This week’s Aggregate is a bit smaller (possibly to make up for the long one a couple weeks back). I’m not sure why there weren’t as many interesting articles this week, but with the unveiling of Iran’s new uranium enrichment facility and their testing of short- and long-range missiles, all in one weekend, I’m sure next week will be back up to size. I also included a link to a new little section on my site: a listing of my favorite iPhone apps. Enjoy!
1
In addition to the excellent punny title, this article perfectly points out the ridiculous effects of protectionism and anti-free-trade absurdity. This little showcase of the "law of unintended consequences" spotlights the inefficiencies of tariffs (such as those President Obama recently imposed on Chinese tires), and brings to mind yet another fitting Sorkinism.
2
After making the rounds to almost all (with one notable exception) of the Sunday talk shows, President Obama managed to basically repeat the same talking points about his healthcare bill over and over again. However, one interesting conversation took place with George Stephanopoulos, who pressed the President about how it was possible that his insurance mandate was not a tax. The questioning didn't go far enough however, as it is still unclear what in the constitution permits Washington to require health insurance of the American people.
3
Although better student performance in charter schools has often been attributed to their acceptance of only the brightest students, new (and extensive) research has found evidence to the contrary. In fact, the performance gains from charter schooling are present with students all across the income spectrum. These types of results indicate both the great possibilities of increased charter schooling, as well as the minimal likelihood of their creation, due to the choking hold the teacher's unions have on education in America.
4
Finally this is a bit of shameless self-promotion on a slow news week - a new (and so-far unrevealed) category on my website - my favorite iPhone apps. I am on my iPhone all day and get to test all sorts of new and interesting apps. Therefore, I decided I'd share my favorite ones with all of you as I find them. The section also includes a new sidebar design, which will eventually permeate throughout the site.
