A lot of topics I've been ignoring

I put a lot of thought before I put up this blogpost, with the result that I've missed a lot of opportunities to cover certain current events. Rather than cry over spilled milk, however, I'll just review them quickly here.

So, Mitt Romney wins the CPAC straw poll with 22%! Please, gag me now. What I'm referring to is the blantant dishonesty of Fox news, and their inability to accept both Ron Paul's influence and, in order, the growing influence of Libertarian ideology on the Republican party.

Another big event was the resignation of Hozni Mubarek as Egyptian president. One concern raised is the influence of the radical Islam in the new government. But, for those of us so inclined,, the issue is not new to us. The radical groups have been, ironically enough, telling the Muslim people the truth; that their repressive dictators have been backed and funded by the U.S. and Israel. Whether, going forward, more meddling in the affairs of others is a reasonable policy decision, I'll save for your judgement. However, this is not an isolated case, and is a recurring theme all across the Middle Eastern world.

If you have an opinion, comment below! The more feedback the better.

WARNING: not much work put into this post

I figured I'd use this blog to cover much more technical subjects (property rights, epistemology, ethics, and, of course, economics) but, I seem to develop a serious writer's block whenever I dig into any of those. I've had Facebook notes on the subject, which is what prompted me to start this blog, but I'll have to save them for a later date.

However, this last week, I've been able to engage quite a few people in a debate. The first was in a library. As I was walking by, I heard an older man discussing the unfunded liabilities, and how our government is headed on an unsustainable path. I figured, "Hooray! Somebody I can agree with!" It turns out, however, that, despite being very conservative, we had more to disagree on than to agree on. We covered health care, neutrality laws, the necessity of the federal government, secession, and the necessity of the Federal Reserve.

That one did not end in my favor. As I blurted my arguments, I realized that I had lost my systematic edge. Eventually, we were cut short as I had an errand to run.

Later that week, I had a discussion with my pastor, and I brought along a friend of mine from my math class, who I had enticed into a discussion about epistemology in economics (giving a defense for the a priori that Austrian economics pronounces). That became much more fruitful.

My own views on property rights (that they are axiomatic, universal, etc.) came into heavy dispute. So, it seems I'll have to go back to the drawing board there and re-evaluate where I was inarticulate.

However, my pastor did introduce a few new concepts to me, namely "Christian Reconstructionism" and "Theonomy". More on that in the future.

You can expect, in the coming weeks, that I will discuss these topics in greater detail. Until then, I think I'll take a break.

Well, this is going splendid

I've already managed to get over 20 views on my page! Is that some sort of milestone? Somebody call Guinness.

No? Well, looks like I'll have to keep posting until I can trick more of you into liking me.

So, one of my concerns when I started this blog was if my ability to put my ideas into words in concise and interesting updates. It was mainly going to be used for free-market economics, libertarian political theory, philosophy, etc. But I think I'm going to start off with an update about, well, me. Narcissistic? Oh well.

I've been thinking a lot about these very important issues for the past few years (especially in the last few months), so I think I'll take a different approach. I'll take this blog post as an opportunity to talk about all the TV shows I've watched since I graduated high school. I'm rather lazy, so there have been a lot.

Now, I know this may seem a little pretentious, and I'm not a particularly keen observer or interpreter of TV shows, but hey! This is the second post to a blog. I figure if I'll see if I like it. And YEAH, these are going to be shows that have been out for a while, and probably thoughts you've already thought about it. Good for you. I still need a practice in writing.

***SPOILER ALERT*** 

I'll be discussing the plot details of the stories of the shows, so only read ahead if you've already watched the show, or couldn't care less about being aware of the plotline.

Dexter was one of the first, and I found every bit of the acting superb. At first, I was a little annoyed at the psedo-philosophical musings and persecution complex of a deranged killer. But the show is not about a simple serial killer rationalizing his murders, but a person who is developing, very slowly, emotions and feelings for the people around him.

Another key aspect of the show is the question of his identity. At the end of the first season, he is confronted with the question of his true family. Is it the Mousers, where his only connection is his serial killing brother? Or is it the Morgans, whose ties include his sister Debra and stepfather Harry. 

In the second season, he is confronted with whether he is the bay harbor butcher, or the dark defender.

In the third season, he is confronted with whether or not he can ever have a meaningful friendship.

In the fourth season, he is confronted with whether or not he can ever stop killing.

In the fifth season , he is confronted with his wife's death..

****

So what we see, throughout the show, is the evolution of a character portrayed beautifully by Michael C. Hall.  The acting is SO minute, and his facial expressions, vocal expressions, are so precise and realistic. Dexter is not merely an impersonal serial killer but someone who is truly traumatized, asking very difficult questions.

Hello World!

This is, in a word, amazing. The "new media" has revolutionized the way we communicate every bit as much as Gutenberg's printing press. It's clear that communication mediums like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. have become central parts of the way keep up with real, news events on a level that has never been seen before, or expected, as the past Iranian protests have demonstrated.

So, here we are, in our brave new world, where any individual can be a published author for close to nothing in cost (and even be paid for it!) And that is why, on this platform, I have decided to start this blog.

In the past few years, I have started an interest in understanding philosophy and economics. But I have discovered that the more I know, the more I know how little I know. However, my greatest teacher has been reflection, and I am hoping that this will both be an outlet for my own benefit, but also for others to share and gain in what I am learning, as well. Collaboration is the growth of civilization.

Hopefully, over time, these posts will become more frequent and more natural. In the meantime, you'll have to bear with me as I iron out the issues. But, I hope you like it, and I hope you enjoy your stay. :)