Shocking Disparity

The growing disconnect between those who make decisions about the use of military force and those who are called upon to fulfill their decisions has been disturbing me for a while. But this fact caught me off guard.

Tweets to ponder

Also: no military service among either prez/VP nominees, Scotus justices, Senate leader and (save 8 weeks) House speaker. That thought has a legacy through David Leonhardt and Sarah Wilcox.

Marriage Matters

Yet another reason to view divorce (and the societal systems that make it easy) negatively. Marriage matters.

What’s the single strongest predictor you will die an early death? — Barking up the wrong tree

Barking up the wrong tree. I want to understand why we do what we do and use the answers to be awesome at life. About. Eric Barker; First visit? Start here. Bakadesuyo.com is proud to be listed on blo…

A Bear In The China Shop

It is difficult to overstate my pessimism about the trajectory of China’s economy.…  I hope I am wrong but I deeply fear another big blow to the global financial system. Google for “Chinese Ghost Cities” to have your socks scared off.

To the point (Austro-Chinese business cycle theory)

“There is persuasive evidence to conclude that the Chinese economy is actually growing at just 4 or 5 per cent right now based on a composite of other indicators,” says Patrick Chovanec, a business pr…

Race and Party

Very interesting — and contrary to what you normally hear. Be sure to read the pieces linked to in the addendum.

Racism by Political Party

It is undeniably the case that racist Americans are almost entirely in one political coalition and not the other. Chris Hayes, Up w/ Chris Hayes, August 18, 2012. Here is data asking whites the quest…

Donations Buy Access… Why Not Taxes?

I love the idea of a dinner for the top taxpayers. That’s brilliant. If donations buy access, then why not taxes?

Sentences to ponder

…I find it remarkable that I have yet to receive a thank you note for paying my taxes. When I fill out my taxes, I notice that even receipts for $25 donations have thank you notes attached. But for t…

Faith Helps

When I tell students that there are objective and practical benefits to faith they seem surprised. But that’s the nature of truth — when you make choices based upon reality, those choices tend to work out better. 

What can we all learn from religion — whether we believe or not? — Barking up the wrong tree

Barking up the wrong tree. I want to understand why we do what we do and use the answers to be awesome at life. About. Eric Barker; First visit? Start here. Bakadesuyo.com is proud to be listed on blo…