Laura Mazer
A Tale of Two Economists
The New York Times recently published an op-ed by Paul Krugman on McCain’s healthcare plan. Krugman, an economics professor at Princeton University, describes what he sees as the ‘voodoo’ economics of healthcare:
“…the foolish claim, refuted by all available evidence, that the magic of the marketplace can produce cheap health care for everyone.”
The alternative, of course, [...]
Bad Science for Worse Philosophy: The “Ruthlessness” Gene
Hebrew University recently completed a study on the genetic basis for “ruthlessness,” and it’s getting some media coverage. Nature included it on their news page, with the flattering headline, “Ruthlessness gene discovered.” The story even made it to the Drudge Report for a day or two, assuring wide-spread attention.
All of this sensational coverage, for a [...]
The Blasphemy of Bob Lutz
The vice-chairman of General Motors, Bob Lutz, recently told a group of journalists that global warming is “a crock of shit.”
Needless to say, the blogosphere is up in arms. Why so much outrage? Lutz followed his statement by discussing plans for hybrid cars, a regret that GM allowed Toyota to corner the market with the Prius, and [...]
Religion Rules in Georgia
In response to a drought of historic proportions in his state, Georgia governor Sonny Perdue gathered with 250 of his constituents on Nov. 13th to pray for rain.
Yes, that’s right: a United States governor, in the most technologically advanced country in the world, where separation of church and state is a founding tenet, has [...]
The Business of Healthcare
The state of California has lost more than 90 emergency rooms since 1990—and with them, the ability to treat hundreds of thousands of patients. In New York City, eight hospitals have shut down since 2003 after facing a financial crisis. And in Atlanta, Grady Memorial Hospital is threatening to join their ranks. Grady is the only level 1 trauma center in the area, and if it closes, it will mean the loss of almost 1,000 beds, nine community health centers, and the training facilities for two medical schools.
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Objectivism
The Undercurrent's cultural commentary is based on Ayn Rand's philosophy, Objectivism. Objectivism, which animates Ayn Rand's fiction, is a systematic philosophy of life. It holds that the universe is orderly and comprehensible, that man survives by reason, that his life and happiness comprise his highest moral purpose, and that he flourishes only in a society that protects his individual rights.Event Calendar
