Edward Franklin, Author at The Lancelot Lounge

The Golden Handshake for Public Service? Reimagining Retirement for Our Leaders

By Edward Franklin May 30, 2025Politics | SocietyNo Comments

The halls of power, from Congress to the Supreme Court, are increasingly populated by individuals who serve for decades, often well into their later years. While experience is invaluable, this…

The Power of the Small: Why Incremental Changes are the Real Path to Lasting Habits

By Edward Franklin May 29, 2025Random Thoughts | TheoriesNo Comments

The world of self-improvement, especially online, often bombards us with grand pronouncements: "Transform your life in 30 days!" "Achieve all your goals simultaneously!" While the enthusiasm is commendable, my personal…

Beyond the Banks: Why Bailout Funds Should Bolster Pensions and the Middle Class

By Edward Franklin May 28, 2025Politics | SocietyNo Comments

When economic crises hit, a familiar pattern often emerges: the government steps in with massive bailouts, primarily targeting large banks and financial institutions. The rationale is to prevent systemic collapse…

Reaching the Unreachable: Could Layered Representation Bridge the Constituent Divide?

By Edward Franklin May 10, 2025Politics | Society

There's a growing sentiment in the United States that our elected representatives in Washington feel distant, operating in a world far removed from the daily lives of their constituents. Gone…

Beyond the Wage: Could a “Royalty” Model Empower All Workers?

By Edward Franklin May 10, 2025Economics | Business

Think about the credits that roll at the end of a movie or the names listed on a music album. While the stars and leading artists often receive significant upfront…

The Uneven Bargain: Why We Haggle with the Poor but Not the Powerful

By Edward Franklin May 9, 2025World | Culture

Have you ever found yourself meticulously negotiating a few dollars off a handcrafted souvenir from a street vendor, perhaps even feeling a sense of triumph at your savvy bargaining? Consider…

The Entertainment Feedback Loop: Who’s Guiding Whom?

By Edward Franklin May 9, 2025Politics | Society, World | Culture

Your inclination that the entertainment industry "guides" rather than "dictates" holds significant weight. Here's why: Investment and Production: The industry invests vast sums in producing and marketing specific types of…

Beyond Job Loss: A Radical Solution to the Robotics & AI Revolution – Proportional Ownership and Reduced Hours

By Edward Franklin May 9, 2025Economics | Business

The march of robotics and artificial intelligence is no longer a distant sci-fi fantasy; it's rapidly reshaping our economy and labor landscape. While the potential for increased productivity and innovation…

If No Time’s Beginning, Then No Start or Finish: Is Time a Human Construct?

By Edward Franklin May 9, 2025Random Thoughts | Theories

We've all pondered the ultimate "where did it all come from?" question. The universe's origin, the spark that ignited existence – it's a debate that stretches back through millennia. But…

The Paradox of Comparative Advantage: Specialization, Market Power, and the Threat of Monopoly

By Edward Franklin April 8, 2025Economics | Business

David Ricardo's theory of comparative advantage is a cornerstone of international trade. It illuminates how even if one entity is more efficient at producing everything (absolute advantage), specialization in areas…