(Leverage: amount of debt that a company uses in its capital structure. This is called leverage because it effectively multiplies, or leverages, the equity owners’ gains or losses.) Over the last few years we have seen firsthand how over-levered companies can create an unstable environment. Heavily levered firms such as investment banks, AIG, General Motors, [...]
The blind leading the blind
Remember how everyone told us that investment banks were trading securities, more specifically derivatives, which are so complex that not even Warren Buffet or Alan Greenspan understood them and this led to the downfall of the economy? Well, there is no longer any need to concern yourself with any of that. You see, even though [...]
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- July 16th, 2010 by J.P. Arendt
Why big business loves big government
This is in addition to an article titled “How the left was won”
We are presented with visions of big government beating down big business and helping the small businessman and laborer. Government tells us that it will protect us by putting reins on Wall Street, requiring expensive drug testing, and regulating hedge funds. Why then [...]
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- February 18th, 2010 by J.P. Arendt
How the left was won
I, like many of you, have always wondered why it is that liberal economics dominate the ranks of well-educated, intelligent, financially well-off people. Why people that would benefit from welfare and other transfers of wealth would vote democrat is self-explanatory. However, the reasoning behind a wealthy businessman, an educated and well paid college professor, or [...]
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- February 12th, 2010 by J.P. Arendt
What do you want to read about?
Rise of Reason has been a bit quiet lately as I have been fairly busy with business and applying to graduate schools. However, I’m dedicating more time to spreading the value of freedom!
I am curious to know if there is anything any of you want to see an article about. If there is anything in [...]
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- February 11th, 2010 by J.P. Arendt
The morality of free markets
When I debate my points regarding free markets and free societies I often find myself being criticized by my more left-leaning rival debater for being “heartless” and having no compassion for my fellow man. If I may be so blunt, I find my positions to hold the highest possible moral ground. Allow me to explain.
Many [...]
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- February 8th, 2010 by J.P. Arendt







