Is privatization a positive step for society?

 We live in a capitalist society and as such we rejoice in the freedom of the market place. The standard argument of greater efficiency and lower taxes in the bait used to convince people that privatization is in their interest; or is it? Professor Reich argues that their are 5 reasons to privatize. Evaluate the rationale provided and ask yourself if it holds true or not. You can find his video here.  For more information, Professor Chomsky, a world renowned intellect adds his reasoning to whether or not privatization is a natural phenomenon of capitalism or if it makes capitalism less appealing for the common good and his video can be found here.  Take a position on privatization and support your thesis using course activity and link/s you have found. 

How much freedom do we have under capitalism? Myth or reality?

I used the following source on purpose as it is very hard on capitalism as an economic system. The perspective of this source is certainly from the left but is it fair? What are the best couple of arguments that are used against capitalism and what can you counter those arguments with? Surely, an economic system which has brought to us standard of living and longevity cannot be all that bad? Sort out for yourself what side you would fall on. Do we keep the system as is, or, do we replace it with something else? What ideas do you have and how will you support those ideas (citations) ? The video can be found here. If you want more on this topic, check out this short article here.

 

Which political party best represents your interest?

 The following link will give you information about our political parties in Canada. I want you to pick out of the various ones listed the top two you would choose to support.  Provide their main ideas and why one party would be better than the other. Defend using social studies material (eg. philosophers) why you chose the one you did.

Include two outside links that support your view and paste them into the answer section in the quiz.

Are humans really a kinder, gentler species?

Rutger Bregman is a Dutch author and historian and argues that people are essentially good.  Yet, we hear and see on the news the 'dark' of human behavior from violence towards each other, criminal behavior to political grift, etc. This is important to consider when deciding what type of societal rules and/or laws should be implemented. What does society look like if we take this outlook on society? On the other hand, we can adopt views like Bregman's and then craft a society with different laws and/or regulations.  Given what we have studies and witness through our studies what point between positive or negative regard do you have regarding human behavior? Back up your discussion with two links that would support your point of view. The link to the 30-minute program could be found here.

Two Pandemics with Robert Reich

I follow this economist from Berkley and he worked under the Bush and Clinton administration. He argues how the covid crisis threatens people in different classes in different ways. Using what you've learning about liberalism is he thinking sound? How can you related the enlightenment thinkers to his understanding of the crisis? Are there examples of what he is saying that could be generalized into other areas of our society? Take a stand on what you see as a solution to the problem/s he has spoken to.  The video can be found here.

Capital over People?

This article was written by Hamilton Nolan who sees the priority of the government to let capital build despite what the consequences would be on the general population.  Given what you've taken in the development of liberalism, the Enlightenment thinkers, the Industrial Revolution, what should be the response to economic concerns? How do our ideologies conflict in this regard? Do we see any evidence of the impact on the economy and how to handle it here in Canada? Finally, take a position on what you feel is the best course of action for us to take in light of this pandemic. The article can be found here.

The 1% grabbed 82% of the worlds wealth in 2019

This report is a few years old but reflects the general trend. Why is this happening? Who would approve/disapprove of these actions? Which side are you on and why? Use social studies theory to back up your argument/s. The article can be found here.

Is neoliberalism destroying the world?

Great discussion from a CBC Ideals program. It is about an hour in length but well with pondering. It shares ideas about some of the economists we deal with as well in SS30. Would love to hear your responses to the program. You can find the program here.