HHS Ruling on Contraceptive Coverage

Two weeks ago, President Obama signed off on Health and Human Services ruling that could cost him the election.  In a move that has Catholics outraged across America, President Obama consented to a mandate that states under the new healthcare system, Catholic institutions will be required to provide and pay for abortificients, contraception, and sterilization.  

We’re all wondering to ourselves why the President would agree to a decision that blatantly violates Church teaching, and arguably the First Amendment.  Reelection is the first priority in his mind, but his actions indicate otherwise.  In 2008, President Obama won the Catholic vote 54% to 45%.  More significantly, there are 77.7 million Catholics in the United States, a number that comprises 27% of the electorate.  

The Affordable Care Act, popularized as Obamacare, would not exist without Catholic Health Association President Sister Carol Keehan.  She endured criticisms from hundreds of bishops for supporting the legislation when it was passed in 2010.  She maintained, correctly at the time, that the bill would not fund abortions or contraceptions of any kind because this is what the President of the United States told her.  It turns out she was wrong.

There are 620 Catholic hospitals across the country, an amount that accounts for 12.4% of America’s 5,010 hospitals.  They provide 15% of hospital beds in the country, and handle 15.7% of total patient visits.  There are 6,980 Catholic elementary and secondary schools in America.  Catholic social services serve the poor and those in needs, strengthen individuals and families, and are a strong advocate for social justice in communities.  Without question, Catholic institutions matter to the health, education, and well-being of Americans.

So why would the Department of Health and Human Services and President Obama force 27% of the electorate to go against their beliefs?  Is it secularist arrogance or mere political ineptness?  Churches are exempt from this ruling, but church-run schools, hospitals, and social service agencies are not.

Again, Mr. Obama should not expect to win the Catholic vote in November after this decision.  New York Cardinal-elect Timothy Dolan and Cardinal Daniel DiNardo have spearheaded an effort to oppose the ruling at Catholic Churches across the country.  The timing of the ruling makes you wonder as well--the Obama administration announced its decision just three days before the annual March for Life in Washington D.C.  

America in 2012: Economy and Jobs

Last night, I watched a town hall meeting featuring presidential candidate Mitt Romney.  I'd never seen him speak outside of a formal debate, yet his polished demeanor was very impressive.  He came across as genuine and knowledgeable, especially when he spoke about the direction of the US economy.  Now, I am not expressing my endorsement for Mr. Romney quite yet, but his ideas are a step in the right direction to pulling the American economy out of its funk.

During the 2008-2009 recession, the unemployment rate almost doubled from around 5% to 9.8%, and it hovers around 9% as we enter 2012.  Economic policy makers recognized the sharp rise in unemployment and introduced a stimulus package along with an unprecedented rise in government spending.  To spend money, the government took on more debt to the extent that everyone is now wondering whether America will ever be capable of paying down its enormous federal debt.  The increase in the size of government has meant higher tax rates and more regulations on individuals and corporations.  Businesses have cut back on hiring new employees due to uncertainty about the the future of regulations in the economy.    

Instead of accepting responsibility and moving forward, Americans are playing the blame game.  The Occupy Movement has targeted the wealthiest 1% of Americans as those guilty of dampening economic growth.  The argument is that taxing the richest Americans will partially solve the soaring federal debt.  The reality is that the best way to alleviate long-term government deficits is to reduce spending.  Businesses will not want to hire if there is discussion of increasing corporate tax rates or even keeping corporate tax rate around 35%.  Other policy discussions such as repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which has been popularized as Obamacare, have become a subject for debate among Republican candidates.  There is no question that this legislation has frozen hiring as businesses wait to see what economic consequences lie within.  What other legislation has made businesses concerned?  The Dodd-Frank Act was enacted in 2010 to ensure that the financial industry is heavily regulated with new provisions on hedge funds, new definitions of accredited investors, and required reporting by all public companies on the disparity between salaries of the CEO and median employees.  Yet the recent demise of MF Global is a piece of evidence against the success of the the Dodd-Frank Act.    

I certainly don't claim to have all the answers, but I'm not alone in thinking that America cannot take 4 more years of these harmful economic policies.  Letting entrepreneurs create business without worrying about the massive burdens on raising capital is a step in the right direction.  Ending unnecessary and disastrous regulations will also help America as we emerge from this recession.  

Movie Review: V for Vendetta

 

Remember, remember the 5th of November...

The opening scene of V for Vendetta gives us a lesson in English history.  In the 17th Century, a gentleman named Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up Parliament, an act of sabotage that caused his execution in front of a mob of thousands.  The film then fast forwards to London in the not too distant future.  A totalitarian regime has seized control of Great Britain and the United States is in a state of chaos caused by a civil war.

We are introduced to an individual who goes by the letter V.  As the story is told, we learn that V will use any means necessary to incite the will of the people to rebel, while gradually killing off individuals from his dark and mysterious past.  He stands for an overthrow of the government by carrying out Fawkes‘ failed mission.  V’s true identity is never revealed as he wears a Fawkes mask covering his entire face.     

Natalie Portman gives an excellent performance as Evey, an orphan whose parents were detained for political activism.  She works for the state-run British Television Network.  Initially, V rescues her from an attempted rape by members of secret police, and takes her to his safe house on the evening of the the 5th of November, a day the people of Britain will always remember.  Throughout the film, V sheds light on the truth behind the deaths of her parents, and she is conflicted between her nonviolent tendencies and the evil evident in her government.   

There’s plenty of kung fu, violence, and gunfire, but the most striking aspect of V for Vendetta is the dark, resonant, politically-charged idea it conveys.  Fear can be used to give a person or organization too much power as is the case in V for Vendetta.  V’s goal is to awaken and empower the people, but his methods are morally questionable.  Regarding the England’s oppressive regime, he said, “If you want to see who is responsible, look no further than the mirror.  I understand, you were afraid...People should not be afraid of their governments.  Governments should be afraid of their people.”  This film is purposefully designed to make you uncomfortable and make you question the moral correctness of V’s actions.  Even the Chancellor’s actions aren’t as black and white as they might appear--he believes his actions are necessary for a safe society, however evil they are.  Does the end ever justify the means? 

How does V for Vendetta apply to current affairs?  You can see individuals among the Occupy Wall Street protests wearing the Guy Fawkes mask adorned by V.  Whether these protesters understand the violent historical roots and profundity of the mask is entirely up for debate.  Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up a government building, yet his image has been romanticized over the past 400 years.  It is essentially equivalent to donning a Timothy McVeigh mask.  From my own observations, I’ve concluded that Occupy protesters have a much more peaceful message than Fawkes.

Further adding to the irony of the protests, Warner Brothers holds licensing rights for the Guy Fawkes mask.  Therefore, when anti-corporation protesters purchasing official versions of the masks are actually enriching the target of their demonstration.  However, several protesters have stated they are using illegally-made copies to circumvent Warner Brothers.

8 Awesome Free Politics and Economics Open Courses From Yale, UC Berkeley, Utah State, and Khan Academy

OpenCourseWare is a phenomenon of the 21st Century.  Due to the advent and proliferation of the Internet, a virtual learning environment has been created, one which spans across physical communities.  Essentially, you can take online courses for free without having to worry about grades or writing long essays.  The material is distributed by highly prestigious universities, but you don’t typically receive access to faculty members.  Nevertheless, OpenCourseWare is a brilliant way to expand your knowledge on topics that interest you.  Today, I am posting 8 courses in politics and economics that might strike your fancy.

1. Introduction to Political Philosophy (Yale)

Course Description: This course is intended as an introduction to political philosophy as seen through an examination of some of the major texts and thinkers of the Western political tradition. Three broad themes that are central to understanding political life are focused upon: the polis experience (Plato, Aristotle), the sovereign state (Machiavelli, Hobbes), constitutional government (Locke), and democracy (Rousseau, Tocqueville). The way in which different political philosophies have given expression to various forms of political institutions and our ways of life are examined throughout the course.

2. Capitalism: Success, Crisis, and Reform (Yale)

Course Description: In this course, we will seek to interpret capitalism using ideas from biological evolution: firms pursuing varied strategies and facing extinction when those strategies fail are analogous to organisms struggling for survival in nature. For this reason, it is less concerned with ultimate judgment of capitalism than with the ways it can be shaped to fit our more specific objectives – for the natural environment, public health, alleviation of poverty, and development of human potential in every child. Each book we read will be explicitly or implicitly an argument about good and bad consequences of capitalism.

3. Financial Markets (Yale)

Course Description: Financial institutions are a pillar of civilized society, supporting people in their productive ventures and managing the economic risks they take on. The workings of these institutions are important to comprehend if we are to predict their actions today and their evolution in the coming information age. The course strives to offer understanding of the theory of finance and its relation to the history, strengths and imperfections of such institutions as banking, insurance, securities, futures, and other derivatives markets, and the future of these institutions over the next century.

4. Financial Theory (Yale)

Course Description: This course attempts to explain the role and the importance of the financial system in the global economy.  Rather than separating off the financial world from the rest of the economy, financial equilibrium is studied as an extension of economic equilibrium.  The course also gives a picture of the kind of thinking and analysis done by hedge funds.

5. International Economics (Utah State University)

Course Description: This course provides a broad overview of international trade theory, policy, and international finance. Students who master this material will be better able to work in and make contributions to organizations (e.g., business firms) involved in international trade and finance issues.

6. Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory (UC Berkeley)

Note: you have to click on the playlist tab, then scroll down to "International and Area Studies 107" to access the lectures for this course.

The University of California, Berkeley is the preeminent public research and teaching institution in the nation. From classic literature to emerging technologies, the curricula of our 130 academic departments span the wide world of thought and knowledge. Supported by the people of California, the university has embraced public service as an essential part of its mission since 1868.

7. Politics, Strategy, and Game Theory (UCLA)

Course Description: This course is an introduction to study of strategic interaction in political applications. Use of game theory and other formal modeling strategies to understand politics are also studied in order to gain a better understanding of politics at large.

8. Credit Crisis (Khan Academy)

Course Description: Videos on the causes and effects of the credit crisis/crunch.  

Quotes on Freedom

In between fireworks and barbeques this Fourth of July weekend, I encourage you to consider these deeper thoughts on what freedom is.  On the surface, freedom is an easy concept to think about.  We have the freedom to go to the grocery store or walk around the block, but these simple actions don’t fully capture the depth of the essence of freedom.  This Independence Day, I want to share some of the deepest, thought-provoking quotes on freedom and independence I could find.  

“How unreasonable people are!  They never use the freedoms they have but demand those they do not have; they have freedom of thought-they demand freedom of speech”  Soren Kierkegaard

“It is the whole soul, in fact, that gives rise to the free decision, and the act will be so much the freer the more the dynamic series with which it is connected tends to be the fundamental self...But the moments at which we thus grasp ourselves are rare, and that is why we are rarely free.” Henri Bergson

“Between stimulus and response there is a space.  In that space is our power to choose our response.  In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” 

“The last of the human freedoms is to choose one’s attitudes.”

Viktor Frankl

“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” Albert Camus

“The word freedom has no meaning; there are and there can be no free beings...One can no more conceive of a being behaving without a motive than of one arm of a scales moving up and down without the action of a weight.” Denis Diderot

“What is then liberty?  To be born is at once to be born in the world and to the world.  The world is already constituted, but never completely.  Under the first rapport, we are solicited, under the second, we are open to an infinity of possibilities.  But this analysis is still abstract, because we exist under these two relations at once.  There is therefore never determinism and never absolute choice; I am never a thing and never naked consciousness.” Maurice Merleau Ponty

“the generic features of the human race, when rightly understood, do not restrict man’s freedom, and should not artificially be made to do so.  A man develops qualities and activities of his own, and the basis for these we can seek only in the man himself.  What is generic in him serves only as a medium in which to express his own individual being.” Rudolf Steiner

“Free will is an illusion.  People always choose the perceived path of greatest pleasure.” Scott Adams

“We must be the slave of laws if we want to be free.” Cicero

“While the State exists, there can be no freedom. When there is freedom, there will be no State.” Lenin

“Freedom is the right to do whatever the laws permit” Montesquieu

Big Government?

The government’s role in the American economy has shifted dramatically over the past century.  During the Great Depression, the federal government instituted many relief programs to pull the US out of the Great Depression.  Since then, the US has endured a fluctuation between neo-decentralization and regulation.  One fact no one can dispute is that the standard of living has increased steadily despite increasing taxes, regulation, redistribution of wealth, and government intervention.  Is government the problem or the solution?  Would be be even freer and more prosperous without the government, or has the increased role of government spurred the improved living standards of Americans?

Imagine a time in the future- let’s say 250 years from now.  Technology has advanced beyond what our imaginations can conceive of right now.  The entire world population can be fed.  The innovative minds of tomorrow have created a way to provide health care for everyone at affordable costs.  As we all know, the costs of technology go down as time increases, so these products quite possibly be available for pennies.  

What role will the government play in this future time period?  If everyone has their basic needs provided for at a low government expense, does that mean taxes will decrease?

Would a centralized government even be necessary anymore?  In this scenario, everyone’s needs are met, so what will be the purpose of government?

Should the West Stay Out of the Revolutions in the Arab World?

On March 19, the world decided to intervene to stop the ruthless violence displayed by Moammar Qaddafi in Libya.  The UN resolution mandated that countries should employ "all means necessary" to protect Libyan civilians.

After a bit of thought, I am at a crossroads.  Should the West live up to its "responsibility to protect" civilians around the world?  Is the intervention a part of a broader strategy to empower Arabs who want democracy?  Or is it Western powers meddling in Arab affairs to preserve their strategic interests?

America has an erratic history in the Middle East.  During his presidency, George Bush worked to promote the spread of democracy in the Arab world.  Yet America has alliances with various oppressive regimes in the Middle East, oil interests, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which all hark back to decades of colonialism.

During the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions earlier this year, America was very wary of getting involved.  President Obama came under attack for failing to side with Egyptian protestors.  Yet, many people think that it is not for the West to decide the political and social future of Arab countries- the citizens must do this themselves.

I'm left with a few unanswered questions...
-What kind of role should America and the West play in the revolutions occurring in the Middle East?
-Should we step back, no matter how violent things get, and leave the Arab people to their own devices?
-Do we have a duty to intervene when the revolutions become violent?
-Does American intervention in these revolution do more harm than good?
-What does the West hope to accomplish by getting involved?

Vouchers for Religious Schools?

Last week, an Indiana bill that would use public funds to send students to religious and other private schools was proposed.  Not surprisingly, the bill has stirred up quite a debate within the Indiana community.  

Republican Indiana state Senator Brent Steele sent out a letter to every Indiana lawmaker this week, stating he would not want this taxes to pay for students to attend a school run by the Westboro Baptist Church.  As you probably know, Westboro is run by Fred Phelps, the same man who organizes demonstrations at funerals of soldiers.  His bigotry and hate have unfortunately gained him and his crew the attention they crave.  

Now, it must be noted that the Indiana bill will not fund Westboro Baptist Church.  However, because Westboro was recently recognized as a religious entity whose free speech is protected, Steele’s point was, “How would you like your tax dollars going toward educating children being privately schooled inside their church?  I don’t want my tax dollars used to raise a child who is going to want to kill my grandchildren because they are of a different religious belief.”  I agree entirely, Senator Steele.  It’s a shame lawmakers cannot cut off federal funding for abortion providers as well.  

The allocation of our tax dollars is a serious issue.  Legislators in more than 30 states have proposed these voucher bills in this session.  House Speaker John Boehner and Senator Joe Lieberman are supporting a bill to reauthorize a Washington D.C. voucher measure.  Why the fuss over this bill?  First, voucher subsidies for religious schools violate the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of church-state separation.  Secondly, voters oppose this.  In a democracy, lawmakers are supposed to listen to the people. 

Socrates' Philosophy

This semester, I am not taking a philosophy class in the sense that you might expect.  While I am taking a symbolic logic course, I am not reading any Socrates, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, or Kant.  For this reason, I decided it was good idea to write a post about what Socrates added to the study of philosophy.  We often regard the ancient Greek Socrates as the exemplar of what it means to be a philosopher.

Although Socrates never wrote any texts, his student Plato is widely accepted as his mouthpiece.  As you might know, Socrates was sentenced to death on the charge of “corrupting the youth”, a decision which he accepted.  According to Plato’s writings, Socrates had the opportunity to escape, but after debating the issue, he decided it was his duty not to undermine the authority of the Greek state, a decision which has generated much debate among philosophers ever since.  His death is rather famous in part because he consumed a poisonous substance called hemlock, which led to his demise.  

Although the historical facts of the real Socrates are hazy and uncertain, the impact he left on Western thought is undeniably real.  He introduced a way of philosophical inquiry that eventually came to be known as the Socratic Method.  By asking a wide range of questions, Socrates was able to make other people realize how little they actually knew about topics in which they claimed expertise.  

Most of the time, Socrates employed this method on an authority figure.  The process went something like this:

1. The authority figure makes a statement


2. Socrates puts the authority figure through a string of questions to fully understand what was actually said.


3. Socrates proceeds to present a string of reasoning, all of which are based on the figure’s previous statements or previous premises. 


4. Socrates presents a counterexample or an inconsistency in the figure’s reasoning.


5. Socrates then claims he has shown that the figure’s statement is false.

What I admire most about Socrates is his humility.  He never claimed to know anything he could not prove.  While his method is useful in a philosophy classroom, it also is employed outside school in a court of law and simply to elevate growth in human understanding.  However, I will say that when overdone, the Socratic method can be frustrating and irritating, which is why it has a time and a place.  Questioning everything can be time-consuming and annoying, especially when you are simply trying to relax and have a good time.  Also, it is very important to note that the end goal of the Socratic Method should be to acquire knowledge and grow in understanding together.  Unfortunately, some people have employed the Socratic Method to trap, confuse, and bewilder others while elevating their own ego.  This misuse of the admirable Socratic method is dishonorable, cheap, and rather contemptible.

On the Arizona Massacre

It's been almost 4 days since the shootings in Arizona and the dust is finally beginning to settle.  It appears that the shooter had no political motives nor was he affiliated with the Tea Party or any other right wing group.  In fact, he had an obsession with Congresswoman Giffords that dated back to 2007.

Yet I can't shake the possibility that the shooter was influenced by politics.  I read some information about his background- he has quite a record.  He was anti-social, but still caused disruptions in class to the point where he was asked to leave Pima Community College in Arizona.  He published some internet ramblings which railed against the idea of government in general.  Quite honestly, he sounded alot like a member of the Weathermen, a radical leftist student group in the 1970's.  As evidenced by this recent case, the call for smaller government within the right wing factions of the Republican Party has seemed to give a safe haven to anarchist sentiments.

After seeing the recent trend in anti-government positions, I started thinking about whether a state is necessary.  A couple days ago, I watched The Weather Underground, a 2002 documentary about the aforementioned Weathermen.  Then, I viewed a Biography piece on the Unabomber AKA Ted Kaczynski.  Finally, the shooting of Congresswoman Gifford was darkly inspired by a radical anarchist.

Why do we need a state?  First, a state provides a sense of order and stability.  Yet anarchists claim that the good life can only be accessed without constraining institutions and structures.  However, a state definitely provides something we value in order and stability.  Without governing institutions, political philosopher argues that life will be "short, brutish, and nasty".  I think I agree with him.  In the real world , there have been cases where no state leads to chaos, death, poverty, and destruction.  One does not need to look further than Somalia or Sierra Leone for examples of how a lack of political authority can be correlated with a poor quality of life.