Debunking the Intrinsic Value Argument
I have to admit to having updated my mind about the “intrinsic value” argument that many people cite as a justification for treating gold as a money (vs paper currency). I’ve previously attempted to explain away this argument as a…
Notes: Market Failure: An argument both for and against government (David Friedman)
I just attended the Young American’s for Liberty state convention yesterday in order to hear the venerable David Friedman speak. Below are my notes highlighting the main points of the talk. You may recognize some examples and positions if you’ve…
Notes: Copyright
I once participated in a debate about copyright issues, taking the position that copyright is an illegitimate concept. I prepared the following notes prior to the debate. Opening Points Historically founded on governmental systems of control Enforcement requires the interference…
Notes: International Students for Liberty Conference, David Friedman, Problem of National Defense
Defense without Government ————— – government bad at doing things, esp complex things (ex: legal systems) am willing to accept government solution when alternative is worse – court and police aren’t complicated enough to require government – define National Defense…
The Commodity Money Myth
Frank Shostak wrote an article about The Bitcoin Money Myth. For an Austrian economist with “over 35 years of experience as a market economist, central bank analyst, and builder of large scale macro-econometric models”[AAS profile], I’m not wholly surprised that…
Let’s have more Billionaires
I’ve recently come across another missive from Thom Hartmann, that reveals a lack of firm economic grounding. The very title of the article, “Ayn Rand’s Gospel of Selfishness and Billionaire Empowerment is Plaguing America” and it’s subtitle “The United States…
How not to end poverty
In spite of popular belief the rich should not fight poverty by giving away their money to the impoverished. In his show, “The Big Picture”, Thom Hartmann points out that the richest 100 people in the world have enough wealth…
Searching the Job Market
Instead of writing my thesis, I’ve recently been surfing around the net looking for job prospects. Fortunately, I know almost exactly what I want and the reasons why: Desire Reason Small company. Because I’d rather be a large fish in…
Notes: Washington Economic Privilege
The following are notes concerning Peter Schweizer’s (author of “Throw them all out”) talk on the corrupting influence of politics, given at the Navigating the Politicized Economy Summit in San Diego. Washington D.C. has been the fastest growing city, with…
Physics of Wall Street
Yesterday I attended a book talk given by a young professor here in the Philosophy department, James Weatherall, promoting his a recent work, The Physics of Wall Street. James told a rousing good story concerning many famous characters. Each chapter…