NATO meeting...protest in Chicago

There was a protest headed by Canadians re: the occupation of Afghanistan at a recent NATO meeting. Look at the rationale by the protestors and that of the government. What tensions exist? Is there a 'right' solution to the problem and if so what would you suggest. The five minute video describe the protest can be found here.

Columbian Aboriginals under threat ....

Amnesty International is calling on people to take action for the preservation of native people in Columbia. You can view the petition and information here. Your voice means a lot to the people of Columbia, if you feel it a just cause as I do, please endorese the petition. TY

Tea Party...the beat goes on

If liberalism respects the rule of law and you protest against the law, that is the constitution that these tea parties are holding so dear, does that constitute an illiberal act? Take a look at this video and tell me what the tea party is 'really' rallying against? Is Obama care a violation of the constitution? What is your take on this?

Propaganda ... are our minds 'controlled'?..

Propaganda is defined as using information in a misleading form to produce certain results in peoples minds. You are about to meet Edward Bernay's the 'father' of mondern day media manipulation. Do you buy that in a democratic society that the 'masses' can be controlled? If so, can you provide an example of this? Interesting subject and to get you started take a look at this short video. If you'd like more on this subject go to youtube and look up Noam Chomsky and Manufactoring Consent. You can try this link to get you started.

The Moral Mind

Today in class we looked at Ted talk with Johnathon Haidt on the Moral mind. Interesting video on how our morality is shaped from a conservative or liberal perspective. Would love to hear your thoughts on your take on this. You can find the talk here.

Political Test

Political Compass Vote Compass (CBC) Try both as a check on accuracy.

J. R. Saul...Alberta divided political perspective

On one hand, Saul argues in this short artice, that we've adopted the populist notion of conservative politics and on the other hand, ignored our historical cooperative past. We've talked about the dialect in class...what do you make of this? Very interesting I find...turning it over to you!

Oh good just what we need more prisons!!!!

Currently there is a bill on the table re: minimum sentencing named bill C-10. This tough on crime approach may appeal to our sense of justice but is it short cited? What consequences will it produce? Are we willing to pay for the costs involved and is there perhaps a better way to deal with say drug issues. Take a look, after all, it effects us all. A short video can be found here and article here and short concise debate article can be http://www.actoronto.org/home.nsf/pages/act.docs.1825.... love to hear your thoughts.