2012 Archives

October 31, 2012

New York Times and Flat-Earth Economics: Does Government Create Jobs?

Washington Post columnist Robert Samuelson says everyone seems to understand that the private sector creates jobs. Everyone, that is, except the New York Times. Samuelson calls the Times’ decree of government job creation “simplistic” and that it has a “flat-earth quality”. Continue Reading...

October 31, 2012

Orthodox Thoughts on the 2012 Election

V. Rev. Paul Jannakos offers an Orthodox perspective on the upcoming election: As Orthodox Christians we bear witness to Christ in all dimensions of life. This includes participation in civic life, where as citizens of this country we elect into office those who aspire towards the work of public service on both the local and federal levels. Continue Reading...

October 31, 2012

Always Reforming, Without Tarrying

Today is Reformation Day, and I wanted to pass along a quote that I have found to embody a valuable perspective about the imperative to always be seeking reform of one’s own life and manners, without needing to tarry for broader social or political change. Continue Reading...

October 30, 2012

Rev. Sirico: How to Think Clearly About Social Justice

On Oct. 4, Rev. Robert A. Sirico, president and co-founder of the Acton Institute, spoke about social justice at the 2012 Hillsdale College Free Market Forum in Houston. The theme of the Forum, which encourages the study of free enterprise by bringing scholars together for dynamic exchanges of ideas on topics related to free market economics, was “Markets, Government, and the Common Good.” Continue Reading...

October 30, 2012

The Ethics of ‘Price Gouging’

After declaring a state of emergency in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie issued a forceful reminder to merchants: Price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal and will result in significant penalties. Continue Reading...

October 30, 2012

The Timeliness of Vatican II’s Declaration on Religious Freedom

Vatican II’s Declaration on Religious Freedom is just as timely today as it was fifty years ago, argues Joanna Bogle: Religious freedom is the issue of the hour: in America, in Europe, in what we (used to?) Continue Reading...

October 30, 2012

Helping Without Hesitating or Hurting

Everyone agrees that during times of natural disaster, people need help. With “Superstorm Sandy” pummeling the eastern third of the U.S., it is easy to see that many people will need aid in the form of food, clothing, shelter and other basic necessities, and we are obliged to help. Continue Reading...

October 29, 2012

AU Online: Discuss Obamacare Lawsuit with John Kennedy of Autocam

Join West Michigan business leader, John Kennedy, for a discussion of the HHS mandate and Obamacare. Kennedy, president and chief executive officer of Autocam, is filing suit against the federal government because the “mandate unconstitutionally coerces” him to violate his convictions about the dignity of human life. Continue Reading...

October 29, 2012

A State That Co-opts and Crushes Civil Society?

John Zmirak, author and Editor-in-Chief of The Intercollegiate Review, wants voters to know exactly what is at stake in the looming Presidential election. In a guest blogger piece at the National Catholic Register, Zmirak pointedly states that the choice between the two candidates isn’t just about whose economic agenda seems more reasonable or who won which debate: …it’s about what America means: At heart of our Constitutional democracy is the freedom of individuals, even those with unpopular opinions, to pursue the good as they choose—and their right to form groups outside the government and push back against its policies. Continue Reading...

October 29, 2012

Tracing the Logic of Liberalism

In the Western world there are conservative liberals, liberal liberals, and radical liberals, says David T. Koyzis, but all adhere to the basic principles of liberalism: The liberalism of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. Continue Reading...