February 18, 2005

Beneath the Learning Curve
By Lady Liberty

I don't know whether or not I should admit this, but here goes: I'm a product of the public school system. Of course, public schools not so very many years ago were quite different than the public schools we see today. I can read and write proper English (I can even speak it when I've a mind to do so) because failing in those endeavors meant, well, failing. I can balance my checkbook and make change for a twenty because math teachers didn't allow calculators in classes until we were advanced enough for algebra. And I can find Iraq on a map because my geography teacher wouldn't let any of us move in the direction of the 8th grade until we learned in 7th grade how to read a typical map.

Unfortunately, things have changed since I was a student. One such change that brought the contrast between then and now clearly to mind was a news report that claimed teachers were starting to use purple pens in class. According to the report, "Purple is the New Red." Why? Because teachers consider purple "more friendly" than red, and students think it's "less agressive" even while it still "conveys a feeling of authority in a constructive way." (Read the rest here)

Boomers - Where Are They?
By Ed Henry

Did the spinmeisters forget something? For years, they've been telling us about a horde of baby-boomers about to wreck havoc on the Social Security system. They've never actually said that these were births "above normal" caused by 16 million lusty servicemen and women returning from the theaters of World War II in 1945, but they certainly implied it. Seventy-six million births between 1946 and 1965, the normal child bearing ages of these veterans and their soulmates, sounds very dramatic doesn't it.

On Sunday, February 13th, the Gannet News Service published an article titled "Social Security Sales Pitch" that was splashed across the front page of the Opinion section of the Rockford Register Star in my hometown. It was accompanied by pictures of Bush stumping in five states for his Social Security plan. (Read the rest here)

Libertarian Commentary on The News
By Nathan A. Barton © 2004

As the first story says, the drums of war are beating, because very recent events in the Mideast and in Korea have suddenly changed the world situation. So today is a good day to think about another character trait that all lovers of liberty should have: flexibility! We have to be able to deal with the fact that plans change, and keep our cool. We have to be on the lookout for the opportunities that those changes bring to light, while at the same time making sure we don't compromise what is right. In my opinion, flexibility in our tactics is essential if we are to protect the cause of freedom. (And of course, that may not be your opinion, or that of TPoL, RRND, or FND - but this is, after all, my commentary.)

Mideastern tarbabies
Analysis: Syria-Iran And Beating War Drums
Space War
Washington, (UPI) Feb. 17, 2005 - With the assassination of Lebanon's former prime minister Rafik Hariri in Beirut Monday raising the stakes between Washington and Damascus, plus the announcement Wednesday that Syria and Iran would form a common front to counter U.S. pressure in the region, the drums of war are suddenly beating louder.

Iran, Syria announce pact
Indianapolis Star
"Iran and Syria, who both are facing pressure from the United States, said Wednesday they will form a 'united front' to confront possible threats against them, state-run television reported. 'In view of the special conditions faced by Syria, Iran will transfer its experience, especially concerning sanctions, to Syria,' Mohammad Reza Aref, Iran's first vice president, was quoted as saying after meeting Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Otari. 'At this sensitive point, the two countries require a united front due to numerous challenges.'" (02/16/05)

No question, this changes the stakes as the US (and some allies) put pressure on Iran on nukes, while at the same time, Lebanon begins to really chafe under the chains of Syrian occupation. Both of these are longtime enemies of Israel and therefore of the United States, for its sponsorship of Israel, and both have been subjected to Israeli attack. Now, the place starts looking more and more like a Risk board: with potentially multiple battlefronts and no safe place (if there ever was one). And to make matters worse: (Read the rest of the Commentary here)

Features From The Last Issue

Women Who Treat Women As Sex Objects By Carey Roberts To Thine Own Self Be True By Susan Callaway (See more of this story on Monday) IOUs Really You Owe You By Ed Henry Bush’s New Defense Budget By Robert Higgs Libertarian Commentary for Wednesday

New Articles Posted Every Week Day !
Click Here for the Archives
PLEASE let me know if you find a broken link!
Each day's front page is linked to the date on the calendar.
Just click on one for more great articles!

New Feature At The Price of Liberty
BEWARE - The Idiot Zone
New "Idiot Sighting" from a reader! (Read the rest here) And send us your IDIOT sightings too.

READER'S FORUM
New topics are being added frequently now.
Take a look and let us know what you are thinking about the issues of today.

MamaLiberty is the owner, publisher, writer, chief cook and bottle washer for The Price of Liberty. I'd love to hear from you! I promise to delete any nasty notes, threats or other nonsense. Serious questions and comments will be answered to the best of my ability.

Serious writers are also invited to submit articles for consideration. Please see the mission statement and the writer's guidelines first, just to save you time and effort. I don't require exclusives, by any means. Please do not submit someone else's copyrighted material unless it is clearly marked for use on the external oped page. Include a link to it or we can't use it. Thanks!