The Fiscal Irresponsibility Lottery Act
For every billion dollars in deficit spending by the federal government in a calendar year a random tax payer will be awarded a tax free contribution of $1,000,000.
Great literature should do more than entertain us. It should provide a roadmap to improving our lives.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens introduced readers to Sydney Carton, one of literature's most compelling and deeply flawed characters. Dickens also gives him an unusual title: the Jackal.
His struggles raise questions that remain relevant today.
Are we defined by our past mistakes? Can we overcome our weaknesses? What separates the people we are from the people we could become?
Lessons From the Jackal is a 25-day character study exploring these questions through Sydney Carton’s life, decisions, relationships, and personal development.
This is not a traditional course on A Tale of Two Cities. Our reading assignments will focus specifically on Carton, with sufficient background provided to understand his story. No previous knowledge of the novel is necessary.
Each day will feature selected readings, historical comparisons, reflection questions, discussions, and practical challenges ...
Throughout this week, we have considered several different expressions of courage. We examined the courage required to speak honestly, the courage to seek reconciliation, and the importance of distinguishing courageous action from reckless behavior. Now, as we conclude our study of courage, Sydney Carton provides us with another example.
He has come to France.
This decision may appear relatively simple when compared with the dramatic events unfolding around him. Carton has not rescued anyone. He has not defeated an enemy or overcome the institutions threatening Charles Darnay's life. He has simply arrived.
Yet his arrival represents something important. For years, Carton has insisted that he is incapable of accomplishing anything worthwhile. He has repeatedly described himself as a disappointment and suggested that meaningful change is beyond his reach. But when someone he cares about faces grave danger, Carton does not use his own inadequacies as an excuse for remaining uninvolved. He acts.
We ...
