Understanding the Marathon Bombers

Understanding the Marathon Bombers 2

There are many who seek to explain the mystery of the Boston Marathon bombers — or all our killers that are fast becoming a part of our national landscape. No doubt each of these unnatural figures has personal blame for what they did and for which they must be held accountable. We … Read more

When Rats Jump on to Sinking Ships

When Rats Jump on to Sinking Ships 2

It is said that when a ship starts sinking, rats onboard have a sixth sense about what is going to happen and are the first to jump on to the nearest flotsam to save their lives. The analogy has often been used to describe the cowardly antics of those who flee lost … Read more

The Wrong March for Marriage

The Wrong March for Marriage

As the Supreme Court deliberated upon the same-sex “marriage” issue this March 26, two groups of protesters converged upon Washington to make their views known. Among the many present on the pro-family side was a large contingent from the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP), the youth … Read more

The Bottom Line on Marriage

The Bottom Line on Marriage 2

There are plenty of moral arguments that deal with the need to defend traditional marriage. However, many refuse to recognize the existence of an objective morality. For these, perhaps the best way to explain the importance of this essential institution is in terms that people today understand best—economic terms. If one can … Read more

Getting Off the “Sequester” Roller Coaster

Getting Off the “Sequester” Roller Coaster 2

When I think of the debate around the “sequester,” I think of an amusement park. I know that this is no laughing matter, but there’s something so incredibly unreal about the situation that an amusement park is what comes into mind. This comes from observing how things like quantitative easing, derivative instruments … Read more

Cobbler Shop Economics

I had just bought a pair of shoes at a large shoe outlet and within six months the heels were completely worn down. I lost the receipt and probably would have had a little trouble getting a new pair. So I decided to visit the local cobbler with the shoes and a … Read more

How a Good Lent Can Help Fix a Bad Economy

How a Good Lent Can Help Fix a Bad Economy 4

To those who see no link between Lent and our failing economy, it might be the case to look again. Economics is about people. It cannot be reduced to numbers, formulae and analyses. “The subject matter of economics,” observes economic historian Odd Langholm, “is properly the habits, customs, and ways of thinking … Read more

Why Economic Culture Matters

Why Economic Culture Matters 2

A review of Becoming Europe: Economic Decline, Culture, and How America Can Avoid a European Future by Samuel Gregg (New York: Encounter Books, 2013) *          *          * It is not often that one finds refreshing nuance in books dealing with economy. Economics is not supposed to be about nuance. It usually presents itself in … Read more

The Abuse No One Wants to See

The Abuse No One Wants to See 2

In these times of great concern for children, sexual abuse and gun safety, there is an alarming government report on abusive behavior that seems to have gone unnoticed by major media. The report deals with the culpable misbehavior of a large sector of the population. The number of yearly victims – some … Read more

The Marvelous World of Our Lady’s Flowers

The Marvelous World of Our Lady’s Flowers

While modern men look for happiness in instant gratification, there was once a time in Christendom when men believed happiness came from a true understanding of the order of the universe. They saw the universe as a great lesson book which, through symbols, one could come to know, love and serve God. … Read more