The Cato Institute warns that the USPS's current handling of mail balloting poses a significant risk of systemic failure ahead of major elections. Key concerns include whistleblower allegations regarding 'batch rejection protocols,' which could invalidate thousands of legitimate ballots, coupled with documented slowdowns in delivery speed and increased rejections for lateness. This instability suggests potential operational or political interference aimed at undermining mail voting integrity. Consequently, the article advises that voters and state election officials must plan to bypass the USPS system by utilizing alternative secure methods, such as drop boxes or early in-person voting, to ensure timely ballot submission.
Friday Feature: Logos Tutoring Program
English Summary
Hunt Davidson created the Logos Tutoring Program to address educational disengagement in adolescent boys through a three-year immersive curriculum combining classical learning (ancient Greek, permaculture), outdoor education (10 hours weekly in nature), and one-on-one mentoring in rural Georgia. The program deliberately exposes boys to challenges, failures, and hardship in a safe environment to build resilience and self-ownership, incorporating liturgical practices and wilderness survival training. Drawing from his experience at St. John's College, Davidson's approach emphasizes what he describes as 'mythological, agrarian, and monastic' principles—storytelling, land stewardship, and contemplative practice—suggesting an alternative educational model that prioritizes character development and emotional growth over traditional classroom instruction.
中文摘要
亨特·戴維森創立了洛哥斯輔導計畫，旨在透過一套為期三年的沉浸式課程，解決青少年男孩與教育的脫節現象。該課程結合古典學習（古代希臘語、永續農業）、戶外教育（每週10小時的自然活動）以及在喬治亞州鄉村地區進行的一對一師傅指導。該計畫刻意將男孩置於挑戰、失敗和困難之中，但在安全的環境下進行，以培養韌性和自我掌控能力，並納入禮儀實踐和野外生存訓練。戴維森根據其在聖約翰學院的經驗，強調他所謂的「神話、農業和修道院」原則——敘事、土地保護和冥想修養——暗示了一種替代性教育模式，優先強調品格培養和情感成長，而非傳統課堂教學。
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The article argues that passing a Continuing Resolution (CR), while preventing an immediate government shutdown, merely preserves an unsustainable fiscal status quo rather than addressing underlying budgetary crises. Congress is criticized for using the CR as an escape route from difficult choices—such as cutting programs or tackling massive deficits—while simultaneously planning to increase debt through reconciliation packages for defense and agriculture. The core problem remains mandatory spending (Social Security, Medicare) driving debt unsustainably. For genuine fiscal stability, the author advises that Congress must move beyond short-term funding measures, prioritize essential functions, and establish a dedicated process to impose discipline on mandatory programs.
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The article argues that inheritance and estate taxes are detrimental to economic growth, investment, and productivity. Citing Sweden's experience after abolishing the gift and inheritance tax in 2005, the author notes subsequent increases in firm profitability, net sales, and asset values. The core reasoning suggests that removing these taxes allows owner-managers to reinvest capital directly into their companies rather than withdrawing funds for anticipated future tax liabilities. This increased internal investment has been shown to boost corporate financial health and higher corporate income tax payments.
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The CATO article argues that the US-Venezuela oil deal is deeply problematic due to significant governance and ethical concerns. Key criticisms include a lack of transparency in negotiations, the expansion of state corporatism through government involvement in resource extraction, and questionable legality since it bypasses Venezuelan constitutional requirements. Furthermore, the agreement utilizes a notoriously corrupt private partner and sidelines the democratic opposition, severely undermining US credibility and future diplomatic efforts. Strategically, the deal is viewed as an ill-advised 'imperial resource grab' that risks damaging long-term American influence in Latin America.