I started this piece in October 2008 and finished it in November after a substantial rewrite. It was scheduled to be in the Winter 2009 print edition, but the editorial board lost me in the shuffle. In any case, here it is.
Analysis of the Debt of the United States Federal Government, Fiscal Years 1977-2007
My inclination is to post (on this blog) a formal follow-up discussing what's changed since November. If there isn't a formal follow-up, I'll certainly be discussing some of the issues discussed in the paper in separately chunks.
Showing posts with label capitalism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label capitalism. Show all posts
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
"The Quiet Coup" from The Atlantic
If you want to understand the difference between capitalism, which I like, and "crony capitalism," which is really just a form of nascent economic fascism, read this article.
The Quiet Coup
The only critique that I would have to offer is that the author neglects to note the role of central bankers in creating economic crises. The piece should be a wake-up call to people who think that the current crisis represents a failure of capitalism. Capitalism didn't fail us--we failed it.
The Quiet Coup
The only critique that I would have to offer is that the author neglects to note the role of central bankers in creating economic crises. The piece should be a wake-up call to people who think that the current crisis represents a failure of capitalism. Capitalism didn't fail us--we failed it.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Finding My Soapbox
Hello. My name is Grant Babcock. I am a student at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in physics and philosophy with minors in economics and computer science. In this blog, I hope to chronicle my continuing efforts to advance the cause of liberty, for myself and for the generations that follow.
As Americans, we are the inheritors of a spectacular legacy. It is the duty of each generation to jealously defend the torch of liberty so that it may be passed to the next. As I write, we are at risk of losing civilization's greatest achievement: the protection, by enshrinement in law, of natural rights against assault by criminals and tyrants.
Simply put, we face a choice. We can choose cowardice, and the rule of men; or courage, and the rule of law. If we shrink from the defense of liberty in the face of this day or that's transitory crisis, we will be complicit in the enslavement and exploitation of a whole generation of human beings.
A mighty charge to undertake, to be sure--but one gladly undertaken. To do so is the duty and honor of every human being.
If you find my ramblings worthy of your attention, thank you. Champions of liberty often feel they are shouting into the wilderness; your comments are appreciated. Finally, I ask that you read my scribbles generously; please don't mistake my passion for arrogance, my sarcasm for cynicism. In any case, it's just a blog.
Yours,
Grant Babcock
As Americans, we are the inheritors of a spectacular legacy. It is the duty of each generation to jealously defend the torch of liberty so that it may be passed to the next. As I write, we are at risk of losing civilization's greatest achievement: the protection, by enshrinement in law, of natural rights against assault by criminals and tyrants.
Simply put, we face a choice. We can choose cowardice, and the rule of men; or courage, and the rule of law. If we shrink from the defense of liberty in the face of this day or that's transitory crisis, we will be complicit in the enslavement and exploitation of a whole generation of human beings.
A mighty charge to undertake, to be sure--but one gladly undertaken. To do so is the duty and honor of every human being.
If you find my ramblings worthy of your attention, thank you. Champions of liberty often feel they are shouting into the wilderness; your comments are appreciated. Finally, I ask that you read my scribbles generously; please don't mistake my passion for arrogance, my sarcasm for cynicism. In any case, it's just a blog.
Yours,
Grant Babcock
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