02 February 2011

http://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_haidt_on_the_moral_mind.html

outstanding. deserves a minute of your time.

31 January 2011

God gives all men all earth to love
But since man's heart is small,
Ordains for each one spot shall prove
Beloved over all.

Rudyard Kipling

30 January 2011

National Security

In the light of the hullabaloo following President Obama's 2011 state of the union, I would like put forward my thoughts about what I found important in his speech.

First of all, I would like to disregard the political maneuvering that was the freezing of the national spending levels and the reduction of some governmental agencies. Those were obvious concessions to Republicans, and while you may or may not agree with the statements, I do not believe them to be the crux of his message.

What really hit home for me was the President's emphasis on educational investment and the progression of the economy towards future technology. I am of the opinion that the country tools its economic output via governmental policy. To anyone who disagrees, I would recommend that they look into tax code and regulatory law, even governmental stimulus programs that occur in areas like agriculture and transportation, oil, defense, and banking. Lobbyists have secured concessions from the government, and those same concessions can be directed towards the future if we so want. The "market" is not a creature that directs itself, but rather responds to leadership to make the best of a situation. Lets nudge it towards research and development.

I very much liked the President's speech. An auspicious start to his re-election campaign.