With the rise of Xenophobia all over the world, from Trump to Brexit to the Freedom Party, it’s worth pausing for a second and asking ourselves why. Why are people so threatened by immigrant workers? Why are people so threatened by the growth and progress happening in foreign countries? Why are people so threatened by … Continue reading The Lump of Labor Fallacy
Conservatives for Political Correctness
There is a widespread perception that “political correctness” is characteristic of liberals. It certainly is true that liberals are quick to pounce on statements that stereotype or offend certain demographics. That said, here are some instances of conservatives showing they can be just as politically correct, about the people and issues they care about. “Calming … Continue reading Conservatives for Political Correctness
Is It Okay to Stereotype?
I've heard no shortage of stereotypes in my life. I've heard stereotypes about Men, Women, Whites, Blacks, Mexicans, Indians, Chinese, Arabs, Italians, French, Israelis, Canadians, Brits, Americans, Engineers, Lawyers, Bankers, Cops and even Postal workers. You name it, I've heard it. Every now and then, I come across a positive stereotype. "Japanese people have so … Continue reading Is It Okay to Stereotype?
Better that 10 Innocent Men be Murdered
I recently came across an interesting article, discussing the evolution of the popular phrase “Better that 10 guilty men go free, than 1 innocent man go to prison.” More specifically, it discusses how the exact ratio has varied throughout all of human history. A perfect demonstration that as poetic as the phrase may sound, coming … Continue reading Better that 10 Innocent Men be Murdered
A Centrist Blueprint for Immigration Reform
I'm a pragmatist when it comes to immigration, and I think it's hard to find politicians who are willing to publicly stake out pragmatic positions on this issue. Here's my blueprint for what I think immigration reform should look like. End Illegal Immigration We are all for immigration, but through the proper channels, and with … Continue reading A Centrist Blueprint for Immigration Reform
Dave’s Basilisk
When Dave first heard about the basilisk from a believer, he scratched his head in confusion. “I have to give all my money to help build a super AI. And if I don't, it will one day resurrect me from the dead and torture me?” It sounded too comical to believe. And if he had … Continue reading Dave’s Basilisk
Prosperity Comes From Eliminating Jobs, Not Saving Them
Virtually every election season, we’re treated to a chorus on job creation. Who has saved more jobs. How will they protect your job. And who is going to be the grinch that takes your job away. But perhaps our focus is misguided. Perhaps we should be focused not on creating jobs, but on eliminating them. … Continue reading Prosperity Comes From Eliminating Jobs, Not Saving Them
A Democracy that Cannot be Hacked
In recent weeks, we have seen much hand wringing over the role that Social Media, Special Interests, Fake news, and Foreign Governments have played, in determining the outcomes of our political processes. To be sure, there is great merit in all of these accusations. Lobbyists should not be able to veto bills that serve the … Continue reading A Democracy that Cannot be Hacked
Correlation between Stock-Market-Returns, GDP Growth and PE Ratios
In an earlier article, we discussed the primary factors that drive long-term stock market returns. Namely: Earnings yieldReal GDP growthInflation We also discussed ignoring fluctuations in the PE Ratio, because: PE ratios tend to be cyclic, and do not increase or decrease in perpetuity Over the long term, fluctuations in the PE ratio will cancel … Continue reading Correlation between Stock-Market-Returns, GDP Growth and PE Ratios
What drives Stock Market Returns?
“The stock market is nothing more than a ponzi scheme”“It’s all just fake money”“Stocks prices are completely arbitrary. It can rise or crash any day” Chances are, you’ve heard some variation of the above, many times in your life. It’s hardly surprising - stocks play a crucial role in our economy and personal savings. And … Continue reading What drives Stock Market Returns?
