History

Abortion, Citizenship, and the Constitution: Why State Abortion Bans May Violate Federal Authority Since the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022), states have regained the authority to regulate or ban abortion. But a novel constitutional argument suggests that in doing so, states may be intruding into a domain reserved exclusively to the federal government: the creation of U.S. citizens. This post outlines a constitutional theory that reframes state-enforced birth as a form of compelled citizenship creation, raising serious questions about federal supremacy, naturalization, and the limits of state power under the U.S. Constitution. ...

I noticed this poem in a book of poetry by Lizzie Magie, published in 1892. It captures the beauty in selfishness when your happiness is derived from helping others. All, all are selfish. There is not one who does not live himself to please. Life holds for each no other aim or object Than to gratify and satisfy his own ambitions and desires. We call those generous who deny themselves To give to others, But by those same denials They are taking greater pleasures than they give, For no one does or can give to another More happiness than he himself receives. Those are just who claim for others The rights they for themselves exact. Those are generous who would make for others The opportunities they wish themselves. The happiest are those who are to others kindest, And who cause most happiness to all. The great are those who make the world The better by their deeds. ...

In this excellent discussion between Axel Leijonhufvud from UCLA and Friedrich Von Hayek from 1978, we learn about Hayek’s experience at university, moving to America, his social circles, economics and perspectives through his life.

It’s common knowledge that Milton Friedman was able to be interviewed by Phil Donahue, not once, but twice! It’s lesser well-known that Walter Williams was also interviewed by Donahue. Here is the full Donahue episode with Walter Williams from the mid 80s.

Thomas Sowell comments on political leaders.

Christopher Hitchens on Firing Line in 1984 discussing the women’s rights movements.