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

Will You Join This Historic March for Marriage on March 26?

Will You Join This Historic March for Marriage on March 26? 2

On March 26, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the Hollingsworth v. Perry case, which will determine if Proposition 8 — the 2008 ballot initiative protecting marriage in California — is constitutional or not.The outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision will impact the future of marriage not only in California, … Read more

What’s the Point of Ball-Point Pens?

What’s the Point of Ball-Point Pens? 2

As the left shrieks for stricter gun control, Colorado’s Democrat-controlled House passed a statewide ban on concealed-carry weapons on college campuses along with several other radical gun-control measures. They also managed to disparage conceal-carry supporters and female students who prefer not to depend on the government for protection. Colorado Senator Jessie Ulibarri … 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

Thoughts on the Resignation of Benedict XVI

Thoughts on the Resignation of Benedict XVI 2

On February 11, feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes, Pope Benedict XVI announced to the Consistory of Cardinals and to the whole world his decision to resign from the Papacy. The announcement was received by the Cardinals, “almost in disbelief,” “with a sense of loss,” and “like a lightning bolt out … 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

Off the Beaten Path

Off the Beaten Path 2

Since reading Return to Order by John Horvat, I was inspired to apply the principles he so clearly lays out for the reader. He gives organic society as the solution for our economic problems and an essential part of such a plan is a healthy regionalism. Although it might be hard to … Read more

“Have Confidence, I Have Overcome the World”

“Have Confidence, I Have Overcome the World” 2

An abyss separates the world (understood here not in its cosmological but moral sense) from the Church founded by Our Lord Jesus Christ. The world neither accepts being guided by, nor comprehends the Light that came to illuminate it. The world does not live for God or for life eternal, but for … 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

‘Return to Order’ Featured on Television Show

In anticipation of a book signing in Hazleton, Penn., author John Horvat II appeared on a local television show to talk about his work, Return to Order: From a Frenzied Economy to an Organic Christian Society—Where We’ve Been, How We Got Here, and Where We Need to Go. Mr. Horvat spoke with … Read more