Politics & Rights
Philosophy, Politics & Rights
Notes on the Coming Election
Craig Biddle October 29, 2006
[Since this post is coming in right on top of Dr. Lewis's excellent comments on the subject, I'm writing this note to bring continued attention to his post, which is a must read.] For whom should one vote in the coming election? What is the principal factor one should consider…
History, Politics & Rights
Why I Will Not Vote for Any Republican
John David Lewis October 29, 2006
In the upcoming election, I will not vote for any Republican. My reasons are based on those offered by philosopher Leonard Peikoff, and I agree with him completely. A straight Democratic vote in this election is the only rational choice I can make. I would not, however, vote Republican today…
Politics & Rights
Condemn the Power of Eminent Domain
Larry Salzman October 18, 2006
Last years' United States Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. New London, which refused to prohibit local governments from using eminent domain to promote private economic development, has spawned a massive popular and legislative response at the state level. A comprehensive list of legislation pending, passed, or dead is available…
Philosophy, Politics & Rights
The Military Doctrine of Altruism
John David Lewis October 16, 2006
It is altruism that subjects our military to the slow bleed of dead and maimed soldiers in order to avoid confronting an enemy leader or hurting a shopkeeper. It is altruism that tells our soldiers to build toilets for a hostile population rather than to defeat the deadly enemy.
Philosophy, Politics & Rights
Government to American Enterprise: Be Irrational—We'll Help!
Craig Biddle October 8, 2006
In the United States today, if your enterprise is based on the acceptance of ideas in support of which there is no evidence, then you receive every imaginable kind of break and advantage from the government. This from today's New York Times: At any moment, state inspectors can step uninvited…
Philosophy, Politics & Rights
Reply to a Question about Targeting Non-Combatants in War
Craig Biddle October 7, 2006
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="131"] Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi[/caption] Reader Dan Edge writes: I've very much appreciated the TOS articles concerning the Islamic Totalitarian threat, particularly Dr. Brook and Dr. Epstein's Just War Theory" article and Dr. Lewis's "William Tecumseh Sherman" article. I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Lewis recently at…
Politics & Rights
'Just War Theory' Gets Further Entrenched in U.S. 'War' Policy
Craig Biddle October 5, 2006
"Just War Theory"—the theory driving U.S. military buffoonery in the absurdly named "War on Terrorism"—is, in fact, an utter inversion of justice, which sacrifices the lives and limbs of American soldiers for the sake of enemy civilians and mystical savages. The even worse news is that this wretched theory is…
Philosophy, Politics & Rights
Speaking in (and of) Tongues
Craig Biddle October 4, 2006
This from MEMRI: Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abd Al-'Aziz: We Will Cut Off Tongues of Those Who Try to Distort Islam With Reform and Progress—They Are Serving the West. "My brothers, the danger is even greater. Even those people have become tools in the hands of the…
Politics & Rights
Frist and Company Urge Compromise with the Taliban
Craig Biddle October 4, 2006
This is a brain on conservatism. QALAT, Afghanistan—U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) said Monday that the war against Taliban guerrillas in Afghanistan could never be won militarily, and he urged support for efforts to bring "people who call themselves Taliban" into the government. Frist said he learned from…
Politics & Rights
English Fairy Tales and Persian Nightmares
Craig Biddle October 4, 2006
This one-minute video is worth watching. Note the fervor not only of Ahmadinejad but also of the crowd chanting "Death to America." Lovely people. (Hat Tip to Boaz Arad)