As suggested in the previous two blogs, the magnitude of a social calamity (or good fortune) that arises from a single event depends on how we react to the event, more than on the event itself. Now really, do I assert that the outcome of hurricane Sandy depended on our reactions more than the blast of wind and deluge of water? Continue reading
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Blog 43. Making molehills or mountains
From small molehills, big mountains grow. Sometimes. If the feedback is positive, that is—if the mole is rewarded with more food just for digging that molehill, and if his children are likewise rewarded. We’re not moles eating carrots, so how does this relate to us? Continue reading
Blog 42. Cyber (and other) security and responsibility
During the recent week, Charlie Rose (PBS) interviewed Peter Singer, author of a new book entitled Cybersecurity and Cyberwar: What Everyone Needs to Know. The book deals with infiltration, theft, and disruption via digital communications, particularly the internet. Continue reading
Blog 41. Fast enough? FASTER by Gleick
Americans feel they do not have the time to do everything that needs to be done. Sound true? James Gleick says so Continue reading
Blog 40. Season’s greetings with hope
In the 39 previous blogs of this year 2013, you and I have dealt with some fundamental issues, but we haven’t yet talked about hope. There is hope. Continue reading
Blog 39. Is federal regulation legal?
In drafting the federal constitution, the founding fathers didn’t foresee a government involved in administering diverse things like air travel, radio waves, rivers, and food purity. The Constitution specifically allows regulation of interstate commerce and postal roads, but, for example, does it allow federal regulation of pollution in rivers? Continue reading
Blog 38. Science and anti-science
Although our lives are dominated by technology, most of the US population is scientifically illiterate. Continue reading
Blog 37. Peanut butter: commercial failure or regulatory success?
Regulation reduces freedom?
Industry and its political spokespersons rarely miss an opportunity to state that regulation costs jobs, money, and freedom. Well, ‘way back in Blog 9, I agreed that regulation (when done right) reduces freedom—the freedom to do harm. Furthermore, I acknowledge that regulation often increases the cost of doing business—but for a reason. Continue reading