Debate 2.0: Will Rio+20 add up to anything?

20 years have passed since the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazi. The world is about to meet again and will anything change? Interesting article and perspectives on the upcoming summit. What are the main issues? Who is willing to change, who isn't to protect the planet? Would love to hear your voice on these matters and the article can be found here. As well, take a listen to our very own David Suzuki's daugter in a short but powerful speech which can be accessed here. I wonder what she is thinking now that she is a grown woman 20 years later....

Caveman blogger fights for Free Speech and Internet Freedom

We have studied how our rights can be taken away due to 'terrorism' or some form of internal/external threat but what about our speech? Interesting story on how one State has recently stifled those rights. What defense would the state use? Why? How do you see the issue? Is this an illiberal act? Why, why not? The source can be found here.

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.