Christianity counts some two billion adherents and Islam a billion and a half. It is unlikely that any large numbers on either side will soon convert to the other. The only practical aim for the foreseeable future, therefore, can be peaceful coexistence. But is such a hope realistic? For 50 …(Read More)
Many people are concerned about the current state of our nation’s credit markets. There are many different opinions and there is a lot of confusion abroad. In this one-session seminar, nationally prominent economist Professor Bill Dunkelberg, known for the clarity of his explanations, will explain the main factors at work …(Read More)
The presidential campaign of 2008 advertises itself as being about the present, but it also reflects some old political challenges. One is officials’ affection for infrastructure projects. Another is their affection for spending in general. Whether Democrat or Republican, candidates must address the same dilemma: on the one hand, voters …(Read More)
Most Americans agree that our current health care system needs reform. Arguably, it is the most important part of our economy because it directly touches everyone. But opinions are strongly divided. Some believe we should follow Canada and Europe in socializing health care further, to make sure everyone has at …(Read More)
The Iraq War was orphaned from the beginning. It had no natural constituencies either at home or abroad. As a result it has been a topsy-turvy war, plagued from the first by ironies, contradictions and inconsistencies. But the ironies seen in Iraq are not unique. The United States has seen …(Read More)
If we try to book an airline seat at midnight, we are just likely now to get someone in India or the Philippines at the other end of the phone. One more American job has been exported overseas — or so it seems. Outsourcing is part of globalization, so globalization, …(Read More)
Despite the impressive size of our secular research universities, they are losing prominence in our national debates. They do not offer political, cultural, social or even scientific leadership to American society, in their increasing devotion to professional education. A denial of any religious values or arguments has finally left universities …(Read More)
Manliness means confidence in the face of risk and danger, argues Prof. Mansfield. This is a virtue we all have reason to value. If studies in social psychology show it is preponderantly a virtue of men, as they do, this is no reason to disdain it. Manliness serves the function …(Read More)
Many Americans take it as an article of faith that education in a free, democratic nation must be delivered in schools built and controlled by government and paid for out of taxes. But our system of public schools was largely copied from authoritarian Prussia in the 19th century: it is …(Read More)
Should employers have the freedom to hire the people they want? This is the controversial question of celebrated legal scholar Richard A. Epstein, professor of law at the University of Chicago and the Hoover Institution. That freedom was once taken for granted in America and inspired employers to create so …(Read More)