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The Confusion Regarding Rights
It is increasingly common to hear someone state that the rights of individuals are in conflict. The use of phrases such as “tenants’ rights” or “housing is a right” are two examples. The confusion about the nature of rights gives rise to the view that rights conflict. Rights pertain to freedom of action. Rights protect…
Chocolat and Community Values
Pursuing one’s values is always a challenge, and it is even more difficult when those values are in conflict with the community in which one lives. In Chocolat, Vianne Rocher opens a chocolate shop in a small French village on the eve of Lent. She immediately finds herself in conflict with the town’s mayor, who…
Free People don’t Take Orders
This afternoon, Harris County Judge Lina Hildago ordered the residents of the most populous county in Texas to wear face masks when in public. This wasn’t a suggestion of a proper precaution to take in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. It was an order. And violators will be subject to a $1,000 fine. To…
The Businessman as Politician
ByjbpThis was originally posted on Live Oaks on January 9, 2009. Comments have not been migrated. Bill White has been Mayor of Houston since 2004. His biography page on the City of Houston web site states: He uses business practices every day at City Hall to improve service and get things done. When he first…
A Detour on the Way to an Argument
A friend describes herself as liberal–she supports gay marriage, is pro-choice, and hates Donald Trump. She generally votes for Democrats, though she admits that she would have voted for John McCain if he hadn’t selected Sarah Palin as his running partner. Often, when we are discussing an issue, one of us will take a stance…
The Coercive and the Voluntary
If your neighbor broke into your house to steal money for his transportation needs, you would recognize his action as immoral and criminal. He took your property without your consent. The principle does not change if a government agent acts as your neighbor’s proxy. If your neighbor needs assistance, he has two methods by which…