Is it appropriate for any sane government to do anything but govern?
One topic that has increasingly come to the forefront of public discourse is that of government overreach. It is a concept that is not new, but one that has certainly become more pressing in recent years. As we grapple with the challenges of a rapidly changing world, it is worth taking a moment to reflect on what exactly we mean by government overreach, and why it is so important to guard against it.Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Friday, March 17, 2023
The Elian Gonzalez Affair, 1999-2000
Elian's father, who was still in Cuba at the time, demanded that his son be returned to him. However, Elian's maternal relatives in the United States, who had taken him in after his rescue, refused to give him up and sought to keep him in the United States. The situation quickly became a political and diplomatic controversy, with supporters of Elian's relatives in the United States arguing that he should be granted asylum and allowed to remain in the country, while the Cuban government and Elian's father insisted that he be returned to Cuba.
The United States government initially allowed Elian to remain in the United States while the custody battle was resolved through legal and diplomatic means. However, after several months of legal proceedings, the United States government ultimately decided to return Elian to his father in Cuba. In April 2000, armed federal agents stormed the house where Elian was staying with his relatives in Miami and took him into custody. Elian was eventually returned to Cuba, where he was reunited with his father.
The Elian Gonzalez affair was highly controversial and divisive, with many people on both sides of the issue passionately arguing for their position. It was also significant in the larger context of U.S.-Cuba relations, as it highlighted the ongoing tensions between the two countries and the contentious issue of immigration between Cuba and the United States.
Sunday, March 5, 2023
Edge of Town, by Middle Kids
Middle Kids is an indie rock band from Sydney, Australia that has been gaining attention for their catchy melodies and introspective lyrics. Their song "Edge of Town" is a prime example of their musical talent and emotional depth.
From the first notes of the guitar, "Edge of Town" sets a melancholic tone that perfectly matches the lyrical content. Lead singer Hannah Joy's voice is raw and vulnerable, conveying a sense of longing and regret that is palpable. The lyrics describe a feeling of being stuck on the outskirts of society, looking in at the rest of the world and feeling disconnected.
Despite the heavy subject matter, the chorus is uplifting and anthemic, with the band's harmonies and driving rhythm section providing a sense of hope and resilience. It's the kind of song that can make you feel both melancholic and empowered at the same time, and that's a testament to the band's ability to balance different emotions and sounds.
"Edge of Town" is a standout track from Middle Kids' repertoire, showcasing their ability to write catchy hooks and poignant lyrics that stick with you long after the song has ended. If you're a fan of indie rock that's both introspective and anthemic, Middle Kids is definitely a band to keep on your radar.
Friday, March 3, 2023
12 Rules for Life, by Dr. Jordan Peterson
The book consists of twelve chapters, each one representing a rule that Peterson believes can help individuals live a meaningful and successful life. Here is a summary of the twelve rules:
The Best Rock Song Ever Written
The song is a powerful, emotional ballad that tells the story of a woman who is struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one. The lyrics are deeply personal and poignant, and Chrissie Hynde's vocals are both raw and heartfelt, conveying a sense of vulnerability and pain.
The music itself is also beautifully crafted, with a haunting melody that is both powerful and melancholy. The song features a driving beat, jangling guitars, and a soaring chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head.
"Back on the Chain Gang" is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and emotive song that has resonated with fans for over four decades. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to the power of Chrissie Hynde's songwriting and the band's musical talents. Below is a copy of the official video.
Thursday, March 2, 2023
Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand
The novel begins with a series of inexplicable events: important industrialists and inventors are disappearing without a trace, leaving their businesses to falter and collapse. Dagny finds herself at the center of this mystery as she attempts to keep her railroad running amidst the chaos.
As the novel progresses, Dagny begins to uncover a complex conspiracy that reaches to the highest levels of government and industry. She discovers that the disappearances are not random, but rather a deliberate plan orchestrated by a secretive group of brilliant minds who have gone on strike against a society that they see as unjust.
What Orwell's 1984 Was Really About
George Orwell's 1984 is a masterpiece of dystopian literature, often studied for its political and social commentary. However, a lesser-known interpretation of the novel is that it can be seen as a doomed romance story between Winston and Julia.
At the beginning of the novel, Winston Smith is a disillusioned member of the ruling Party in Oceania, while Julia is a passionate young woman who finds pleasure in acts of rebellion against the Party. The two fall in love, and their relationship becomes the centerpiece of the novel. Their romance is doomed from the start. In the totalitarian world of 1984, love and intimacy are considered crimes against the state. Winston and Julia are acutely aware of the dangers of their relationship, but they cannot resist the pull of their attraction to one another. Their love is a small but significant act of resistance against the oppressive regime, and it provides them with a brief respite from the grim reality of their existence.
However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that their love cannot survive in the face of the Party's power. Winston and Julia are eventually discovered by the authorities and subjected to the Party's brutal methods of torture and brainwashing. In the end, they betray each other, and their love is destroyed along with their individuality and humanity.
As a doomed romance story, 1984 is both tragic and poignant. Winston and Julia's love is a fragile and fleeting thing, a small but meaningful act of rebellion against the dehumanizing forces of totalitarianism. Their story is a reminder of the power of love to inspire hope and resistance, even in the darkest of times, and of the hideous evil lurking behind all forms of totalitarianism.
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by John Russell Turner May 9, 2019 Some women and girls who consider abortion do so because they are faced with extreme difficulties, sho...