Welcome

What is Ethical Alchemy?

Welcome to Ethical Alchemy, an exploration of history, diplomacy, law, politics,  philosophy, gaming, and whatever else comes to mind. Why these categories?

History

I have a B.A. in US History from the University of Minnesota, and have voraciously read, and sometimes wrote, history since I was quite young.  My particular interest is military history; I wrote my senior thesis on the deterrent effect of moving the Pacific Fleet to Pearl Harbor in 1940.

Diplomacy

I was a Foreign Service Officer (diplomat) for twenty-five years, until my retirement in 2012. (Obviously, nothing I post should be seen as reflecting the views of the US Government.)

Law

I have a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Minnesota, and I am an inactive member of the Minnesota Bar. (Obviously nothing I post should be considered legal advice.)

Politics

With Damocles' sword (the Hatch Act) gone from over my head, I can more freely engage in political discussion, even advocacy.  Plus, I met hundreds if not thousands of politicians in my career as a political officer, so I do have some opinions on the breed. 

Philosophy

As my wife notes, philosophy means simply a love of wisdom.  It is a truism, but wisdom is a rarer gem than knowledge, and knowledge less common than mere feeling.

Gaming

I started playing commercial wargames in 1972, D&D in 1975, poker in 1977. N.b.: On Boardgamegeek.com I am PScipio.  See, e.g.: http://rpggeek.com/rpgdesigner/26899/alan-j-carlson

Whatever else?

Why not?