East Jerusalem tensions...the beat goes on and on...

Will there every be peace in the middle east? The Israel/Palestinian conflict has been going on for over 60 years with both sides seeming to have justification to perform violent actions that only increase the problems they have not eliminate them. Where is the UN on all this? Why hasn't the security counsel been able to help resolve the disputes they have over land? What are some of the roadblocks to a lasting peace? I'd love for you to send me your responses and links that are useful in answering these questions. You can start with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's comments found here.

International Womens Day...not a peep????

Today marked International Women's day, yet no news about it? What does this say? Here's some history on on the day and a website for more information.

Ban marks 40 years of NPT...hopefully it's time to get rid of nukes

Mr Ban the secretary general of the United Nations is hopeful that this, the 40th anniversary of the marking of the Non Proliferation Treaty, will result in a plan to  'eliminate nuclear weapons'. I know that there are enough issues that plague humanities future but certainly I would love to see the elimination of nuclear weapons on the way before I leave this earth.  I urge you to keep track on this issue and follow the NPT conference results this year...article here.

We are change

Found this in my cruising around, some pretty good notions here I believe. Take a look at the video 'we are change' and tell me what you think. It's a refreshing view and we need more like this I believe, time to stretch the mind here.

Public vs Private...health care again...

As the American's continue to debate a public option we need to ask ourselves what is happening to OUR system. This article in today's (Feb.28/10) Edmonton Journal the debate continues, take a look here. What occurs odd to me is the way we frame the debate. I wonder if looking at 'both' sides of the issue is what we need to do. You can argue of course that those who can afford to pay more should, and of course on the other hand, those who can't shouldn't be left out. Under this type of debate parameter surely those who have the time and money will win. While I believe debate is essential in most manners, guiding principles are as in important. Take a look at the five core principles that shape our system (found here).   For those who want to look deeper at legislation, you can find it here. Love to hear your thoughts on this matter. Remember if sending responses to webct, please include urls discussed. TY

Ahh mankind's genius!

Great article to ponder on decarbonizing cities. It is great to see when we put our minds to it, solutions appear. Love to hear your thoughts on this article.

Bill Moyers on buying democracy

I love this guy, he is a well rounded journalist who's won numerous accolades on his work. Check him out and you'll see why he is so well regarded. He is ranting on the supreme court decision to let corporate lobbying sway the polity in the U.S. What will the impact of this be on democracy there? Are we headed that way? Certainly there are lobbyists, corporate and otherwise, that are trying to sway political thought here in Canada. The BCNI (name change to CCCE) are an example of corporate power in Canada and you can use this link to start you off.

Is it time for two tier healthcare????

Great article but full of (what's that smell?) let us say some missing analysis. There is a truism to the article and that is that those who can afford better health care will certainly live longer...but does that mean sentencing the rest of us to lower standards for the sake of the few is enough  reason to destroy a system that though is not perfect, works ? I'm all up for options, and if you are into it, let's bring in folks from both sides to debate it? What do you think, I'm game if you are. Short read and be sure to look at comments underneath the article, some very clever thoughts there.