Whatever

• Two interesting stories about human evolution and what has driven the process
• Technology can help solve our "energy problems," as usual
• Exposing the flaws of the social-welfare state
• Wow! I think my wife might want this software.
• This is why I started playing the guitar. Even though the sound isn't what it used to be it's still a neat story.
• So what?

Whatever

• "I've got to get me one of these!"
• Doesn't this seem like it would make the criminal's job that much easier?
• Does this mean I'm not a programmer?
• The Evolution of Java. Oh, how true! Sad, but true.
• This is why public wifi is a bad idea. If the government can force private institutions to turn over "images including 'obscene' cartoons and drawings" that were sent over its network then that same government will have no problem regulating what goes on over public wifi. More here.
  
• A New Pope...
• The Spirit of 1776! Thanks for nothing W.
• Charles Wheelan gives a good explanation of why self-inflicted embargoes tariffs are bad (HT: CafeHayek)
  
• Pimp'n the 'naut
• Well, is Arnold a cyborg or not?
  

Fight the ignorance

One blog that I read daily is the Neurologica Blog which is run by Dr. Steven Novella. His articles are always very interesting and informative even when the topic is a complex scientific/medical issue. (I highly recommend his podcast the Skeptics Guide to the Universe. He and his fellow "rouges" can always be counted on to provide a humorous and informative look at science and skeptical news of the day.)

I want to comment on this article in which Dr. Novella examines the legal and social issues of "free citizens giving medical advice." He wonders how we protect the public from those who spout bogus medical advice while at the same time upholding the basic right of free speech. Novella doesn't claim to have the answer, but I wanted to comment on something he says at the end of the article. Here's what he says

"...although I think we do need to thoughtfully tighten up our regulation of the giving of medical advice, any legal remedy is extremely problematic. The far better solution is to educate the public so that they can recognize nonsense when they see it. This, however, is also a very imperfect solution as it is far easier to spread misinformation than it is to correct it."

He is skeptical of legal remedies, as I am, and offers education as a possible solution. I think this solution can actually be more powerful than he understands.

I think we as individuals can start by changing expectations about what is acceptable in society. Educate the credulous; call bullshit on those who perpetuate bogus claims; don't let snake oil salesmen go unchallenged - call them out in a public forum. Setting such expectations creates true organic law that is a better reflection of values shared by individuals in society. Political legislation creates constituencies of power that pit groups against each other and creates a market for pull. (DRM is an example of legislation that doesn't reflect the reality "on the ground" but has powerful constituencies that have the ears of politicians.)

Is this idea of "organic law" via expectations a perfect solution? No. But it is at least more nimble than political legislation which punishes the many to stop the few.

I also believe we have to be careful when informing others about pseudo-science and other false claims. I was recently in a discussion with a friend about natural medicines and homeopathy and I was a bit harsh in my criticisms. If I had to do it over again I would most likely take a different approach because in the end I think my harsh tone was counterproductive. There are times, however, when just calling bullshit is necessary.

You'll read more about this idea of "organic law" if I ever get back to live-blogging Law, Legislation, and Liberty. Until then, fight the ignorance!

Whatever

• The world is going crazy (HT: The Agitator)
• The future of the user interface (I really like the reactable)
• Ha! I heard the same talk seven years ago
• Commie chic
• The Fed is just going to make the ultimate day of reckoning that much worse
• Damn! I may have to agree with the politicians on this one
• Back to the days of sailing
• You can't use oil; you can't use nuclear; now you can't use wind
• Ah! Scientists against science. Money quote: "Here's what the Bible says. Now let's go to the rocks and see if we find the evidence for it." And if the evidence isn't there then ... um .... isn't God wonderful!
  
• It seems that the ignorant masses haven't received the memo that Wal-Mart is evil
• Ok, I don't understand most of this, but the implications makes me think that the science is B.S.