, Isaiah and others anciently to Marx and Chomsky more recently to current political characters like Hugo Chavez and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The [...]
