The Rise of Natural Stupidity

Introduction It’s a tale as old as time.  Every movement gives birth to a counter-movement.  Newton codified it as his third law: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.  While Newton was describing the characteristics of material objects and laws of physics, his observation holds true for social as well as physical movement.  Every strongly-held belief seems to engender the creation of an opposite belief.  Another way to put it is that for every Superman there is a Lex Luthor.  Religious worshippers butt heads with atheists; Republicans with Democrats; Yankee fans with Red Sox fans; the list …

Read more

The Magic Bench: Explaining the Un-Original Wizardry of Roe v. Wade and Dobbs v. Jackson

Introduction Remember that game you used to play with your weird cousin Margaret when you were a kid.  She would bring you into a room, close the shades, turn off all but one light bulb, maybe put a red towel over it, then break out the magic: the Ouija Board.  You had to close your eyes, ask a question, and then mysteriously, guided by the hand of some invisible person who co-inhabited her psyche,  Margaret would slowly guide the “planchette” over certain letters.  Eventually the chosen letters spelled words which answered your question.  Sometimes you were allowed to also touch …

Read more