how-things-work

Don't Settle For Speeches: Fix the Racial Wealth Gap 

Hamilton Nolan · 12/18/15 10:37AM

Political arguments over the impact of racism in America can often devolve into a stalemate of feelings. Here is one very concrete way to measure what racism has done—and is doing—to our country.

Terrorism Is a Sideshow

Hamilton Nolan · 12/15/15 10:00AM

The issue that the most Americans regard as the most important one facing our country right now is terrorism. Fear is more powerful than reason. Not that there has ever been a reason to doubt that.

There Are Only Two Issues 

Hamilton Nolan · 11/30/15 01:35PM

During this election season, you will hear candidates argue about lots of things. Only two things are really important.

It's Not Charity If You Want Your Name on It

Hamilton Nolan · 10/27/15 10:42AM

Very rich people sometimes make very large donations to educational or cultural institutions. In return, they ask for their names to be plastered atop buildings. These donations have no moral worth.

Your Boss and Your Money and Who's Your Friend

Hamilton Nolan · 09/11/15 10:35AM

You may love your job. You may love your boss. But if your boss has a problem with you getting the money you deserve, then the friendly boss is not your friend.

Don't Piss on Your Best Friend 

Hamilton Nolan · 08/10/15 08:35AM

On Saturday, Bernie Sanders was scheduled to speak to a crowd of thousands of supporters in a Seattle park. He never did; the event was shut down after a handful of protesters disrupted it in the name of “Black Lives Matter.” This was remarkably dumb.

Writing and What Comes With It

Hamilton Nolan · 07/23/15 10:35AM

Should the published writing of professional writers be subject to any criticism? I believe yes. At least one professional writer disagrees.

Moral Hazard and Its Victims

Hamilton Nolan · 07/13/15 11:25AM

After all of the boisterous noise about rejecting austerity, Greece has finally agreed to the outlines of a bailout to address its debt crisis: more austerity. Its future is grim(mer). At times like this, it is useful to ask which side has the morality, and which has only the hazards.

All Debt Is Negotiable

Hamilton Nolan · 07/06/15 01:00PM

Now that Greece’s citizens have overwhelmingly rejected the idea of continued financial austerity, the rest of Europe—particularly Germany—must decide whether to continue to hound the broke-ass Greeks to repay their debts. And Germany’s own moral superiority is far murkier than Germans might think.

Stop Hiring Political Operatives as "Journalists"

Hamilton Nolan · 05/18/15 09:00AM

The big controversy in the political pseudo-journalist world this week: the stunning revelations that ABC news anchor George Stephanopoulos made undisclosed contributions to the Clinton Foundation. Allow us to point out that George Stephanopoulos never should have been a news anchor YOU IDIOTS!!!!

The Flaws of Meritocracy

Hamilton Nolan · 04/01/15 01:28PM

When questions of civil rights, or inequality, or discrimination arise, we are often reminded that we are supposed to be striving for an ideal: the ideal of meritocracy, where everyone rises and falls on their own merits. Take a moment to consider the problems with our ideal.

Art in Money Prison 

Hamilton Nolan · 02/04/15 02:07PM

Art is free to create. Art is free to experience. Art belongs to all of us. Art is, in many ways, the opposite of money. And when you mix art with money, this is what you get: art that is wasted.