Many 'hard' scientists regard the term 'social science' as an oxymoron. Science means hypotheses you can test, and prove or disprove. Social science is little more than observation putting on airs.

What could be more absurd than the idea that genuine anti-Christian prejudice is a major force in American politics.

One answer is that the towns elected officials thought that the project served a public purpose and that the various subsidies and favors were worth the price. But they may or may not have thought this.

Among the social sciences, economists are the snobs. Economics, with its numbers and graphs and curves, at least has the coloration and paraphernalia of a hard science. It's not just putting on sandals and trekking out to take notes on some tribe.

The definition of a gaffe is when a politician tells the truth.

Americans don't want leadership. They want alchemy.

The takings clause of the Fifth Amendment is for conservatives what the equal protection clause of the 14th is for liberals.