Burke is teh suck

So that's how they flamed in 18th century Britain. How quaint !

I, Pencil

As I have mentioned earlier (can't find the link) I am not fond of I, Pencil *. Reading the essay is basically like reading the worst parts of IndiaUncut, . Thinking it over there problem with the essay may go beyond over tedious rhetoric. Now whether I am right needs verification by someone who knows his economics**, but isn't the main point of contention between free market economics and socialism/Keynesian economics about efficiency of the system. So even if, as the essay goes, pencil is being manufactured, the efficiency is a question.

Now I like to think that free markets are more efficient, with two caveats, one my belief is less due to do study than due to the fact that I have lived in India before and after 1991. Second I am not clear to what degree efficiency is similar to social utility. If by efficiency, we are concerned only with material goods, therefore maximizing efficiency would dictate eliminating any causes for inefficiency. This is problematic as social utility is not limited to material goods, including creation and upkeep of social institutions, maintaining a civic identity, and fostering intellectualism. Much of these aims are intangibles and their assessment in objective economical terms is not possible. Ultimately utility function are context determined, driven by history.

The best that suggests to me at the moment economic efficiency must be fine-tuned with the social goals, which will mean that economic efficiency may not be maximized. Also the balance should be determined by individuals and social institutions, role of state in form of massive bureaucracy should be discouraged.

* Considering the essay is so acclaimed, I must be an idiot.

**As opposed to people who accuse this blog of being peach/pink. Let me make it clear, this blog is not pink . It is horrible and in its horrendousity (is this even a word ?) reflects my inner goober.

Intervention

I know I may be little late, but please read Jonah Goldberg. Reading the American journalists makes one wonder why do we have such pathetic journalists.

Update: For a flavour, read Tradition matters

Christmas is ...

... well about birth of Christ, just because Christmas is intrinsic part of western culture which has transcended sectarians boundaries doesn't take away it from its religious underpinning. I find it objectionable same way as I would find, if someone were trying to secularize Holi or Deepawali. If secularists want to party without being burdened with as little as nod to religious mooring of culture, they can always go to discotheque.

Mark Steyn is right, as is Bryan for pointing out that "War On Christmas"is not a good way to counter the man from Hope.

PS: Sacrilege ! Look what did they do to Theodore Roosevelt.

What makes me happy...

Misery, wretchedness, destruction. I am Galactus, devourer of worlds.

PS. Jessica Alba ? Ioan Gruffudd ??

Update 1 :Important News Alert !

Update 2: OMG Sriram ! What did you do !

Update 3: Retributions was offline today. I think it just goes on to show why people should not be messing with me, because when I am annoyed I can inflict a lot of hurt. Soon I will annihilate
streetcar and all the idiots who comment there. I am Galactus ...

Update 4: When I am dictator, his eminence will not be writing any articles, nor live mint will be published. I will nuke wall street and throw his eminence into jail (that seems to his recurring fantasy, if you ask me he likes pain, perhaps Ritwik can throw some light, having spent an intimate evening with his eminence ). Any way the moral is state religion has a meaning, don't try to be clever by looking for hidden meanings, because that is just stupid.

Update 5: No, I am not getting rid of this template. This template is annoying to people and I hate people, especially who dare to raise their voice against me. Hence, I approve of the layout. Repent, lest I strike upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger.

Update 6: No, Desi John Galt, you are wrong (or so I think).

Okkk

I didn't change. I evolved, which is different

Whatever.

Good News

BJP names Advani as Prime Ministerial candidate