Is the universe finite?
June 21, 2015 by Paul McKeever · Comments Off on Is the universe finite?
F asked: “Why is the universe finite”. I replied as follows.
Your question suggests an error (i.e., an error that you’re seeking to identify as an error). Your question (or, if you prefer, the claim that the universe is finite) suggests that “the universe” is an entity. You are asking for an explanation of the claim that the size or duration of that entity is limited. The short answer is: If, by “the universe”, you are referring to an entity, then “the universe” is neither finite nor infinite because “the universe” is not an entity. Read more
Punching the other cheek: An open letter to a thief
June 20, 2015 by Paul McKeever · Comments Off on Punching the other cheek: An open letter to a thief
A friend of mine, who has a popular radio show, reports that somebody smashed the door window of his parked car and stole a number of items, including his passport and a Tim Horton’s pre-paid card. Worse though, the thief stole my friend’s sense of security. He wrote an open letter to the thief, expressing his hurt. He told the thief that the thief could never steal his faith in Christ, that he would pray for the thief, and that the thief should try the Nutella doughnut at Tim Hortons. I have a different message for the thief: Read more
The Phony
June 13, 2015 by Paul McKeever · Comments Off on The Phony
The phony is befriended by people who are his enemies, and is loved by people who hate him. The phony not only sacrifices the possibility of friendship and love, but deliberately subjects himself to what only he knows to be exclusion and loathing. He is, in truth, a self-hater, and his own worst enemy.
What is the Lowest Form of Humour?
June 12, 2015 by Paul McKeever · Comments Off on What is the Lowest Form of Humour?
A friend of mine asked “What is the lowest form of humour?”. I replied as follows:
The lowest form is any alleged humour that begs a laugh founded not upon humour, but upon loyalty to the pack. Such is the most common kind of “humour” on late night political comedy shows these days. A joke the punchline of which is based upon the idea that capitalists enjoy eating babies is the prototype. It’s not funny, but commies will laugh out of duty to the proletariat, believing that it serves the cause…of stealing from the alleged baby-eater with impunity.
Against School Vouchers: Choice Can Be the Enemy of Freedom
June 2, 2015 by Paul McKeever · Comments Off on Against School Vouchers: Choice Can Be the Enemy of Freedom
Proponents of freedom in education beware: choice can be the enemy of freedom. On June 1, 2015, Investor’s Business Daily reported that:
“Nevada has enacted what might be the most sweeping school-choice program yet — a path-breaking win for educational freedom that has left teachers unions wondering what hit them.
The law, signed Friday, gives 450,000 public school kids the option of using taxpayer funds — through what are called “education savings accounts” or ESAs — to help pay the tuition for private schools. Families can use funds in these accounts to also pay for textbooks and tutoring.
Students from families with incomes under 185% of the federal poverty level may receive tuition aid of 100% of the statewide average of public school per-pupil costs. Kids in families with incomes above 185% of the poverty level, roughly $45,000 for a family of four, will qualify for up to 90% of the public school per-student cost.”
The news has been well-received by many people, including parents frustrated with the consequences of being forced to pay for government owned-and-operated schools that are in one way or another thought to be failing or abusing their children. Forced to pay for the government system, many parents find it hard to afford or to justify the additional cost of sending their children to a private school. And, precisely because of those frustrations, advocates of voucher systems have long found a receptive audience.
A receptive audience is a rare and precious thing that an advocate of freedom should never squander. Yet, the advocacy of a voucher system is just such a squandering. Read more
