Politics | Society - 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…

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…

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…

The Rise of Algorithmic Medicine: Are We Ready to Trade Bedside Manner for Efficiency?

By Edward Franklin March 16, 2025Politics | Society, Science | Technology

The landscape of healthcare is undergoing a seismic shift. We're witnessing the dawn of an era where AI and robotics are no longer futuristic fantasies but tangible realities transforming how…

The Entropy of Human Interaction: How Disorder Impacts Group Dynamics

By Edward Franklin March 16, 2025Politics | Society, Random Thoughts | Theories

Entropy: A Quick Refresher In thermodynamics, entropy is often described as a measure of disorder or randomness in a system. The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of…

The Microwave and the Expanding Waistline: A Complex Correlation

By Edward Franklin March 12, 2025Politics | Society

The humble microwave, a symbol of modern convenience, has become a ubiquitous fixture in kitchens across the United States. Yet, its rise in popularity coincides with another concerning trend: the…

Deflation in a World of Abundance: Rethinking the Role of Money in a Future of Near-Zero Marginal Cost

By Edward Franklin March 12, 2025Economics | Business, Politics | Society

In traditional economic theory, deflation is often viewed as a negative phenomenon. It's associated with falling prices, decreased consumer spending, and a potential economic downturn. However, this perspective is primarily…

AI: The Lazy Person’s Dream?

By Edward Franklin March 12, 2025Politics | Society, Science | Technology

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked numerous debates about its impact on society, the economy, and the future of work. One interesting perspective suggests that AI can be…

The Illusion of Efficiency: Why Privatizing Prisons May Cost Us More Than We Think

By Edward Franklin March 10, 2025Economics | Business, Politics | Society

When governments outsource essential services like prisons to private companies, the promise is often efficiency and cost savings. The argument goes that private companies are driven by profit, so they…