Monthly Archives: November 2015

The republican form of government, for example, operates with an available ambiguity. In the first order, there is an election process, and although the legitimacy of being elected is to represent the electors, there is an ambiguity, which cannot be … Continue reading →

Yielding to the probability of “the risk” isn’t always obvious, but we feel the angst, nonetheless. Essentially that is what Hobbes said. We “sense” the difference between right and wrong–what Thomas Paine called “Common Sense.” The more power the king … Continue reading →

From Feudalism to Futility? Historically, we have progressed, emerging from feudalism to realize the utility of self-determination, haven’t we? Instead of pillaging and plundering, we now add supply to meet demand. It is an on-demand existence that expands the opportunity … Continue reading →

Recently, we heard about little people being the “mastermind” of dastardly deeds. The Paris attacks were “masterminded” by rank-and-file terrorists, properly identified by President Obama as psychopathic killers. There is measurable angst in “the little people” having real, measurable power … Continue reading →

Success of the Commons “Tragedy of the commons” is the more familiar argument when it comes to measuring the public good, which is a measure of gaming (testing) the level of tolerance. It is not readily apparent, but the tragedy … Continue reading →

The level of tolerance is a diplomatic measure. It is politics. Tolerance is tested to the point of being unacceptable. The responses can be graduated or flexible. If the opponent is not likely to yield to your demands until a … Continue reading →

The angst infers an inherent purpose to life. We naturally intend to reduce the angst, which is a function of avoiding the risk. Look at, for example, current diplomatic efforts to control the risk (reduce the angst) caused by extremist, … Continue reading →

Naturally, we have to ask why we induce the risk to be avoided as the measure of success. Existentialists say it’s because there really is no purpose to existence. There are measurable, emergent properties, like economic growth, but that “just … Continue reading →

The so-called “takers” have been taken for a wild ride! It’s ironic, but no paradox, that the Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, says “the takers” are really taking “the makers” for a ride. This gives currency to what Phil … Continue reading →

As gas prices are falling, so is the real, average income, making it so the average consumer can’t demand it. This is completely different from disinflation in which people have the income but refuse to buy because they think the … Continue reading →