The Libertarian Case for Obama
Seven potential upsides to a hope-monger presidency
"For those who recognize that "libertarian Democrat" is no more oxymoronic than "libertarian Republican," a solid case can be made for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) as a Leader of the Free World who won't take that American Exceptionalism conceit as seriously as "Country First" Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)." Terry Michael September 19, 2008 http://www.reason.com/news/show/128902.html
On the Other Hand....
Obama's 'Plans for Change' Ad is "Translated"
For those who don't speak "Washingonese"
http://reason.tv/roughcut/show/540.html
Seven potential upsides to a hope-monger presidency
"For those who recognize that "libertarian Democrat" is no more oxymoronic than "libertarian Republican," a solid case can be made for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) as a Leader of the Free World who won't take that American Exceptionalism conceit as seriously as "Country First" Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)." Terry Michael September 19, 2008 http://www.reason.com/news/show/128902.html
On the Other Hand....
Obama's 'Plans for Change' Ad is "Translated"
For those who don't speak "Washingonese"
http://reason.tv/roughcut/show/540.html
Ayn Rand Mike Wallace Interview 1959 part 1
Ayn Rand Mike Wallace Interview 1959 part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMTDaVpBPR0
Center For Inquiry’s Unique Mission
"The Center for Inquiry is a daring new concept. Although modern world civilization is based upon the achievements of science and technology, until this time there has been no authoritative and credible voice defending the scientific outlook in examining religion, human values, and the borderlands of science. If the naturalistic outlook is to supplant the ancient mythological narratives of the past, it needs a new institution devoted to its articulation and dramatization to the public. The Center for Inquiry is that institution.
"The scientific revolution, which is now four centuries old, has made great progress in expanding the frontiers of knowledge in the natural, biological, behavioral, and social sciences; and this has led to enormous contributions to human welfare. Witness, for example, the strides made in improving nutrition, health, and longevity, in enhanced travel and communication and the many goods and services available for human enjoyment and happiness. Yet along with the advancement of the agenda of scientific inquiry, there persists a culture of mysticism and faith that resists it.
Center For Inquiry’s Unique Mission
"The Center for Inquiry is a daring new concept. Although modern world civilization is based upon the achievements of science and technology, until this time there has been no authoritative and credible voice defending the scientific outlook in examining religion, human values, and the borderlands of science. If the naturalistic outlook is to supplant the ancient mythological narratives of the past, it needs a new institution devoted to its articulation and dramatization to the public. The Center for Inquiry is that institution.
"The scientific revolution, which is now four centuries old, has made great progress in expanding the frontiers of knowledge in the natural, biological, behavioral, and social sciences; and this has led to enormous contributions to human welfare. Witness, for example, the strides made in improving nutrition, health, and longevity, in enhanced travel and communication and the many goods and services available for human enjoyment and happiness. Yet along with the advancement of the agenda of scientific inquiry, there persists a culture of mysticism and faith that resists it.
"What would it mean to extend the scientific spirit to our most basic and cherished convictions? It would be to embrace a thoroughly scientific outlook (an outlook referred to in the scholarly literature as scientific naturalism or philosophical naturalism). The naturalistic outlook is at once a method of inquiry, a cosmic world view, and a new form of ethical inquiry."
Council for Secular Humanism [is an affiliate]
"The Council for Secular Humanism (CSH) cultivates rational inquiry, ethical values, and human development through the advancement of secular humanism. To carry out its mission the Council for Secular Humanism sponsors publications, programs, and organizes meetings and other group activities." [abridged from http://centerforinquiry.net/]
The Heritage Foundation Says Chinese-Owned Hong Kong is "Economically Free-est"; U.S. Ranks 5th
"The 2008 Index of Economic Freedom covers 162 countries across 10 specific freedoms such as trade freedom, business freedom, investment freedom, and property rights. View scores and rankings for any country, along with detailed data and background analysis. [Visit the Countries »] or [See Top 10 »] The 2008 Index provides an even clearer picture of economic freedom by using data-driven equations which allows countries to be graded between scores of 0 and 100. We continue the tradition of equally blending "Ten Freedoms" to produce a simple, unbiased overall score for each country.
"For over a decade, The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation, Washington's preeminent think tank, have tracked the march of economic freedom around the world with the influential Index of Economic Freedom. Since 1995, the Index has brought Smith's theories about liberty, prosperity and economic freedom to life by creating 10 benchmarks that gauge the economic success of 162 countries around the world. With its user-friendly format, readers can see how 18th century theories on prosperity and economic freedom are realities in the 21st century." http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/countries.cfm
Quotes for Your Weekend
"Men are nicotine soaked, beer besmirched, whiskey greased, red-eyed devils."
Carry Nation
"Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets." Napoleon
"It took me seventeen years to get 3,000 hits in baseball. I did it in one afternoon on the golf course." Hank Aaron
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin
