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The Burden of Proof
Imagine for a moment what would happen if the government declared, “Since every individual has the potential to commit a felony crime, we are going to incarcerate everyone.” There would be outrage, protests, and defiance. “That is unjust,” the protestors might proclaim. “You are treating innocent citizens the same as actual criminals.” Yet, in principle,…
Dying in a Leadership Vacuum
An editorial in The New England Journal of Medicine provides a sobering and accurate assessment of the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Covid-19 has created a crisis throughout the world. This crisis has produced a test of leadership. With no good options to combat a novel pathogen, countries were forced to make hard…
When the Voluntary Isn’t
On March 25, the Austin Police Department (APD) issued a statement that declared that Austin’s “Stay Home, Work Smart” order “is NOT a mandatory lock down.” By implication, that which is not mandatory is voluntary. Indeed, the statement goes on to say that APD’s goal is to gain voluntary compliance. However, APD then declares, “if…
A Crisis Needs Effective Leadership
“You never want a serious crisis to go to waste,” Obama’s chief of staff Rahm Emanuel said in 2008. Politicians have long followed that blueprint. The terrorist attacks on 9/11, the Great Recession, and now the pandemic are just the most recent examples. During each crisis government expanded its powers at the expense of individual…
Stay Home, Work Safe, or Else
This morning, Harris County Judge Lina Hildago ordered all residents of the county to stay at home unless they have her permission to leave. Of course, Hildago didn’t have the intellectual honesty to put it that way. Instead, she justified her dictatorial mandate by claiming that it will save lives while ignoring the number of…