The Empathic Civilization

Mr. Rifken uses the RSA animate format to share how we are connected as a human family. Are we the individualistic self-centered people we are told we are from the age of reason or are we connected? If we are connected what prevents us from progressing as a human family? If his ideas are true how can that provide us with hope for our future. The video can be found here.

Ms Thatcher's Legacy (The Iron Lady)...

Mr Harper recently stated that Ms Thatcher will be remembered for hundreds of years. The press has spent a lot of time lately applauding her accomplishments in helping to bring in the era of globalization and creating the 'free market' imperative. This parliamentarian take a different view on her legacy. As you listen to it pick up the economic and political ideas associated within it and compare it to what we've recently been inundate about her. As we begin our trek into the political sphere of ideology, how do these ideas fit? Where do you stand on Ms Thatcher's legacy? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

The People in Power are NOT our friends....

This is the title of a short video found here in which Chris Hedges speaks. The more I listen to this guy, the more impressed I become. He speaks to the corporate state which has taken over in America and how people behave like sheep to that power. Is he correct? Do we not see shades of this happening in Canada and throughout the world in which people are being convinced to obey not rebel to government dictates. This guy has me on his 'watch list' and I will seek more information on him but thus far what he suggests makes a lot of sense. Do you agree with his statements? What Does it truly mean to live in our times and what can we do about it? Love to hear your responses. BTW if you like Chris Hedges, here's another video that may make you think differently about globalization.

Whistle blowing...a true case that still has me thinking...

Julian Assange is a well known activist who is currently targeted for spreading government information without consent and/or vital documents which could effect 'national security'. As you view the video ask yourself: 1. Does Assange have the right to post 'classified' information on wiki leaks to inform citizens of what is going on? 2. If so, what are the risks of leaking information that is deemed ;sensitive' or not in the national interest? 3. The heart of ideas presented are debatable points as to when should we be kept from information (controlled) or have the freedom to access information that some argue may not be in our interests. As we debate the consequences of economic and political liberalism, what lines are heathly/unhealthy to draw when it comes to information that citizens should have access to. For more thoughts on freedom of speech check more of Bill Maher on the young turks found here.

Is mulitasking good for us?

The digital age brings us technologies that are supposed to help us do more. Are the phones, pads, net, etc. helpful to our development of knowledge. I think you'd be surprised if you watch this video from PBS. I posted this as a result of a conversation I had with one of my students who insisted that technology has assisted multitasking thus doing more at one time and of course getting smarter from it...think again. Take the plunge and respond if you'd like.

How carefully is 'big brother' watching....

Since 9/11, citizen's rights have been under the gun when it comes to privacy. Look around your surrounding and witness the security camera's. More 'security' to protect our 'freedom' seems to be the order of the day. Is this just and/or fair? Who wins/loses in this process? How would classic liberals see this? John Locke? The short article can be found here.

Banned Ted Talk ... I wonder why...hmmmmm

As we look into economic liberalism an agrument has been made in the last 30 years that lowering tax rates on the wealthy would be better for the economy as they would have the money to create new jobs. Wow...this banned ted talk video from a millionaire disputes this idea very much. The video can be found here. You can also get a further analysis of ted video from the YoungTurks (one of my fav news groups) here. As you watch the video pause and reflect on the charts and what they suggest. Ask yourself what ideology this fits into and who the key people behind the type of thing for and against taxes are. Finally, where do you stand and why? Love to hear from you soon.

Streetkids...an appeal...how do we respond..

A student of mine who I respect shared this link with me. It deals with life on the 'street' and some of this issues street kids face. Read the posted letter and ask yourself what should be done, if anything. Given our discussion of classic liberalism, how can we/society respond to the needs of street kids? Should be it 'our' responsibility or 'theirs' to help address the problem of homelessness. You can see some video and letter here.

Have wages kept up to the cost of living.....

This short article and graph speaks volumes to how American's have not kept up with the cost of living in America. Thank you to a thoughtful student for this post. Consider in the light of classic liberalism we've studied, what this means for us. Does it make sense to you? Is our situation in Alberta or Canada any different you suspect (I don't)? What is the implication of this on our present and future? Love to hear your thoughts, the article can be found here. By the way, Dave Johnson who wrote the peace is an economist that is credible. In fact, if you google him, you'll find a lot of great articles for those of you that may have that interest.

Queue jumping in the Alberta Health Care system..

Queue jumping (not having to wait like others to get treated with the aid of cash) is being investigated in Alberta today. The article talks about some get ahead of others when it comes to treatment. If this is so, what does that suggest to you? Is it a practice we should endorse or not? What do these actions say about us, our government, philosophy and if anything, should be done about queue jumping. The article can be found here.

How do we get into wars???

I love the Rachel Maddow show as she investigates issues more deeply and thoughtfully then most news channels. Given the 10th anniversary of the Iraq war she looks at how America declared war after 9/11. I think you'll find some interesting ideas of how governments get their countries into war and hopefully it will give you plenty to think about. For our purposes when looking at issues what does this commentary tell you and us about propaganda? Is it fair to suggest that what you see in the video was all contrived or was it also legitimate to get involved. Let me know your thoughts, the video can be found here.

Reproductive Rights...who decides???

This short video speaks to an attack against women's rights. What irony is spoken about and why is does this seem to be an issue that is constantly being focused on in the United States? When we talk about liberalism, how does this issue connect? What is your take on this issue and how it should be dealth with?

Preventive Imprisonment....illiberal????

In this speech from Obama, he speaks about the need to have FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) a sub agency of the Department of Homeland Security regulating which people 'might' be deemed to have criminal intent and therefore incarcerated in the interest of protecting Americans. Rachel Maddow carefully deconstructs this speech and her analysis is pretty damning as to the abuse of civil liberties, which of course the States swears by. Is this an example of illiberalism at it's 'finest' or is the President justified in his actions? The video can be found here.

Mr Jones...the ultra don't &^*% with my gun libertarian...

Alex Jones really when off the deep end when he was interview about his views on gun control. I couldn't believe how he would resort to name calling, discrediting and out right threats to his host when debating gun control. There are two parts as you will see if you view this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uymMI_omik. Does his rant have meaning or is it just a rant? How do you see gun control in light of liberal ideology which you are well aware of? Love to read your comments!

What the 99% movement was and is about...

In this video,the Californian Teachers Federation try to suggest what ails the US is the tax base and how services are paid for. Further, it suggests that the people to blame for the US fiscal crisis are not workers but rather the rich who do not want to pay their fair share of taxes. Do you buy into this message? Why/why not? What evidence is seen that supports this position and finally how does it relate to our studies of economics and politics this semester? The link to the video can be found here.