Jones Act Discussion, Arlington This Saturday

Reminder, we have a meetup this Saturday, January 27th, on How to Repeal the Jones Act. The Jones Act is the 104-year-old law that bans shipping between US ports unless the ship was built in the US, which dramatically increases the costs of internal commerce. Come plot policy change with us. This will be at John Bennett's apartment in Arlington, starting at 7pm. As usual, we'll have drinks and refreshments.

• Address is: 2001 Columbia Pike #703, Arlington, VA 22204

  • Use the call box for Apt 703 when you arrive

  • Parking in the building's lot is legal until 10PM; some nearby blocks on 9th St, Veitch St, and 6th St are also unrestricted.

  • It's a short uber ride from Clarendon or Pentagon City, and if the weather improves it’s an easy bikeshare ride from Clarendon.

• Facebook event for discussion and RSVPs (optional but helpful)

Mental Health Debate Discussion, Herndon Feb 24

Also, there is another discussion meetup on February 24th. Ben Schwab is hosting a meetup on Scott Alexander and Bryan Caplan's debate on Mental Health for that day. The question is "Do people diagnosed with mental health issues have an illness or do they have extreme socially disapproved preferences?"

Scott Alexander and Bryan Caplan have a disagreement about the nature of mental health.  Bryan Caplan considers deviations from expected mental norms not to be illness but instead strong preferences by people (https://econfaculty.gmu.edu/bcaplan/pdfs/szasz.pdf , https://www.econlib.org/the-depression-preference/).  Scott Alexander disagrees considering deviations from expected mental norms to be illness (https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/sure-whatever-lets-try-another-contra , https://slatestarcodex.com/2015/10/07/contra-caplan-on-mental-illness/).  Come discuss the nuances of this distinction and the value (or lack thereof) of both paradigms.

The discussion will happen from approximately 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm. You can arrive as early as 6:30 PM and there will be an informal social before and after the dedicated discussion. Some snacks and refreshments will be provided; feel free to bring your own.

This will take place at 205 Meeting House Station Square #403, Herndon, Virginia 20170. There is a parking lot for the building, nearby street parking, and rides from the Herndon metro station can be arranged. Call or Text Ben at 240-391-6021 to gain entry to the building.

Facebook Event. Questions can be directed to Ben Schwab at [email protected].