Monday Links for 6.8.2015

Some of the interesting stories I've read in the past week...

7 Reasons You Shouldn't Go To Law School -  I pretty much agree with all these reasons.  For the most part, I enjoy my practice and work as an attorney, but its definitely not a "cure-all" that the degree is sometimes thought to be.  And ultimately, the advice of only go to law school if you really want to practice law, is truly the best.  Except for a few individuals, the money is not what most people think it is.  The work is often voluminous and thankless.  You have to enjoy finding passion in small, detailed, technical arguments of the law, joy in the clients you help (even when they may not realize the scope of that help), and let the rare moments when you truly impact someone's life in a positive way nurture you until the next time.

Why are Republicans More Afraid of ISIS than China - I think this speaks, generally, as to how fear works.  For the most part, fear is irrational; and the emotional impact of ISIS's actions are generally much more palpable than the growing economic power of China.  But, with the recent federal hack, I wonder if some of the conversation will start changing in our domestic politics when talking about foreign powers.

As the Rich Become Super-Rich, They Pay Lower Taxes - The title says it all, and the article does a pretty good job explaining how, focusing primarily on the capital gains issue.  I'm a firm believer in reforming tax policy can do a lot to solve our government fiscal issues.  For starters, removing the cap on social security tax.  Right now, income only up to approximately $106,000 is taxed for social security purposes; meaning everything a person makes above $106,800 is not taxed and contributes nothing to the social security fund.  There's really no good reason for this arbitrary cap and removing it would certainly help funding issues.

Lines of Light and Dark: On Mowing and Writing - Just an interesting reflection piece from the Millions, and one that I can relate to in some ways due to my constant thinking about mowing the yard.  I understand the attraction the writers speaks of in this piece.

White Progressives' Racial Myopia - Pretty good and fair criticism of the failure of many progressives to see racial issues as separate from class or income inequality issues.  While I do think that addressing class inequalities in income will go a long ways in addressing racial disparities, the failure to see that there are still distinct racial inequalities that cross a broad spectrum of issues beyond the solely economic, is just that, a failure.  True criminal justice reform, and understanding how that basic relationship between the State's police apparatus and black citizens, and its hurtful and negative impacts, is crucial, I think, to any complete policy platform.

6 Things to Know About Climate Change Science - Good reminder to individuals of the difference between our everyday thinking and scientific thinking, between everyday language and scientific language, in addressing the myths and facts of climate change and the supporting science.

President Obama's Eulogy For Beau Biden - Just an awesome reflection on creating a meaningful life.  The President's remarks were beautiful and sincere; its enough to make one strive to live a life where similar things could be said about them upon their death.