Evolution of Presidential War Powers

Slate has a very intriguing article up of a newly found thesis written by Elizabeth Cheney (Dick Cheney's older daughter who later served in the State Department).  The thesis reportedly gives a normative endorsement of an unconstrained executive during war time:  From beginning to end, it's clear that Cheney looks upon the model of the powerful executive approvingly.     Her most forceful conclusion is that the Founders "certainly did not intend, nor does history substantiate,  the idea that Congress should legislate specific limits on the President's power." To ensure American  security, it needs to recognize that the "nature of military Continue reading Evolution of Presidential War Powers

Is our children eating margarine?

A recent medical study has gained some media attention by finding and arguing that, among other factors, consumption of margarine by infants leads to lower IQ scores.  The study, based on  590 New Zealand European children claims many other factors can contribute to the IQ of children such as consuming fish weekly and grains 4 times a day.  Also, the study suggests that women who drink moderate amounts of alcohol while pregnant have a positive effect on IQ. The news article suffers from simplification and does not address some of the vital questions that are demanded of it such as Continue reading Is our children eating margarine?

Ferengi Rules of Acquisition

Some musings and reflections upon Star Trek (The Next Generation and a few of its successors for those keeping score), reminded me that the Ferengi had an extensive list of economic rules.  The characters, from my recollection, were portrayed as a race of uber-capitalists who would exploit for the sake of profit at every turn.  Doing a quick search turned up The Ferengi Rules of Acquisition.  My academic interest in the topic and the reason for posting a list of rules from a race that was often used for comic relief stems from the research program of rational choice and Continue reading Ferengi Rules of Acquisition