Join 30,000+ Independent Readers: Get the FREE Brownstone Journal Newsletter

Brownstone Journal

Brownstone Journal features in-depth articles, news, research, and commentary on public health, science, economics, social theory, and related policy issues — offering critical perspectives on institutional failures, government interventions, and threats to liberty.

Brownstone Institute » Brownstone Journal

Patricians vs. Plebeians: The Realignment 

Lockdowns and mandates have reshuffled political alliances, it would appear. They have created a clearer demarcation than we’ve seen in our lifetimes between the Zoom-class Patricians and the freedom-loving Plebeians. Engaging that struggle with intelligence and clarity is what’s necessary to recapture the cultural affection for, and the political practice of, the liberty we once knew. 

Patricians vs. Plebeians: The Realignment  Continue Reading

“Hallucinations, Nightmares, Despair, Longing for Human Contact” ~ Letter to Editor

I was not prepared for the absolute horror of being alone and no longer trusting that doctors actually wanted me to live. As I became increasingly lethargic and disoriented, I kept trying to be my own advocate and begging for the right to try medicine and vitamins that I had researched and knew would help me. 

“Hallucinations, Nightmares, Despair, Longing for Human Contact” ~ Letter to Editor Continue Reading

Why Did Masks Stop Working in Japan and South Korea?

For nearly two years now, we’ve seen media outlets attempt to allocate credit to interventions by ignoring the seasons. They purposefully wait until the curve goes down to report that masking in addition to their favored intervention of the week is responsible for controlling the surge — ignoring that the same interventions existed before the surge started.

Why Did Masks Stop Working in Japan and South Korea? Continue Reading

They Are Still Defending Lockdowns

Stay-at-home orders in real life become a class-protection scheme to keep high-end laptop professionals shielded from the virus while imposing the burden of exposure on people who have no option but to be out and about. In other words, the working classes are effectively forced to bear the burden of herd immunity, while the rich and financially secure stay safe and wait for the pandemic to pass. 

They Are Still Defending Lockdowns Continue Reading

There Was No Exit Plan from “Slow the Spread”

During this time of insanity, some of us went about our lives as best we could and ignored the restrictions. The rest of the world is now coming to terms with the understanding that the “precautions” don’t do much. At best what is going to happen anyway, happens. If there is no off ramp then the change is either permanent or it will go on until failure is evident and people stop caring. Then they will go back to normal one by one.

There Was No Exit Plan from “Slow the Spread” Continue Reading

Which Pandemic Response Achieves the Greater Good?

How do individuals know what’s best for them? While the scientific knowledge, theoretical or technical expertise of one person, or one profession, may help shed light on what’s best for individuals, it can never be enough. Only individuals themselves have the unique knowledge that all others do not have, about their individual-specific ever-changing circumstances, constraints, needs and preferences. 

Which Pandemic Response Achieves the Greater Good? Continue Reading

Sick and All Alone

It shouldn’t be needed, but it is. Florida governor Ron DeSantis has introduced a patient protection bill, so that ‘if you’re in a hospital or long-term care facility, you have a right to have your loved ones there present with you.’  Every other state and country will hopefully follow. Some places have even prevented the dying from dying in the company and warmth of loved ones.

Sick and All Alone Continue Reading