Marxism Rears Its Envious Head at Thomas Jefferson's University
Karl Marx was born in 1818, but Marxism—in spirit—has been around far longer. “Smith, you fool,” you might say, “how can that be?” Because Marxism is…
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Essays
Writing by John Tamny and Parkview contributors, from the latest commentary to the collected archive.
210 essays · Newest first
Clear filtersDamn That Spruill! On Friendship, Literature, and the Enduring Genius of Middlemarch
If you are like me, you have friends with whom you love to talk about books. Each gets excited about something he recently read and wants to share this experience with you. Often, you know…
What Davy Crockett Would Say About Government Spending
When my boy Coleman was four, he asked for — and got — a Davy Crockett jacket and a coonskin cap for Christmas. Back when Disney celebrated bad asses instead of fruitcakes, he…
Everyone Could Use a Little Rudyard Kipling In Their Financial Planning
“If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs…” Perhaps you recognize this opening line from Rudyard Kipling’s poem If. Who doesn’t…
The Administration Has the Right to Treat the Hot Air Class as Corrupt
“To consider the judges as the ultimate arbiters of all constitutional questions is a very dangerous doctrine indeed, and one which would place us under the despotism of an…
The Richer Other Countries Become, We Become Exponentially Richer
I’m not a tariff guy. I am a free trade absolutist. Tariffs have always been a bad word. The machinations of the “custom house” helped spark both the Revolutionary War and…
Openminded Gentleman That I Am, I Give Karen Screamer the Pen...
Meet Karen Screamer. I met her while walking by my local Hands Off rally. She was holding an “Elon Sux” placard in the middle of Main Street. She’s a big one, making it…
Books Are Great, But Nothing Beats One-on-One Conversation
Mrs. Pemberton was my first-grade teacher. Not long ago, I appeared in front of the Richmond County Planning Commission to pitch a mixed-use real estate development. Mrs. Pemberton was a…
It's a Glamorous Job Being Me, Always Absolutely Right
I'm Like a Modern-Day Nostradamus... Did y’all read my article last week? Donald Trump’s Endgame Is Not What You Think. My media company is named the ROB IS RIGHT network for a…
Donald Trump's Endgame With Tariffs Is Not What You Think
I could hardly be happier with the actions of the Trump Administration, though I’m not a tariff guy. Donald Trump is perhaps the most atypical politician since George Washington,…
You Know As Much About Zelensky As You Do Foghorn Leghorn
That Porky Pig is a real stand-up guy. How can you not like him? Yosemite Sam is a different animal. A real meanie? Oh wait, I forgot, they are just cartoon characters. My bad. To all those…
Zelensky Got What He Deserved After His Obnoxious UN Stunt
The thing about the Left and their feminine minded screamers is they are not very smart. They hear a few harsh words, despite being 100% true, and then run outside with their pinkies in the…
From Steel N. Robb To Niece Molly On Getting Ahead In Washington
This letter recently came into my possession. It’s from Steel N. Robb, managing partner of the powerhouse Washington consulting firm of Cheatem and Fleecem. The author is giving his…
The Soft Hands, No One's Looking, Hide the Ball, Lying Snake Rule
My friend Janie is a babe and a Washington mover and shaker. Over the years when she needed a tall, handsome and charming escort for a particular Washington event or gala, naturally…
For Some People Truth Is the North Star, for Others It's the Group
There are two types of people. One type whose North Star is “the truth,” and the other whose North Star is “the group.” Who has been watching the cabinet…
Global Competition Is Great, Meaning DeepSeek May Be Amazing
Nvidia is crashing. Sell, sell, sell! Hey all you fellows up there on the 60th floor. Don’t jump. Listen to Mr. Rob Is Right, this is actually a beautiful day! It’s a beautiful…
We Don't Need Political Lectures From the Pulpit
Before we begin, I am a generational Episcopalian. I am imperfect and a woeful sinner. I would be a broken man if not for the Holy Spirit who infuses me with joy and happiness and frees me…
Who Is More Noble: Tim Kaine or Pete Hegseth?
I was in Florida last week, the day Tim Kaine attacked Pete Hegseth during his confirmation hearings. Kaine is the type of guy who doesn’t know what a “first down” is.…
Richmond and Los Angeles Have Been Mugged By Reality
Windsor Farms is a beautiful residential neighborhood in Richmond. My great uncle developed it 100 years ago. The streets are laid out in the style of an English village and there are many…
FDR Was Right About the Desperately Wrong Withholding Tax
The biggest flaw in Washington policy makers and economists is not understanding predictable human behavior. We are not robots, and robotic economic formulas that fail to account for human…
DOGE Must Abolish Federal Holidays, Including January 1st
December 31, 2024. I am in the middle of a 4 day fast (long story). Tomorrow, my reward will be to eat a bowl of black-eyed peas accompanied by stewed tomatoes and a hunk of cornbread.…
Dear Santa, All I Want For Christmas Is a Government Shutdown
Recently, I sent out a number of distributions from various trusts. As trustee, I have discretion to do such things. I wanted to get the checks out before Christmas. This exercise gave me…
It's True, Sometimes Christmas Miracles Do Come True
My daughter Ella is something like the 7 th generation of Ellas in our family. Samuel Coleman was an officer in the Revolution. A daughter Samuella was named after him, and in subsequent…
Markets Keep Trying To Correct Our Direction
Let’s imagine that you went to college and then graduate school for the express purpose of going into the widget business. You believe in widgets. The business of America is widgets!…