We are poorly served by the widespread belief that our society involves two, and only two, kinds of political actors: individuals and the state. Subsidiarity, by contrast, recognizes the existence of a host of other actors and agents: families, neighborhoods, civic groups, schools, universities, businesses, churches, religious congregations, nonprofits, etc. Refusing to acknowledge the existence of such actors means refusing to acknowledge the relationships and responsibilities that individuals and the state have to them, which leads in turn to a distorted, Hobbesian, understanding of both individuals and the state. Read more

Equifax loses round one in court. Mercy Seat still rocks. How will red states handle their blue neighbors better health insurance? Anger and courage: Hope's two beautiful daughters. FBI announces huge sex-trafficking bust. Willie Reed showed more courage at age 18 than most of us ever will. When to roll up the scroll and sit down. Read more

Americans find any public discussion or comparison of income distasteful and grounds for extreme defensiveness. This reluctance to speak transparently about income does not serve most people well, but serves some people very well indeed. Read more

I’d like to see check-cashing outlets and other payday lending outfits required to display a prominently placed informational kiosk with information on local banks and credit unions offering low-minimum balance and free checking accounts. I’d require a sign above this kiosk reading, “OPEN AN ACCOUNT AND CASH CHECKS FOR FREE.” Read more