Text Stop: A Contradiction in Terms?

Return to Order Text Stop: A Contradiction in Terms?

Crossing the border into New York on the highway, I came upon a curious road sign. Everyone has seen signs for rest stops along the way to give drivers some respite and prevent accidents. This sign, however, announced something different: a text stop. Yes, a text stop. Not just one but many along the way. … Read more

Return to Order Getting Around in South Africa

Return to Order Return to Order Getting Around in South Africa

A friend of mine sent me a picture of his Return to Order.org car decal. As the reader will notice, the steering wheel is on the right side. That is because my friend is from South Africa where they drive on the right. He normally has the decal on the door. He reports numerous comments … Read more

Is this the Big One? Central Bankers from the World Over Warn of Impending ‘Perfect Storm’

Return to Order Is this the Big One? Central Bankers from the World Over Warn of Impending ‘Perfect Storm’

There is a major financial storm brewing on the horizon. Such dramatic statements have long been the staple of naysayers for decades. Usually these warnings are dismissed by the financial establishment as the ravings of fringe analysts. Yes, crashes do happen, but the naysayers are never seen as prophets, but just opportunists who happened to … Read more

Here Are Five Reasons To Keep Picking at Piketty

Return to Order Piketty's Tower of Jell-O

In the continuing debate on inequality, there are many who continue to point to Thomas Piketty as a kind of secular prophet who can offer words of wisdom. The French economist certainly has plenty of words that can be found in his worldwide bestseller, a weighty 700-page work called Capital in the Twenty-First Century. Whether … Read more

The Fear of God and Just Price

Return to Order What Makes a Product “Local?” 3

We find the concern and passion for justice reflected in a conversation between Saint John Bosco and a simple blacksmith who supported the saint’s works and began the following conversation: –“Do you know what my biggest worry is?” –“Surely it must be to live and die in the grace of God.” –“No, I’m not worried … Read more

Why do Our Comedians Kill Themselves?

Return to Order Why do Our Comedians Kill Themselves?

The tragic suicide of comedian Robin Williams contains many lessons. Everyone is quick to point out the contradictions of his life. Here was a man who had everything the world had to offer to fill his life—money, fame and an entertaining lifestyle. And yet far from satisfying him, he was left with an emptiness that … Read more

Capitalism Does Not Exist…

Return to Order How Money Should Be an Expression of Culture 2

With all the talk against capitalism, it would be helpful to have a good definition of the term. However, such a definition does not exist. The term’s origin comes from enemies of the free market. Jesuit economist Bernard Dempsey notes: “The answer is that there is no such thing as capitalism. The word is incapable … Read more

Return to Order Is Getting Around

Return to Order A Definition of an Economist 1

A good friend of mine reported on a meeting of local conservatives that she attended in St. Louis, Mo. She reports: “At the end, I held up a copy of Return to Order, and told about the book. Several folks were interested, and asked questions at the forum. I gave the president of the group … Read more

Return to Order: Organic Remedies and Upright Spontaneity

Return to Order The Stability of Generations 1

  (The Imaginative Conservative website has published the following excerpt from the book, Return to Order by John Horvat II) A second element of organic society involves the manner in which remedies are found. In searching for solutions, we must carefully observe the fact that organic solutions cannot be imposed upon a people as if … Read more

Piketty’s Bland New World

Return to Order A City Without a Soul 2

If it were to fall upon me to rename Thomas Piketty’s recent book, Capital in the Twenty-First Century, I would call it Bland New World. My choice might seem strange since it is so far removed from the purely economic considerations that dominate the debate on this book. However, it does express the worldview found … Read more