You are a slave to the Government

Despite the American context, the message from this native activist is pretty powerful. Are there signs of our enslavement in moderns terms as he suggests? What are they? What spirit is he advocating and is it reasonable? Something to ponder for sure and you can find the short video at this location.

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.