The Muddy Lens

The problem with writing is that it’s all done by writers. But seriously, it’s an innate flaw to the medium. Though not a unique one, this flaw carries its own particular proclivities and issues stemming from the viewpoints of writers.…

Keep Reading

Identity Politics

“My understanding is, is you’ve got some of the same organizers now going back into these communities to try to clean up in the aftermath of a handful of criminals and thugs who tore up the place.” -Barack Obama, on…

Keep Reading

Baltimore and American Exceptionalism

It was trendy there for a few weeks of Internet time to write snide little stories on how American news events would be reported on by American news if they weren’t American news events at all. How would Ferguson look…

Keep Reading

The Invisible Power of Shame

When people ask me what I want to replace violence as the main motivating force to behave in our society, I instantly reply “shame”. I think a lot of people believe that I’m kidding when I say this. I am…

Keep Reading

Zero Sum Games and Conservativism

I’m working on the budding theory that, if you can afford to quit your job, it may be at least a little immoral to keep it. Unless, I guess, you’re much better at it than someone else would be and…

Keep Reading

Droning On

Planes are in the news this week, though the one getting most of the attention was manned. People are desperately trying to discern the motive for 27-year-old German Andreas Lubitz’ decision to calmly place his passenger jet into a gradual…

Keep Reading

Ted Cruz and the Elaborate Troll Hypothesis

People simply cannot get enough Ted Cruz these days. The Senator, one of two representing the state of Texas, perennial hotbed of Presidential candidates successful and otherwise, recently became the first official candidate to take the office of the Presidency…

Keep Reading

Choices: Too Many, Not Enough

“It’s a typical situation in these typical times too many choices… Oh, everybody’s happy everybody’s free we’ll keep the big door open everyone’ll come around. Why are you different? Why are you that way? If you don’t get in line,…

Keep Reading

Overpopulation and the Growth Obsession

Did you ever wonder why property values always (2008 aside) go up? It just feels like one of those economic truths we imbibe at a young age, probably before we even take an Economics class, for those of us who…

Keep Reading

Moment of Reflection

Last night, I had a disquieting and somewhat absurd realization that most people think it’s fine for some people to be rich and other people to be poor. I was struck anew by how difficult I actually find that to…

Keep Reading