The last few months have been difficult for many Americans. We have watched our nation struggle with a global pandemic, a history of unresolved racism, and violence in the streets. Economic and social turmoil have engendered feelings of helplessness and despair, as events continue to spiral out of control. Many are left doubting the foundations … Continue reading Solzhenitsyn’s Critique of the West as a Warning for Our Times
What is it about The Americans that kept me glued to a screen for two straight days? And now that it's over, why can’t I stop thinking about Philip and Elizabeth Jennings, fictional characters both in real life and on the show? The story is certainly compelling: two KGB spies in 1980’s America struggling to … Continue reading Identity and Morality in The Americans
It's been a long time since there has been this much fundamental disagreement in America over the nature of liberty. Judging by recent events, many Americans no longer value our First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Where did this disregard originate, what worldview underlies it, and how can we fight … Continue reading Giving Up Our Natural Rights for Artificial Ones
Compassion is a term that seems to get tossed around with increased frequency these days. We are told to show compassion for Central Americans illegally crossing into the United States and Palestinians being killed by Israeli air strikes in Gaza, as well as the poor and suffering in our own communities. But what does it … Continue reading We Need More Compassion, Less Government
Women can buy houses on their own. They can purchase cars without help from their bosses. Women can grocery shop, book vacations, save for retirement, and in general run their family’s finances—as most do—without assistance from their employers. But they can’t purchase birth control on their own. At least, this is the message of Ruth … Continue reading Your Contraception Is Your Responsibility
I don't often use this blog to lambast the character flaws and shortcomings of individual politicians. There are usually three good reasons to avoid this: 1. It is too easy. (See: Shooting fish in a barrel.) 2. You set yourself up for charges of hypocrisy, as no party or movement can claim a monopoly on virtuous people. 3. … Continue reading Lessons on Honesty from Hillary
This used to be the one hot-button political issue I really didn’t care to talk about. My position on the matter could best be summarized with an apathetic shrug. I had liberal friends in college who fought passionately for gay marriage, convinced their cause was the next great civil rights battle. I had members of … Continue reading Support for Traditional Marriage Motivated by Love, Not Hate
“You and me baby ain’t nothin but mammals/ so let’s do it like they do on the Discovery Channel.” So go the lyrics of the popular Bloodhound Gang song “The Bad Touch.” As a fun little game, just imagine any film or literary romance. Romeo and Juliet. Gone With the Wind. Jane Eyre. The Notebook. … Continue reading More than Just Mammals
Maybe it’s no coincidence that my junior year of high school I fell for the two fads named in the title of this post. And while it may seem like a stretch to compare a diet to a political and moral philosophy, the similarities are there; I promise. For readers less acquainted with these … Continue reading How Ayn Rand’s “Objectivism” Is Like The Atkins Diet—And Why Both Should Be Avoided
The Front Porch Philosopher 