The Original Sin of Economics
How a bleak Christian theology influenced the development of economics.
Read more...Category Archives: Social values
Rose Marie Counts Wins “Classification Struggle” over Smile, Dental Work with HR Department of Pennsylvania Convenience Store Sheetz
Celebrating a victory for workers everywhere (and especially non-smilers).
Read more...What Happens When Progressives Tacitly Accept Reactionary and Authoritarian Identity Politics
Progressives sat back when some clearly dodgy social change programs were being implemented, handing the right some easy wins.
Read more...Hit With Extreme Weather, Texas Cities Debate Cost of Adaptation
Experts say local governments should prioritize extreme weather preparedness. But building resilience is expensive, and the wealthy can afford to do it for themselves.
Read more...Rain and Heat, Fire and Snow: Life in a Destabilized California
Climate change and California are not getting on very well.
Read more...A Recent Artifact with Stories to Tell
Outwardly simple and seemingly rational choices often have far-reaching consequences for those who cannot or will not imagine the day after tomorrow.
Read more...“Yes, Britain Is Corrupt. But It’s a Lot Worse Than You Think”
The press talked up the UK’s drop in the Corruption Perception Index. But the UK has long been an engine of corrupt conduct around the world.
Read more...California’s Plan to Disappear the Homeless
CARE courts to force treatment on those deemed mentally ill and could result in state conservatorship.
Read more...KLG: Why Trust Science in the 21st Century? An Object Lesson
Despite the “trust the science” mantra during the current pandemic, everyone should expect to see the data, all of it, minus any selective gloss. Who pays and for what makes a difference.
Read more...Pests: Of Squirrels and Deer and Other Beasts of Burden
Yves here. Urban dwellers due to their limited contact with nature, are less afflicted by animal nuisances, with rats and pigeons as exceptions. However, given that focus, this post omits some favorites, like geese and invasive species such as rabbits in Australia. Animals routinely try to steal food from their fellows or other species; it’s […]
Read more...An Ancient Recipe for Social Success
Monte Albán, which was a major regional urban center for 1,300 years, is a powerful case study that early investments in public infrastructure and goods foster longer-term sustainability.
Read more...Hannah Arendt, Isaiah Berlin, and the Tenor of Our Time
Hannah Arendt and Isaiah Berlin both struggled with the upheaval of the 20th century. Arendt’s The Human Condition wins the argument.
Read more...Police Violence Reached an All-Time High Last Year—Are We Ready to Shrink Police Budgets?
Police brutality is higher than ever. But solutions are hard to devise.
Read more...Charlie Watts, Jazz Drummer and “Pocket King”
“Where’s my drummer?”
Read more...Public Libraries Continue to Thrive Despite Defunding and Privatization Attacks
Efforts by governments and cities to defund the public library are thankully falleing short due to essential role libraries play.
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