In the last three issues, we have considered how John Rawls’ veil of ignorance theory and difference doctrine help us consider and create a more fair, moral social contract. This discussion has, I hope, been reasonable, measured, and candid. In this last column, I would like to tell you the story of my experience at CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference. You may now forget about reasonable and measured. But hey, remember candid.
Archive for the ‘Politics’ Category
Why the youth like Ron Paul
Friday, March 5th, 2010If Ron Paul’s victory in the CPAC straw poll demonstrates anything, it is that not only the pot-smoking, anti-war hippies support Ron Paul. Hippies have had trouble voting for years because — surprise! — they tend to have a lack of motivation; Paul’s supporters definitely care and know how to organize for their cause.
A Princely how-to for Obama
Friday, February 19th, 2010Dear President Obama,
One year into your rule, you’ve accomplished little while losing the love of much of your populace. I recommend to you my work The Prince.
Within this little book, I’ve summarized many useful rules for governing a newly acquired republic. These rules and warnings could save you significant grief in your endeavor to rule.
Sino-African resource relations
Friday, February 19th, 2010Freshman Jeremiah Chiteri, a non-trad from Kenya, believes that although they are polluting heavily, China is doing a lot of good in Kenya and in other African nations by providing “money that goes to infrastructure.” He explained that infrastructure was either non-existent or not to the required standard beforehand.
Unveiling affirmative action
Friday, February 19th, 2010Now that we’re comfortable with John Rawls’ veil of ignorance theory and difference principle, let’s examine an issue that has become a major source of sociopolitical conflict: affirmative action.
Amicus America
Friday, February 5th, 2010Okay, let’s construct a moral social contract! We’ll use John Rawls’ veil of ignorance theory and temporarily set aside our advantages and disadvantages so we can honestly consider this question: “How can we organize our collective behavior and systems of governance to best advance justice and virtue?”
Amicus America
Friday, January 22nd, 2010Friends, I have so enjoyed writing for you these last three years. Next quarter I will write for The Christian Science Monitor in Boston; in my last quarter here, I’d like to discuss political philosophy.
The nail in the coffin
Friday, November 13th, 2009There is bi-partisanship regarding the public option – against it.
Democratic Senators Lieberman, Nelson (NE), the other Nelson (FL), Bayh, Landrieu, Lincoln, and Pryor are not in support of the public option. There are still more Democrats, like the ones from the Dakotas, who are sitting on the fence.
The radical right’s response
Friday, November 13th, 2009Last Saturday night at 9:40 p.m., I sat watching C-SPAN as the House of Representatives passed a healthcare reform bill. Then I watched the radical right go indiscriminately crazy. I’m going to write a little bit about how these radicals are taking over the Republican Party. First we’ll look at the recent special election in New York’s 23rd district, and then we’ll come back to healthcare.
