Bunkum, incompetence, and leadership
The harm politicians do when they lead poorly, far outweighs the good they do when they lead well. Moreover, poor leaders destroy constraints on power, whereas good leaders build them up.
Monthly Archives: September 2016
Junior varsity pep talk
We have only one clear principle to guide us at this point: do not look to officials in Washington for competence, honesty, or leadership. These qualities of character exist together when you have leaders who take responsibility for their actions.
Why climate change polemicists make no headway
All of these points indicate we should turn our attention away from people who hector us endlessly. Scientists do not persuade people by such methods. Nor do open-minded people who have integrity, and who respect the individuals they want to persuade.
Life is not fair, but you can still try to act justly
Roger Goodell should have stood by Bob Kraft, an owner who stood by his quarterback. But Goodell is a weak man. He shows it in almost everything he does.
JFK and Snowden: two films by Stone
Someday we will recognize who the traitors were, and who were the patriots who acted to protect their country.
U. S. Anti-Doping Agency vs. anonymous Russian hackers vs. athletes
You are really not in good shape if you find yourself competing with Russian sports in a competition to see who looks worse.
Arsonists with gasoline cans, matches, and a reckless attitude
We used to listen to these people. We used to think these were leaders who knew their business. Their only business was to increase their own power. They failed even at that.
Condescension turns to contempt
I read that Hillary Clinton is the only politician in America bad enough to lose to Donald Trump. Her ‘basket of deplorables’ speech suggests that might be true.
Vindication of skeptics, part two
When you see or hear phrases like beyond crazy, whacko, or nut job, take a moment to think about why someone would use words like that. Would a person open to different possibilities think that way?
Presidential leadership and continuity in American foreign policy
No president who refrains from open opposition to this slowly growing tyranny can ever succeed in fighting it. Moreover, when citizens accept leaders who follow the primary rule for political survival – don’t cross the national security state – citizens will never make a difference, no matter which way they vote.
The Jeffersonian 