Let’s Not Make a Federal Case Out of It! « J. Neil Schulman

Schulman helps put a few "outrages" back in perspective.

Let’s Not Make a Federal Case Out of It! « J. Neil Schulman

Does High Cholesterol REALLY Cause Heart Disease?

Some arguments against the conventional wisdom on cholesterol and statin treatment.

Does High Cholesterol REALLY Cause Heart Disease?

Letter to Congressmen: Support our troops; bring them home

Following is the message I just sent to my congressmen.


I urge you to vote NO to any funding for increasing U.S. troop presence anywhere overseas, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, or Iran.

I think it is time to really support our troops by bringing them home, out of harm's way, from the far-flung overseas reaches of the U.S. empire, and getting them back to work producing goods and services that the American people want and will pay for voluntarily.

I am all for maintaining a sufficient, constitution-sized, armed service to defend U.S. borders, but as far as overseas occupations and operations, I favor the defense policy of John Quincy Adams, and urge you to do likewise.

"Wherever the standard of freedom and Independence has been or shall be unfurled, there will America's heart, her benedictions and her prayers be. But she goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all. She is the champion and vindicator only of her own." (U.S. House of Representatives, 4 July 1821)

John Quincy Adams on U.S. Foreign Policy (1821)

Thank you for your service to our state and country.

Sincerely,
Bill Starr
Columbus, Indiana


Contact U.S. Congressman Mike Pence : 6th District Of Indiana
- Fri, 4 Dec 2009, 1:24 pm EST

Contact Richard G. Lugar, United States Senator for Indiana
- Fri, 4 Dec 2009, 1:27 pm EST

Contact Indiana Senator Evan Bayh
- Fri, 4 Dec 2009, 1:29 pm EST

Can the County Sheriff Save the Constitution?

A practical decentralized approach to begin to shake off unconstitutional United States federal government usurpations.

Can the County Sheriff Save the Constitution?

A Penchant for Controlling Others - Llewellyn H. Rockwell Jr. - Mises Institute

Good arguments from Lew Rockwell against banning texting while driving.

A Penchant for Controlling Others - Llewellyn H. Rockwell Jr. - Mises Institute

The Economics of Recycling by Floy Lilley

Informed voluntary recycling conserves resources and raises our wealth. However, forcing people to recycle routinely makes society worse off. Floy Lilley

The Economics of Recycling by Floy Lilley

Mugwumps: public moralists of the ... - Google Books

I just finished reading this book.

Not too long of a read, and sheds some interesting light on the public debates of the late 1800s over the issues of sound money, tariffs, civil service reform, and imperialism.

I find myself in sympathy with the Mugwumps on their political views on these issues, but I find it a somewhat sad book.

The Mugwumps come across to me as men who urged the adoption of Christian morality in public life, but without basing it on the power of a Christian foundation.

Mugwumps: public moralists of the ... - Google Books

What to Be Thankful For | David Boaz | Cato Institute: Daily Commentary

"A Kenyan boy who managed to get to the United States told a reporter for Woman's World magazine that America is "heaven." Compared to countries that lack the rule of law, equality, property rights, free markets, and freedom of speech and worship, it certainly is. A good point to keep in mind this Thanksgiving Day." David Boaz

What to Be Thankful For | David Boaz | Cato Institute: Daily Commentary

Employer Parking Lots and Firearms - A Poll -- A Keyboard and a .45

Important debate.

Let's start by pointing out that the responsible, law-abiding employees are the only ones who comply with company policies against having firearms locked in their vehicles in the company parking lot in the first place.

I hate to see government get involved in this.

It is unfortunate that there are employers who would penalize their law-abiding employees who wish to assume full responsibility provide for their own self-protection while in transit between home and work, and at all stops in between.

The companies certainly don't provide any protection for these employees during the commuting phase of each workday, and yet they think it's moral to deny the employee to provide for it himself.

If this is to be resolved legislatively, it must include the component that absolves the employer of any responsibility for any criminal incident which might involve one of these firearms locked in a vehicle in their parking lot.

A Keyboard and a .45: Employer Parking Lots and Firearms - A Poll

Triggers for Civil Disobedience | Political Class Dismissed

Where would you draw the line?

Triggers for Civil Disobedience | Political Class Dismissed

Repeal Day Serves as Reminder of the Folly of Our Drug Laws - Opinion - FOXNews.com

"The prestige of government has undoubtedly been lowered considerably by the prohibition law ... For nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be enforced." -- Einstein on U.S. alcohol Prohibition.

Repeal Day Serves as Reminder of the Folly of Our Drug Laws - Opinion - FOXNews.com

EDITORIAL: End Clinton-era military base gun ban - Washington Times

Great article on the foolishness of gun-free victim-disarmament zones, especially on military bases.

EDITORIAL: End Clinton-era military base gun ban - Washington Times

- Flu Shots and Freedom

Lots of good information here more general than just the question of whether people should be forced to accept flu shots.

Flu Shots and Freedom

The Winds of Change Die Down by Justin Raimondo -- Antiwar.com

We can have an empire, or we can have our old republic back. We cannot have both. -- Justin Raimondo

The Winds of Change Die Down by Justin Raimondo -- Antiwar.com

A few quotes to ponder this Friday | The Real Revo

Some great quotations on government, liberty, and tyranny.

A few quotes to ponder this Friday | The Real Revo

The GOP, a Revolutionary Party Once Again -- Sultan Knish

Good commentary on the state of the GOP.

"We have had enough of responsible Republican leaders carefully maintaining the prison walls that the Democrats have erected and continue to erect around us. What we need are leaders who will tear them down."

Sultan Knish

Why FIJA Activism is Important » no third solution » Blog Archive

Good argument for fully-informed jurors.

no third solution » Blog Archive » Why FIJA Activism is Important

Can the Rampaging Leviathan Be Stopped or Slowed? | The Beacon

Sobering commentary for lovers of liberty on the realities of the U.S. political landscape.

Can the Rampaging Leviathan Be Stopped or Slowed? | The Beacon

Texan police officer Kim Munley who shot Fort Hood gunman hailed as a heroine - Times Online

Just heard on Twitter about the woman who stopped the Fort Hood shooter.

Texan police officer Kim Munley who shot Fort Hood gunman hailed as a heroine - Times Online

Campaign For Liberty — Marriage License & Registration, Please | by Steve Bierfeldt

Thoughtful arguments for separation of marriage and state.

Campaign For Liberty — Marriage License & Registration, Please   | by Steve Bierfeldt

A Gun-Free Zone at Ft. Hood by Jacob G. Hornberger

"Why do shooters select gun-free zones to commit their massacres rather than, say, gun shows? No doubt that question continues to befuddle the gun-control crowd."

A Gun-Free Zone at Ft. Hood by Jacob G. Hornberger

On Getting Mugged -- The Arizona Rifleman » Blog Archive

One more example of a gun defusing an ugly situation without needing to be fired (usually the case).

The Arizona Rifleman » Blog Archive » On Getting Mugged

Concealed carry and property rights are compatible

"You are also assuming responsibility for the safety of your guests or customers if you forbid self-defense. If you fail, you are almost as guilty as the attacker."

Concealed carry and property rights are compatible

Book Review - Isabel Paterson and the Idea of America

Nice review of a book I am reading and enjoying.

Book Review - Isabel Paterson and the Idea of America

Halfway back to normal sunrise time in Indiana

The end of 7.8 months of DST today gets Indiana halfway back to a normal sunrise time.

Asking our state legislators and governor to petition the United States Department of Transportation to put Indiana back in the central time zone again would finish the job.

The table below compares sunrise time today in Indianapolis with other United States cities located in their geographically-correct time zone.

Sunrise times on 1 November 2009

7:14, Indianapolis (eastern time)
6:30, Philadelphia (middle of eastern time zone)
6:28, St. Louis (middle of central time zone)
6:26, New York City
6:23, Chicago
6:18, Boston
6:14, Indianapolis (if returned back to central time)
6:14, Bangor, Maine
6:10, Nashville TN
6:04, Las Vegas

Ref: http://www.usno.navy.mil/USNO/astronomical-applications/data-services/rs-one-year-us/

How much extra evening daylight per year?

Some in Indiana who favor staying on eastern time are concerned that there would be no benefit from daylight saving time if Indiana were on central time instead.

This is not the case at all.

Currently, in Indianapolis, during the 238 days (7.8 months) per year of DST, there are about 105 minutes per day of daylight shifted from the morning to the evening. During the remaining 127 days (4.2 months) of "standard" time, there are still 45 minutes per day of daylight shifted from morning to evening.

Over the course of a year, Indianapolis "enjoys" an average of 84 minutes per day of daylight shifted from morning to evening.

How does this stack up with other locations around the country?

[Compared with other United States cities located in their geographically-correct time zone], there are virtually no other locations in the country that have as much morning daylight shifted to the evening as Indianapolis on eastern time.

Average minutes per day shifted from morning to evening

84, Indianapolis (eastern time)
40, Philadelphia (middle of eastern time zone)
40, St. Louis (middle of central time zone)
35, New York City
30, Chicago
26, Nashville TN
24, Indianapolis (if returned to central time)
23, Boston
20, Las Vegas
14, Bangor, Maine

{ Fri, 6 Nov 2009, 12:30 pm EST, slight addition for accuracy, see "[]" above }

Time to rethink Daylight Saving Time?

Is it time to rethink the wisdom of Daylight Saving Time -- especially observing it for 7.8 months as we do now in the United States?

I think so.

The following 2008 study at University of California, Santa Barbara found:

"Our main finding is that — contrary to the policy's intent — DST increases residential electricity demand."

Back during World War II, when the main residential usage for electricity was lighting, there may have been a bit of an argument for DST.

Now that the use of electricity for heating and air conditioning outweighs that for lighting in the typical U.S. residence, DST has become more of a two-times-per-year annoyance, and is actually more likely "anti-green" (for those who care about such things).

Adding insult to injury, the typical home in 2009 is likely to have a few more timekeeping devices that need attention than did the typical home of the 1940s. E.g., PDA, answering machine, stove, microwave, vehicles, water softener.

NBER WORKING PAPER SERIES DOES DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME SAVE ENERGY? EVIDENCE FROM A NATURAL EXPERIMENT IN INDIANA

Congressman Ron Paul - Anything Less Than Full Disclosure is Unacceptable - Texas Straight Talk

Any select group of people, no matter how wise and educated, simply cannot replace the wisdom of the market. We need to know who the Fed deals with, what they buy, how much they spend, and who benefits. -- Ron Paul

Congressman Ron Paul - Anything Less Than Full Disclosure is Unacceptable - Texas Straight Talk

- Obama Seeks to Silence Free Speech Through Blasphemy Laws

Freedom of thought and freedom of expression are fundamental human rights — and a key element of this freedom is the ability to say that you believe that someone else’s position is wrong. The advocates of blasphemy laws wish to restrict this freedom to themselves alone: they would sit above all of us, dictating what may be said and thought on the most fundamental questions which confront us as human beings. No greater tyranny is imaginable than to seek to compel another man’s conscience through coercion of law. -- Rt. Rev. James Heiser

- Obama Seeks to Silence Free Speech Through Blasphemy Laws

CEO of ING Insurance to Woods: Who Cares about Austria's economy? - Stephan Kinsella - Mises Economics Blog

Funny story for anyone else like me who is into Austrian economics.

CEO of ING Insurance to Woods: Who Cares about Austria's economy? - Stephan Kinsella - Mises Economics Blog

The Edwards Threat -- The Weekly Standard -- Nov 2007

Some prescient thoughts on presidential power and health care, just as applicable to Obama as they were to Edwards.

The Weekly Standard

Dangerous Censorship From the Left - FOXNews.com

In the end, if the left has its way, and all criticism of Obama is boycotted, forbidden, or categorized as racist, America will have indeed become exactly what the Tea Party attendees and town hall protesters have been cautioning: a socialist nation with a totalitarian dictator whose policies can’t be questioned in public. -- Noel Sheppard

Dangerous Censorship From the Left - FOXNews.com

Gun Control: Schemed by Tyrants, Supported by Fools by Michael Gaddy

Those who advocate gun control as a means of enslaving the people will never be influenced by an intellectual argument, presentation of facts and figures, or a simple plea to do that which is right... Don’t waste your time, money or efforts on "educating" those who believe in gun control. This criminal government is doing it much better than we ever could. -- Michael Gaddy

Gun Control: Schemed by Tyrants, Supported by Fools by Michael Gaddy

OUR VIEW: A score for medical pot | federal, marijuana, medical - Opinion - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO

"Imagine how free some states would become if federal authorities respected all state laws, including those protecting gun and property rights." (Interesting that my newspaper decided to omit this paragraph.)

"The administration’s memo is a step in the direction of ending prohibition. It’s a small step, but first steps are milestones."

OUR VIEW: A score for medical pot | federal, marijuana, medical - Opinion - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO

He's high on U.S. pot-policy reversal

A voice of common sense on unwarranted intrusion by government into the private lives of the citizens whose rights this very government was instituted to help secure.

He's high on U.S. pot-policy reversal

Lecturing the New York Times on Libertarianism by Jacob G. Hornberger

Excellent little tutorial on libertarianism.

"Libertarians simply believe people shouldn’t be punished by the state for making what some consider is the wrong choice. Libertarians might disagree with the peaceful choices you make in life, but we will defend your right to make them."

Lecturing the New York Times on Libertarianism by Jacob G. Hornberger

Professional Anti-Anti-Semitism And Anti-Racism

"Wielding the fearsome brand of "Anti-Semite" as a powerful weapon, the professional Anti-Anti-Semite is able, in this day and age, to wound and destroy anyone he disagrees with by implanting this label indelibly in the public mind." Rothbard, 1990

Rothbard's words might just as well be applied to the professional Anti-Racists of 2009.

PAT BUCHANAN AND THE MENACE ANTI-ANTI-SEMITISM

Words Speak Louder Than Actions

"If people can be rewarded merely for what they plan to do, then maybe they should just give all presidents a Nobel Peace Prize."

Words Speak Louder Than Actions

Congressman Ron Paul - Bombs and Bribes - Texas Straight Talk

Foreign policy wisdom from Ron Paul.

"Without much humility or regard for human life, our foreign policy has been reduced to alternately bribing and bombing other nations, all with the stated goal of “promoting democracy”. This policy of endless intervention in the affairs of others is very damaging to American liberty and security. If our government really wanted to promote freedom, Americans would be free to travel and trade with whoever they wished. It is our bombs and sanctions and condescending aid packages that isolate us."

Congressman Ron Paul - Bombs and Bribes - Texas Straight Talk

Plymouth, PA Cops Assault Me and Terrorize My Toddler Son Right Outside My Home | George Donnelly

"A citizen’s alarm or concern does not alone negatively impact the rights of a person lawfully carrying a firearm."

Plymouth, PA Cops Assault Me and Terrorize My Toddler Son Right Outside My Home | George Donnelly

Central time makes sense for Indiana » Evansville Courier & Press

I agree. Central time makes sense for all of Indiana.

Central time makes sense for Indiana » Evansville Courier & Press

What the politicians promise, HSAs deliver :: Liberty Maven

"This doctor was willing to order the test when he thought someone other than the patient would pay for it."

What the politicians promise, HSAs deliver :: Liberty Maven

CARPE DIEM: Profit Margin: Health Insurance Industry Ranks #86

Profit margins for health insurance industry rank 86th among American business sectors.

CARPE DIEM: Profit Margin: Health Insurance Industry Ranks #86

The Federal Pledge | 10-4: The Tenth Amendment Center Pledge

This looks great. Will be asking legislators and candidates in my area if they will take this pledge.

The Federal Pledge  | 10-4: The Tenth Amendment Center Pledge

A Tale of Two Shortages - Doug French - Mises Institute

Venezuelan coffee and United States health care -- unfortunate parallels.

A Tale of Two Shortages - Doug French - Mises Institute

What ‘right’ to health care? - The Boston Globe

"Happily, there is no better system for achieving the widest possible access to health care - or any other good or service - than the one that requires the least degree of political interference: the normal interplay of supply, demand, and competition. Health care is too important to be left to the market? No, it is too important not to be."

What ‘right’ to health care? - The Boston Globe

ObamaCare: Status Quo on Steroids | Foundation for Economic Education

Excellent explanation of how companies and governments got involved in health care and insurance, and why it would be better for the consumer (but worse for the insurance companies) to get them out.

ObamaCare: Status Quo on Steroids | Foundation for Economic Education

Obama Attacks Tire Buyers « LewRockwell.com Blog

Silly government. Tariffs steal from the consumer to shelter the protected domestic industry from competition.

Obama Attacks Tire Buyers « LewRockwell.com Blog

Municipalized Trash: It's Uncivilized - Jeffrey A. Tucker - Mises Institute

Excellent arguments for separation of trash pickup and State.

Columbus, Indiana: Anybody listening?

Municipalized Trash: It's Uncivilized - Jeffrey A. Tucker - Mises Institute

Scratching By: How Government Creates Poverty as We Know It | The Freeman | Ideas On Liberty

Excellent analysis of the ways supposed well-meaning government policies lock people into poverty.

Scratching By: How Government Creates Poverty as We Know It | The Freeman | Ideas On Liberty

The Worst Economics Article Ever? - Robert P. Murphy - Mises Institute

Some common-sense arguments from Robert Murphy against the "eating local" hype.

The Worst Economics Article Ever? - Robert P. Murphy - Mises Institute

Anti-Big-Government DC Demonstration Draws Huge Crowd: “Don’t Tread on Me” | The Beacon

People are getting fed-up with out-of-control big government.

Anti-Big-Government DC Demonstration Draws Huge Crowd: “Don’t Tread on Me” | The Beacon

Is Obama's Speech Indoctrination? by Jacob G. Hornberger

I like Jacob Hornberger's take on the president's speech to children in government schools.

"Is counter-indoctrination the solution? No. The solution is a separation of school and state, an end to all governmental involvement in education. Don’t count on President Obama to share that idea in his speech to the public-school children of America."

Is Obama's Speech Indoctrination? by Jacob G. HornbergerI

The Intellectual Paralysis of Statists by Jacob G. Hornberger

Hornberger nails it. "Having grown accustomed to “debating” which form of statism Americans should embrace, the statists simply lack the competence and expertise to defend their statism against the free-market arguments presented by libertarians, both at the moral level and the practical level."

The Intellectual Paralysis of Statists by Jacob G. Hornberger

The Intellectual Paralysis of Statists by Jacob G. Hornberger

I agree.

"The problem we face in our day is not only economic and political in nature but also psychological in nature. To get our nation back on the right track, we libertarians have the task of not only showing people that economic liberty and free markets are moral and that they work, we must also inspire people to restore their faith in themselves, in others, in freedom, in free markets, and in God."

The Intellectual Paralysis of Statists by Jacob G. Hornberger

Daniel Griswold: Main Street should embrace globalization | Washington Examiner

Imposing steep tariffs on imports would punish millions of American consumers through higher prices.

Daniel Griswold: Main Street should embrace globalization | Washington Examiner

Whose children are they? | Christine Smith's Blog

"The controversies will come and go… until the real problem, government provided education, is widely exposed, challenged and abolished."

Whose children are they? | Christine Smith's Blog

How 9/11 Should Be Remembered by Tom Engelhardt -- Antiwar.com

Good perspective on 11 September 2001.

How 9/11 Should Be Remembered by Tom Engelhardt -- Antiwar.com

Six Theses of Libertarian Rhetoric

Good food for thought for libertarians, liberals, and conservatives.

Six Theses of Libertarian Rhetoric