New Catallaxy

It’s the exception that proves the rule is one of the more profound of expressions. Often misinterpreted. Replace ‘proves’ with its synonym ‘tests’, and its meaning becomes clear.  It means, as Catallaxy readers would know, that if the rule breaks down in exceptional circumstances, then it isn’t a rule at all. It has a Popperian…

Ok, just to break it up, it’s time for a movie. Whilst not 100% bang on*, the parallels are quite striking. Even if you’ve seen the movie before, this is worth another 4 minutes of your time. * The creators have obviously been front-loaded with the modern teachings about conservatives, religion and fascism.

My Nanna was born on the day England, France and Russia declared war on Germany in 1914. In 1918 as a kid, she got The Flu and was left helpless presumed to die. Her Old Man wrapped her in brown paper with a mustard poultice, tipped a bottle of brandy all over her, and nestled…

New science has prompted a recalibration of the Rulz … Travel restrictions will be tweaked from 5km to 6.318km. The new allowable distance is more finely tuned and accurate to a metre (must be measured from your mailbox) Large construction sites must now reduce staff to 24.8%, revised down from 25% You’re not allowed visitors…

Political leaders in democracies seldom lead but almost invariably follow. This is from Instapundit, which is following an international trend to laugh at Australia and Australians, but I wish we were not so clearly following a lead set elsewhere. NOT THE BABYLON BEE: This news clip from Australia is unbelievably dystopian (video). 1984: A warning for the rest…

It’s a little know fact that Enabling Acts were not a particularly unusual event in early 20th Century Germany. It’s also not widely known that to bring one into existence, it took a successful two-thirds (2/3) majority vote in the Reichstag, currently known as a Super Majority. This would seem wholly appropriate, given the power…

Living during lockdown in Sydney meant we didn’t have to wear masks outside. That important freedom distinguishing us from Melbourne. That ended ten days or so ago. Can’t remember what date. Days merge into days these days. I live in Gladys Berejiklian’s electorate. She’s obviously part of the overwhelmingly majority in her party; the new…

From The Toronto Star — ‘Let the Unvaccinated Die’. And that’s not a letter to the editor but the actual front page. This was the message the paper wanted its readers to read. They believe they are being virtuous and on the side of the angels, but they are as evil as it is possible to…