Snippets from the Dougout

In perusing a relatively new blog, The Dougout, by Grant Jones (former contributor to the Fiftieth Star) I was impressed and/or informed by several posts.

This post describes an organization aimed at divesting from any companies trading with terror-supporting countries. This is a direct link to the organization in question.

This post has interesting figures on the Maoist Death toll, and points out some unrepentant groups still pushing this enormously evil philosophy.

I also recommend this post on altruism vs. capitalism. A few quotes:

Benevolence is derivative of rational self-interest and the freedom to pursue it. When a man’s right to his life as an end in itself is upheld the effect (and cause) is respect for oneself and therefore others. This respect is translated into a general goodwill towards the human race and the desire to help others if it doesn’t require the sacrifice of one’s values or virtues.

and

If these organizations were doing such a great job why was it felt there was a need for altruism at gunpoint? The Great Depression being judged as too big a problem for private “self help” was one reason. However, Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society” was launched during an unprecedented post-war boom.

Perhaps another reason was that private aid groups made the distinction between the “deserving” and “undeserving” poor. In other words, they were interested in helping those who helped themselves. This distinction is not acceptable to the consistent altruist. It implies that a man’s life is his own responsibility.

Finally, while I disagree with the sentiment expressed in Fallaci's quote in this post, I liked the graphic (reproduced below).


I look forward to reading more of Grant's work.