"Bad men don't stop being bad when they stop being men. They become good when they stop being bad."
Friday, August 31, 2018
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Most oil
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
Venezuela has been under socialism since Hugo Chavez began his rule as president in 1999, and then he was succeeded by the current president Nicolas Maduro (his follower). So the government has controlled most of the economy for 19 years.
As you know, people are fleeing the economic disaster that is Venezuela. In 2001 it was the richest country in South America. Today it's in free fall, despite the fact that it has the biggest petroleum reserves in the world.
"But how can it be that the country with the world's largest proved oil reserves can't afford to feed its people? The current crisis can be traced to the historical management of the country's oil industry."
(cont'd next week)
Venezuela has been under socialism since Hugo Chavez began his rule as president in 1999, and then he was succeeded by the current president Nicolas Maduro (his follower). So the government has controlled most of the economy for 19 years.
As you know, people are fleeing the economic disaster that is Venezuela. In 2001 it was the richest country in South America. Today it's in free fall, despite the fact that it has the biggest petroleum reserves in the world.
"But how can it be that the country with the world's largest proved oil reserves can't afford to feed its people? The current crisis can be traced to the historical management of the country's oil industry."
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Limiting freedom
Millions upon millions of Chinese have tolerated government control of their lives for a very long time--forced urbanization, severe birth limits (last two posts), etc. The predicted change in birth policy is just one example of government control that had to be revoked because of negative results.
But there are other examples of government overreach, according to this article. With tepid support for free enterprise and tolerance for socialism, this Bloomberg article nevertheless issues a warning to socialists: some government controls can be a bad idea.
But there are other examples of government overreach, according to this article. With tepid support for free enterprise and tolerance for socialism, this Bloomberg article nevertheless issues a warning to socialists: some government controls can be a bad idea.
- United Kingdom nationalized whole industries (steel, coal, railroad, electricity, more) after World War II ended in 1945. By the time that Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister in 1979, the UK's wealth per capita had fallen below both France and Italy. She privatized industries, and by 1997 the UK caught up to and passed them both.
- America tried price controls under President Nixon in the 1970's. It led to soaring inflation. By 1974 Americans were suffering scary gasoline shortages.
These case histories "show that it’s possible for well-intentioned democracies . . [to] implement government interventions that almost certainly leave those citizens worse off than before."
(from Bloomberg)
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
End limits
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
In early 2016 China relaxed its one-child policy, giving permission to women to have two children. There was a slight rise in the number of births that year, but then a decrease last year--no surge after the change in policy.
So policy seems to be changing again, predicted to allow families to have any number of children. People's Daily, "mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party," warned that "the impact of low birth rates on the economy and society has begun to show."
"China's pool of workers is shrinking, with many young people supporting their parents and two sets of grandparents, in a country where social services for the elderly are still lacking. In 2017, the country's total fertility rate was 1.6 children per woman, well below the 2.1 rate estimated to be necessary to keep the population steady.
In early 2016 China relaxed its one-child policy, giving permission to women to have two children. There was a slight rise in the number of births that year, but then a decrease last year--no surge after the change in policy.
So policy seems to be changing again, predicted to allow families to have any number of children. People's Daily, "mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party," warned that "the impact of low birth rates on the economy and society has begun to show."
"China's pool of workers is shrinking, with many young people supporting their parents and two sets of grandparents, in a country where social services for the elderly are still lacking. In 2017, the country's total fertility rate was 1.6 children per woman, well below the 2.1 rate estimated to be necessary to keep the population steady.
photo: independent
Monday, August 27, 2018
3+ kids
Around 1980 China began restricting families to only one child, and according to their authorities it's been working. They've prevented about 400 million births. But are they happy about that?
The working age population has declined every year since 2011, and in only twelve years (2030) one out of every four people (including kids) will be 60 or older.
In 2016 the limit was raised to two children. Now there is talk at the highest levels setting the limit at 3 children, or ending the limit altogether.
But the birth rate in nations all over the world has been falling, without a government-imposed limit like China has had. It's a very strong global trend.
The working age population has declined every year since 2011, and in only twelve years (2030) one out of every four people (including kids) will be 60 or older.
In 2016 the limit was raised to two children. Now there is talk at the highest levels setting the limit at 3 children, or ending the limit altogether.
But the birth rate in nations all over the world has been falling, without a government-imposed limit like China has had. It's a very strong global trend.
image: Bloomberg
China's government likes to exert a lot of control over their citizens' lives. Will they find a way to coerce a new baby boom? Denmark, Japan, and Singapore have been trying to encourage more births for years, unsuccessfully. But China is much more heavy-handed, more controlling. Maybe they can get it done.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Friday, August 24, 2018
Not a beast 2
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
That predator bear saw a healthy animal (article author Maxim) that could be her next meal. That's what she saw and that's what she went after. Maxim and his partner on the trail are, yes, animals. But they're more.
Maxim says, "To be human today is to deny our animal nature." What is he talking about? Nobody denies we are animals. We are that, but we are more than that. He describes bad behavior on the part of some people, then claims that we are no different or better than animals. It's a silly argument.
When they saw the bear at a far distance, they admired it and appreciated its beauty, and continued their hike. When the bear saw them, did she appreciate their beauty? Did she feel guilty as she set out to hunt and eat them? No. And no.
The "bear didn't see everything" that Maxim is--his human transcendence--because the bear is just an animal. Maxim is an animal too, but he's also much more. He's a human being.
(Note - go to the article to find out how they were saved)
That predator bear saw a healthy animal (article author Maxim) that could be her next meal. That's what she saw and that's what she went after. Maxim and his partner on the trail are, yes, animals. But they're more.
Maxim says, "To be human today is to deny our animal nature." What is he talking about? Nobody denies we are animals. We are that, but we are more than that. He describes bad behavior on the part of some people, then claims that we are no different or better than animals. It's a silly argument.
When they saw the bear at a far distance, they admired it and appreciated its beauty, and continued their hike. When the bear saw them, did she appreciate their beauty? Did she feel guilty as she set out to hunt and eat them? No. And no.
The "bear didn't see everything" that Maxim is--his human transcendence--because the bear is just an animal. Maxim is an animal too, but he's also much more. He's a human being.
(Note - go to the article to find out how they were saved)
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Not a beast 1
"I realized the bear was following us, I realized she wanted to eat us, and I realized that I was an animal."
The fact that we humans are animals should not be a revelation to anyone. But this man, writing about the time he was hunted by a bear, realized it in a new way when he became the prey.
"To be human today is to deny our animal nature . . . I had always been an animal . . but it wasn’t until I was prey, my own fur standing on end . . that the meat-and-bone reality settled over me. I was smaller and slower than the bear. My claws were no match for hers. And almost every part of me was edible."
Yup, the "meat-and-bone reality" was that he instantly saw himself just as the bear did--smaller, slower, weaker, and edible. That's all the bear saw.
But the bear didn't see everything.
(cont'd tomorrow)
The fact that we humans are animals should not be a revelation to anyone. But this man, writing about the time he was hunted by a bear, realized it in a new way when he became the prey.
photo: wp
"To be human today is to deny our animal nature . . . I had always been an animal . . but it wasn’t until I was prey, my own fur standing on end . . that the meat-and-bone reality settled over me. I was smaller and slower than the bear. My claws were no match for hers. And almost every part of me was edible."
Yup, the "meat-and-bone reality" was that he instantly saw himself just as the bear did--smaller, slower, weaker, and edible. That's all the bear saw.
But the bear didn't see everything.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Flee disaster
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
Over a million Venezuelans have fled their country in just the last two years. Little food, little water, murder rate is one of the world's highest . . it's understandable.
"Colombia recently deployed 3,000 troops along its border . . to control the influx of more than 250,000 refugees." They already have at least 750,000 Venezuelans in the country.
"Brazil declared a state of social emergency, deployed 100 more troops to the border, established new checkpoints and a field hospital to deal with the more than 60,000 Venezuelan refugees."
Peru was flooded with 149,000 just last year.
According to this article, the goal of these countries should be to integrate the Venezuelans as quickly as possible - so that they can take care of themselves and so that they will not overwhelm social services.
That means: 1) expedite work permits, 2) keep order
Over a million Venezuelans have fled their country in just the last two years. Little food, little water, murder rate is one of the world's highest . . it's understandable.
"Colombia recently deployed 3,000 troops along its border . . to control the influx of more than 250,000 refugees." They already have at least 750,000 Venezuelans in the country.
image: ontheworldmap
"Brazil declared a state of social emergency, deployed 100 more troops to the border, established new checkpoints and a field hospital to deal with the more than 60,000 Venezuelan refugees."
Peru was flooded with 149,000 just last year.
According to this article, the goal of these countries should be to integrate the Venezuelans as quickly as possible - so that they can take care of themselves and so that they will not overwhelm social services.
That means: 1) expedite work permits, 2) keep order
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Venezuelans flee
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
Venezuelan doctors who work under these conditions are frustrated.
A recent graduate of medical school now works in a fast food restaurant instead of in medicine. He says he feels bad about not practicing his profession but "right now it is my life and future . . to help my family to get out of this madness." He plans to leave.
“In Venezuela, it feels like we are all just dying slowly and there’s no hope for a change. I don’t care if I’m gonna work as a doctor or not. I just want to have food, medicines, security, a house, a car, and be able to give a good life to my loved ones."
"Every day we see people dying for diseases that we know exactly how to cure but when you don’t even have gloves, masks, gauzes, medicines or some big but necessary equipment, it’s too hard."
Last May my husband and I met a young Uber driver from Venezuela in Orlando. He's married, going to school, working, and has big plans. He sends money to his parents in Venezuela, and says it's just too hard for them to leave at this time in their lives.
He's on trend: "More than half of Venezuelans between 15 and 29 want to move abroad permanently."
Venezuelan doctors who work under these conditions are frustrated.
A recent graduate of medical school now works in a fast food restaurant instead of in medicine. He says he feels bad about not practicing his profession but "right now it is my life and future . . to help my family to get out of this madness." He plans to leave.
“In Venezuela, it feels like we are all just dying slowly and there’s no hope for a change. I don’t care if I’m gonna work as a doctor or not. I just want to have food, medicines, security, a house, a car, and be able to give a good life to my loved ones."
"Every day we see people dying for diseases that we know exactly how to cure but when you don’t even have gloves, masks, gauzes, medicines or some big but necessary equipment, it’s too hard."
Last May my husband and I met a young Uber driver from Venezuela in Orlando. He's married, going to school, working, and has big plans. He sends money to his parents in Venezuela, and says it's just too hard for them to leave at this time in their lives.
He's on trend: "More than half of Venezuelans between 15 and 29 want to move abroad permanently."
Monday, August 20, 2018
Just gets worse
What's a hospital with no reliable water for drinking, washing, flushing? That's life at a big hospital in Caracas, the capitol of Venezuela, where the economy continues to collapse. Patients fill jugs from a tap and operations are postponed.
"I have gone to the operation bloc and opened the tap to wash my hands, as you must do before a surgery, and nothing comes out," said gynecologist Lina Figueria.
photo: yahoo
"I have gone to the operation bloc and opened the tap to wash my hands, as you must do before a surgery, and nothing comes out," said gynecologist Lina Figueria.
Friday, August 17, 2018
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Not sacrificial
From childhood, Tom Holland loved the exciting gods and warriors of ancient Greece and Rome. They were more fun than the Christian God of the church he grew up in. Later the books he read, like Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, confirmed for him that the values and people he admired came from the ancient classics.
Tom became a historian, looking deeply into the accounts and writings of his heroes like Julius Caesar and Leonidas. But he learned enough to discover that their values were not his values. Leonidas supported "murderous eugenics", and Caesar "killed a million Gauls and enslaved a million more."
Tom found that his own values were in sympathy with the God who came to earth to live a sacrificial life to save the people he loved. "In the ancient world, it was the role of gods [to inflict] punishment – not to suffer it themselves." Those gods would not inspire people like the Vanderpools to live sacrificially for others (yesterday's post).
He says that he was wrong about Christianity. "It took me a long time to realise my morals are not Greek or Roman, but thoroughly, and proudly, Christian."
Ditto for most of the West.
Tom became a historian, looking deeply into the accounts and writings of his heroes like Julius Caesar and Leonidas. But he learned enough to discover that their values were not his values. Leonidas supported "murderous eugenics", and Caesar "killed a million Gauls and enslaved a million more."
Tom found that his own values were in sympathy with the God who came to earth to live a sacrificial life to save the people he loved. "In the ancient world, it was the role of gods [to inflict] punishment – not to suffer it themselves." Those gods would not inspire people like the Vanderpools to live sacrificially for others (yesterday's post).
He says that he was wrong about Christianity. "It took me a long time to realise my morals are not Greek or Roman, but thoroughly, and proudly, Christian."
Ditto for most of the West.
image: signum-crusis
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Sacrificial
David and Laurie Vanderpool live in Haiti; they expect to die there. David is a surgeon. They provide clean water, medical care, and food to the poor. They could have air conditioning, fine food, comfort and entertainment in America. But to give their lives to the Haitian poor, they had to give it up. They're Christian missionaries.
They are attacked sometimes by those who practice voodoo. It's a powerful force. "My wife has been held at gunpoint and pistol-whipped. And had a knife to her throat. I know to American ears that sounds sort of, that sounds horrible, you know?" It does.
They are attacked sometimes by those who practice voodoo. It's a powerful force. "My wife has been held at gunpoint and pistol-whipped. And had a knife to her throat. I know to American ears that sounds sort of, that sounds horrible, you know?" It does.
photo: the stream
Why would anyone live like this when they could have lived a comfortable life? Because they believe God wants them there, and because they think the good they do for the people of Haiti is worth it.
They see beauty in a life of sacrifice.
(cont'd tomorrow)
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Don't know
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
But who knows all this? Not many. Worldwide, people - about 95% - have the impression that extreme poverty has gotten worse or stayed the same.
It's very good news that extreme poverty in the last 20-30 years has been cut in half. It's very good news - which should be known by more of us.
It's been reported, just not in major media channels:
"At the dawn of the new millennium, the United Nations set a goal of eradicating poverty by 2030. With 14 years left to go, we’ve already reduced the proportion of destitute people in world by 50 percent, according to U.S. Agency for International Development administrator Gayle Smith.
But who knows all this? Not many. Worldwide, people - about 95% - have the impression that extreme poverty has gotten worse or stayed the same.
It's very good news that extreme poverty in the last 20-30 years has been cut in half. It's very good news - which should be known by more of us.
It's been reported, just not in major media channels:
"At the dawn of the new millennium, the United Nations set a goal of eradicating poverty by 2030. With 14 years left to go, we’ve already reduced the proportion of destitute people in world by 50 percent, according to U.S. Agency for International Development administrator Gayle Smith.
Monday, August 13, 2018
U R Rockefeller
Actually, you are not Rockefeller but rather richer than J. D. Rockefeller. As the richest man in American history (according to some), he could have anything he wanted back around the first years of the 20th century.
But you, if you are an average American, have things that he never had:
But you, if you are an average American, have things that he never had:
- Radio
- Television
- Timely transportation
- Computers
- Air-conditioning
- International food (forget Vietnamese Pho or falafel!)
- Smart phones
- A high likelihood of surviving infancy
- Contact lenses
- Modern birth control
- Antibiotics
- Accurate watches
- Skype
- Effective dental care
- The Internet
You are materially richer, wealthier in stuff, than John D. Rockefeller was. And what is better health worth? The earth's wealth has grown so much that it goes beyond just "stuff" to near-miraculous antibiotics and surgeries. And beyond that to education and knowledge.
(cont'd tomorrow)
(cont'd tomorrow)
Friday, August 10, 2018
African success
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
Rwanda's president, Paul Kagame, led the force that put an end to genocide in 1994. He became president in 2000.
Since then, the country's economy has grown about 7-8% per year. Compared to, say, America's historically typical 3%, it seems like really fast growth. It is fast - but consider that African countries have been behind the rest of the world economically, and Rwanda had a long way to go.
They still get foreign aid too, though they're working to eliminate it. Their economy is dominated by agricultural exports (ex: tea & coffee), tourism, and then less than 20% is foreign aid. The World Bank considers Rwanda an African success with declining poverty and a stable business climate.
The Robb Report says that a Rwanda safari should be on your wish list.
Rwanda's president, Paul Kagame, led the force that put an end to genocide in 1994. He became president in 2000.
Since then, the country's economy has grown about 7-8% per year. Compared to, say, America's historically typical 3%, it seems like really fast growth. It is fast - but consider that African countries have been behind the rest of the world economically, and Rwanda had a long way to go.
They still get foreign aid too, though they're working to eliminate it. Their economy is dominated by agricultural exports (ex: tea & coffee), tourism, and then less than 20% is foreign aid. The World Bank considers Rwanda an African success with declining poverty and a stable business climate.
The Robb Report says that a Rwanda safari should be on your wish list.
Thursday, August 9, 2018
African trade
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
Africans are creating a path forward to economic prosperity. The prosperous countries of the West didn't create their wealth by taking "foreign aid," and African countries won't create their wealth that way either.
Pres. Kagame of Rwanda is the new African Union chairperson. He says that they must prioritize trading with each other rather than depending on foreign aid.
Africans are creating a path forward to economic prosperity. The prosperous countries of the West didn't create their wealth by taking "foreign aid," and African countries won't create their wealth that way either.
Pres. Kagame of Rwanda is the new African Union chairperson. He says that they must prioritize trading with each other rather than depending on foreign aid.
photo: au
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
"Poor Africa"
"We have helped perpetuate the narrative that Africa is a burden. This way of thinking has been around for decades."
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda sees an urgent need to change the way the world thinks of the people of African countries. It's a pathetic image, a picture of needy and helpless people with no skills and no resources.
Listen to the lyrics of this well-known song from 1984, well-intended but condescending:
"Where nothing ever grows, no rain or rivers flow" -- what?? Things do grow in Africa. Composer Bob Geldof seems to say that the West must feed and take care of the poor Africans because they can't take care of themselves.
Co-dependent much?
(cont'd tomorrow)
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda sees an urgent need to change the way the world thinks of the people of African countries. It's a pathetic image, a picture of needy and helpless people with no skills and no resources.
Listen to the lyrics of this well-known song from 1984, well-intended but condescending:
"Where nothing ever grows, no rain or rivers flow" -- what?? Things do grow in Africa. Composer Bob Geldof seems to say that the West must feed and take care of the poor Africans because they can't take care of themselves.
Co-dependent much?
(cont'd tomorrow)
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
No church
Quebec has lost dozens of Catholic churches according to the NYTimes. "Notre Dame du Perpetuel Secours" in Montreal (Our Lady of Perpetual Help) no longer exists, but the building still exists and is used for something else:
"The once-hallowed space, now illuminated with a giant pink chandelier, has been reinvented as the Théâtre Paradoxe at a cost of nearly $3 million in renovations. It is now host to, among other events, Led Zeppelin cover bands, Zumba lessons and fetish parties . . .
About a hundred years ago the parish had 1200 families. "95 percent of the population went to Mass in the 1950s but only 5 percent do so today."
"The once-hallowed space, now illuminated with a giant pink chandelier, has been reinvented as the Théâtre Paradoxe at a cost of nearly $3 million in renovations. It is now host to, among other events, Led Zeppelin cover bands, Zumba lessons and fetish parties . . .
About a hundred years ago the parish had 1200 families. "95 percent of the population went to Mass in the 1950s but only 5 percent do so today."
Monday, August 6, 2018
Privileged
College/university students today are privileged to be a part of their campus community.
"There has never been a more liberal, compassionate, and open-minded environment in human history . . . It's filled with pacific, well-meaning adults who are the least bigoted people in human history and who only wish the best for all of their students.
"Students are the most privileged individuals in history . . they have unfettered access to . . knowledge . . . Every book in human history is available to [them]."
"This is the most privileged position that anyone has ever been in."
When students say that they are targets of hostility, that they are fighting for their right to just exist, they are suffering from a delusion.
"There has never been a more liberal, compassionate, and open-minded environment in human history . . . It's filled with pacific, well-meaning adults who are the least bigoted people in human history and who only wish the best for all of their students.
"Students are the most privileged individuals in history . . they have unfettered access to . . knowledge . . . Every book in human history is available to [them]."
"This is the most privileged position that anyone has ever been in."
When students say that they are targets of hostility, that they are fighting for their right to just exist, they are suffering from a delusion.
Friday, August 3, 2018
Armed pensioner
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
A mother in America can be confident that both the law and her neighbors will support her when she must defend her children and her property.
A mother in Britain could confidently defend her family too, right? Maybe not.
A 78-year-old Englishman (a "pensioner") who lives with his disabled wife scuffled with two burglars who broke into his home. One of the burglars was wounded and later died. The elderly man who tried to defend his home was arrested on suspicion of murder and later released.
The man and his wife have fled the neighborhood to live in a police safe house somewhere - because they are in danger from supporters of the burglar.
A mother in America can be confident that both the law and her neighbors will support her when she must defend her children and her property.
A mother in Britain could confidently defend her family too, right? Maybe not.
A 78-year-old Englishman (a "pensioner") who lives with his disabled wife scuffled with two burglars who broke into his home. One of the burglars was wounded and later died. The elderly man who tried to defend his home was arrested on suspicion of murder and later released.
The man and his wife have fled the neighborhood to live in a police safe house somewhere - because they are in danger from supporters of the burglar.
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Armed mother
The most minimal security precaution you can take is to lock your doors. It takes no time and no effort, and costs nothing. You do that, right?
Here's a mom who did that. As it turned out, it just gave her time to arm herself and protect her kids when the door was beaten down.
Check this out
https://twitter.com/i/status/1024359962162745346
(cont'd tomorrow)
Here's a mom who did that. As it turned out, it just gave her time to arm herself and protect her kids when the door was beaten down.
Check this out
https://twitter.com/i/status/1024359962162745346
(cont'd tomorrow)
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
New Ford
(cont'd from yesterday's post)
"For years, Ford executives have been articulating the company’s move to reinvent itself into a “personal mobility” company." That concept is now big enough to include fleets for businesses and governments that want to make their staff mobile.
When a huge car manufacturer like Ford Motor Co. commits this kind of money - $4 billion - to change into a "personal mobility" company . . well, that's huge. Bob Lutz predicted this, but it seemed outlandish. Looks like we will see the "end of the automotive era."
"For years, Ford executives have been articulating the company’s move to reinvent itself into a “personal mobility” company." That concept is now big enough to include fleets for businesses and governments that want to make their staff mobile.
When a huge car manufacturer like Ford Motor Co. commits this kind of money - $4 billion - to change into a "personal mobility" company . . well, that's huge. Bob Lutz predicted this, but it seemed outlandish. Looks like we will see the "end of the automotive era."
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