tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-108382432012-01-24T00:09:56.154-08:00(<u>Co</u>alition <u>fo</u>r <u>Und</u>erstanding)<br />CO-, 1. together 2. mutually, equally.<br />FOUND, vt. 1. to lay the base of 2. to begin to build or organize.Cofoundnoreply@blogger.comBlogger661100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-18679722861547138332007-06-03T17:00:00.000-07:002007-06-14T18:50:14.108-07:00

Our June 3rd discussion about the recent primary election and upcoming general election focused on the gubernatorial race before moving on to a couple of issues. Many present were gratified that Anne Northup lost the Republican primary to Ernie Fletcher. Even the one person present who expressed disappointment noted that she had voted against Northup because - though she's a Republican - she

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-48379463661163526162007-04-01T17:06:00.000-07:002007-04-10T17:26:37.259-07:00

A small group of us met on April 1st to discuss the issue of a living wage. All were essentially in agreement that one who works full-time ought to be able to support oneself and one's dependents. We also agreed that ensuring that this was the case was an appropriate role for government, and that instituting a living wage would likely be one effective tool to do this. However, some also

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-18300343657441875932007-03-04T17:16:00.000-08:002007-04-10T17:28:06.856-07:00

On March 4th, we examined the question, "What is progress?" Members felt that there were at least two problems with the traditional emphasis on ever-increasing total aggregate wealth: 1) That this did not create incentives to protect the environment, and 2) Many people are being left behind. Concern was expressed regarding income equality within our local community, throughout the nation, and

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-18693332467761150902007-02-27T12:42:00.000-08:002007-04-10T17:27:49.272-07:00

On February 18th, we discussed global climate change. All in attendance seemed to agree that global climate change was real, that it would have negative consequences (at least in some parts of the world), and that human activity was a major contributor to this problem. Most felt that relying on individuals to spontaneously make changes in their daily lives would not be adequate to address the

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-15123335816642172022007-02-13T05:35:00.000-08:002007-02-05T08:34:52.198-08:00

The February 4th meeting involved seven people at our new meeting place, the Karma Café, where we discussed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some noted the local activism within Louisville and their work to undermine US aid to Israel and the perpetuation of injustice towards Palestinians by the Israeli government. Others pointed towards the role of Arab countries in making Palestinians second

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-53245792622502516042007-01-07T17:00:00.000-08:002007-01-11T16:23:38.480-08:00

On January 7th, we took a look at militarism and its impact on a society. Participants gave a veritable laundry list of war and militarism's past, present, and potential future effects on our nation - many of them illustrated with reference to the current conflict in Iraq... and all of them negative. At the top of the list was the horrible cost of war in both blood and treasure. One member

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-33237299815251307392006-12-17T17:00:00.000-08:002007-01-04T09:14:48.063-08:00

On December 17th we discussed freedom and the worldly constraints upon it. Everywhere we looked, there seemed to be some limiting factor on the things we'd rather be doing. Churches and parents lay down moral conditions, business and governmental co-institutions regulate our actions and, perhaps most significant, economic imperatives rule our lives.Food, clothing, housing and the vast array of

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-16365627063952827442006-12-03T17:00:00.000-08:002007-01-04T10:33:57.516-08:00

Having picked such contentious subjects, we should not be surprised that we had a contentious, but good natured discussion on December 3rd. We viewed science and religion, morality and knowledge in different ways, comparing and contrasting. There was a common regret that people often use religious intent to arrive at immoral outcomes. Dogma has been used to justify war and slavery, and principled

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-63394202249513213292006-11-19T17:00:00.000-08:002007-01-04T10:55:31.367-08:00

On November 19, seven of us met for an engaging discussion about the recent elections. All were generally pleased with the gains made both locally and nationally by the Democratic Party - even the one registered Independent and the two registered Republicans who were with us. Many felt that the outcome was the result of widespread frustration with the performance of the Bush administration and

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-57273464724139454892006-11-05T17:00:00.000-08:002007-01-04T10:08:59.167-08:00

At our last meeting eight of us gathered together to discuss individuality. In our culture we admire those who resist the influence of others, take risks and overcome the fear of rejection. We like to think ourselves to be individualistic but it was asserted that people are 98% alike and our personal choices can only be made within a social confine. No one is wholly autonomous.For most of us, no

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-4053160297738947682006-10-15T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T09:34:04.225-08:00

At our October 15 meeting, with five people in attendance, the discussion focused on many political - and a few non-political - ideas:The occupation of Iraq and what we could do about it, Nuclear weapons in North Korea and Iran and what we could do about it, The sense of biological-economic-nuclear apocalypse and whether it's overblown, September 11th and its political uses, Immigration problems

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-35163205116227246652006-09-17T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T10:26:11.534-08:00

The predetermined point of discussion from the previous meeting was international banking institutions, which this discussion included, but went past. The discussion centered on various interrelated, though seemingly unrelated, issues from the international order, international economic institutions, international trade, and representative government.Consensus formed around the existence of

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1158251873617341802006-09-03T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T10:35:16.178-08:00

On September third our subject was one-world government. Judging by the divergent opinions, one can see why the dream of a united planet is so elusive. From one speaker to another it almost seemed like we were talking about two different things. And perhaps we were.Two paradigms emerged from our discussion. We conceived of a secure and peaceful “populist” Utopia where disputes are settled by

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1157035167791747992006-08-20T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T10:24:03.427-08:00

This week's update includes reports from August 6th and the 20th.Our August 6th discussion dealt with crime and punishment and there was an enjoyable level of disagreement. The speakers did however mostly agree about drug use, generally viewed as a personal choice and primarily a victimless crime. The war on drugs is an example as to how a callous majority creates its own criminals. By insisting

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-38188236950017637242006-07-30T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T10:00:02.083-08:00

In keeping with our new schedule, this Sunday’s meeting on the 30th will not be a regular discussion. As it will be the fifth Sunday in the month we’ve decided to make it an organizational meeting instead.Cofound began about 20 months ago and has maintained a consistent following ever since. We’ve gone through many transformations but have settled into a comfortable routine of stimulating talk

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-3544821196087024172006-07-16T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T10:19:03.890-08:00

Our July 16th gathering was a well-attended outing to Clint Cummins' house. It turned into a pleasant conversation and cookout with friends but not much of a discussion. Consequently, we have little to report about our talk.So on August 6th we'll mostly just pick up were we left off. We'll scrutinize the authority claimed by majorities to impose their will on the minority. Also to be considered

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-68101152782206161842006-07-02T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T10:34:43.798-08:00

Last time we continued our discussion about religion, moving from the personal to broader social and political perspectives. It was observed early on in our discussion that religion is one of many things that can give people an identity - an "in group" to be a part of. This can be an attractive thing, in and of itself, because, as one person put it, "most people want to follow, not lead."

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-40298957381779902382006-06-18T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T10:38:51.259-08:00

First, a small business item: Due to some past confusion in determing the dates of our meetings, we have decided to regularize our schedule for the rest of this year. From now through December, Cofound will be meeting on the first and third Sundays of the month, every month... with the possible exception of Labor Day weekend. On months with a fifth Sunday, we will either skip a week or plan

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-81066601154301897912006-06-04T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T11:40:57.523-08:00

At our June 4th meeting we continued to delve into the human condition and the fallible ways we manage our societies. One speaker presented positive anecdotes about government response and helpfulness. Without disputing the phenomena, others questioned the underlying motives and thought that little more than lip service is given to all but the most powerful. Like us, public officials just

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-13719087416009575242006-05-14T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T11:04:43.418-08:00

Last time, we began talking about the evolution of government and ended up discussing the transformation of humanity. Most assigned little faith to current western systems and had even less for the American version. Corruption and money influence, the banes of benign rule resurface time and again to undermine the best designs. With selfishness and misplaced priorities our citizens have always

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-27337132847639765402006-04-30T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T11:14:27.349-08:00

Because of some miscalculation and miscommunications, we have experienced some confusion about our meetings on Easter Sunday and April 30th. We apologize to anyone who may have missed us.Our next conversation falls on May 14th, which is Mother's Day, but we will hold it regardless. The following one would fall on Memorial Day weekend if we stick to our bi-weekly schedule; we will discuss whether

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1144070004314610142006-04-03T06:10:00.000-07:002007-01-04T11:15:15.960-08:00

The following sites seem interesting considering our previous and future discussions on parliaments and presidents.See:For votinghttp://www.cfer.org/learn/gloss.htmlFor parliamenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliamentary_democracyFor presidentialism and parliamenthttp://teacher.scholastic.com/researchtools/researchstarters/presidents/

thesullentyperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17552850362692466040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-51852037670001004232006-04-02T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T11:19:10.941-08:00

At the April 2nd discussion we compared our understandings of how democracies work and speculated as to if ours even does. We spent some time fleshing out the mechanics of parliamentary systems and measured them against the three-branch approach of the United States. Several viewed elements such as coalition building and ministerial accountability as positives of the old world structures.

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1143061108696330552006-03-22T12:48:00.000-08:002007-01-04T11:20:46.340-08:00

Wow! I'm actually going to blog something substantive other than meeting notes - it feels good to blog, I guess. Anyway, I thought it would be of interest for everyone to see Abramoff's galaxy the Washington Post put out (also check out the Abramoff orchesta as I call it), and check out the Columbia Journalism Review's Who Owns What of media corporations. Both seem particularly relevant in light

thesullentyperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17552850362692466040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-60800875162609438342006-03-19T17:00:00.000-08:002007-01-04T11:23:34.297-08:00

No clear villain or obvious solution emerged from our March 19th discussion about the influence of big business on government . Although it may not be democratic that captains of industry use disproportionate power to further selfish interests, many of us thought that the involvement of corporations in the legislative process can be benign and even essential. Because of the sheer size and

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-58988771421840601422006-03-05T17:00:00.000-08:002007-01-04T11:28:28.250-08:00

We had a sizable gathering on March fifth and discussed corporations and their influence on the larger world. Many spoke positively about working for large companies like Ford while practically everyone complained about their dealings with the "Phone Company". We pondered the process by which a small responsible entity mutates into a large profit-driven monster. As corporations grow and bump

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-44143070246953442892006-02-19T17:00:00.000-08:002007-01-04T11:45:13.608-08:00

As we did not get an update out last week we will continue on March 5th with the discussion we had planned for February 19th . Those who showed up Sunday had a spirited talk about a variety of things including the media, and of course, Dick Cheney's marksmanship.On February 5th we focused on the power of the media to influence us. Many acknowledged a bias in the mainstream press but we differed

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1138864241075674232006-02-01T17:00:00.000-08:002007-01-04T11:50:06.462-08:00

Hello from the folks of Cofound. Thanks for staying connected and taking our email updates. If you've not attended in a while we'd like to fill you in on our progress. For a little over a year we've been meeting regularly and providing a forum for free thinking and speaking. Along the way we've developed a unique format that's still evolving.Our talks are informal. If attendance is high and we

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1138864293512118232006-01-22T17:00:00.000-08:002007-01-04T11:44:08.272-08:00

At our last meeting we took a critical look at the press. We acknowledged its inaccuracies along with the temptation for both the source and reporter to spin the information to meet the agendas of their respective agencies. Some worry that, as businesses, the media are making decisions that undermine their mission. But it was also argued that free market forces should create the media we want,

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1138105963405522312006-01-08T17:00:00.000-08:002007-01-04T12:01:13.205-08:00

At our last event we continued talking about the reasons for low public participation in politics. We debated the premise that people have less free time these days but did agree that the world is vastly more complicated nowadays. We imagined what politics would be like with more participation and concluded that public attitudes and policy would change on social issues, likely away from the

Nicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1136853553322235182005-12-18T17:00:00.000-08:002007-01-04T11:58:31.897-08:00

On December 18th we discussed the shortcomings of our political system. Our talk focused almost solely on the lack of public participation in the process. Citizens don't become informed or discuss issues to the degree that a democracy requires. Consequently, they lack the motivation to become even the least bit involved. The demands of our personal lives and the complexities of society and

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1136853485357898852005-12-04T17:00:00.000-08:002007-01-04T12:05:27.564-08:00

Our discussion on December fourth began with authority and devolved into anarchy. Our focus was on the US Government and the legitimacy of its rule. We debated on whether our constitution functions as intended and, if not, can our officials claim legitimate authority. Public complacency, the influence of money, the misuse of polling techniques and data etc. were all cited as symptoms of a "broken

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1136853364059814572005-11-20T17:00:00.000-08:002007-01-04T12:08:46.642-08:00

On November 20th we took the liberty to discuss authority and the limits it imposes on individuals. As we examined the origins and necessity of social control many cited the innate human disposition to accept it. It was suggested that submission to authority lies at the core of childhood, religion and society. And more than one of us lamented the inability of individuals to organize by consensus,

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1136853306902941522005-11-06T17:00:00.000-08:002007-01-04T12:11:07.278-08:00

At our last meeting on November 6th, we discussed government prohibition of drugs and the enforcement of anti-drug laws, as well as the effects - both intended and unintended - of these policies. A variety of views were expressed on the propriety of drug prohibition and on the relative merits and demerits of using and/or abusing various drugs. The variety of participants' ages, backgrounds,

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1136853251837950662005-10-23T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T12:13:21.644-08:00

At our last meeting on the 23rd we talked about the complicated relationships between children, parents and society as a whole. We weighed the rights and obligations of all parties and considered what a huge responsibility it is to develop the nation's future private citizens. We also touched on generational differences and the evolving standards. Many in our group expressed concern about the

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1136853167185723022005-10-09T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T12:16:59.451-08:00

At our last conversation we discussed the state of health care in America. Those attending related personal experiences as well as their observations about how well the system works. Many lamented the influence of big business on medical policy and at one point the drug companies and doctors' lobby was likened to the Mafia.We went on to debate the responsibilities of society to care for

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1128385142030698962005-09-25T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T12:19:10.967-08:00

On September 25th we estimated the economic, political and psychological impacts of hurricane Katrina and compared them to other disasters. We talked about the social and racial dynamics that exacerbated the crisis and the extent to which government mismanagement, before and during, had an effect. And we contemplated the possibility of future such events and questioned the wisdom of building,

Nicknoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1127264702052915282005-09-11T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T12:22:20.249-08:00

On September eleventh we gathered to reflect on 9/11 and the effects it has had on our world. We talked about our experiences on that day and gave our impressions as to how well our nation has dealt with its implications. There was much speculation about political opportunism or even conspiracy among our top leaders. We also wondered about the ultimate solution to terrorism and if our nation

Nicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1126132450135042462005-08-21T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T12:26:12.449-08:00

On August 21st the folks of Cofound grappled with the subject of economics. Carol and Travis Smith made a case for the New Deal philosophies of Franklin Roosevelt as we address the issues of today.Carol asserts that we have abandoned the sound, altruistic policies of the “American System” and have allowed the banking-military-industrial complex to gain free reign.Others weighed in with their

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1124397064134438932005-08-18T13:30:00.000-07:002007-01-04T12:29:13.293-08:00

... I've taken on a new project: KentuckyVotes.org.Poke through it. Subscribe to legislative updates. And feel free to comment. I thrive on it.Thanks.

Caleb O. Brownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1124340119117854832005-08-07T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T12:30:25.287-08:00

On August 7th our talk concerned the continuing troubles in Iraq. We pondered how we found ourselves there and how we will find our way out. We wondered what our feelings should be in regards to the military, our leadership and the moral standing of the US. We speculated about how closely the reality of the situation there matches the original intentions of those in charge and what the future

Nicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1121889566879636882005-07-20T12:58:00.000-07:002007-01-04T12:36:44.773-08:00

High drama is playing out at the Supreme Court. One well-respected justice has stepped down, the President has nominated his choice for her replacement, and all sides are gearing up for a fight... or are they? At our next event we'll examine the judiciary. Is Roberts the right choice to replace O'Connor? Will he be confirmed, and, if so, how will this change the face of the court? Will there

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1121889484917735222005-07-10T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T12:35:37.445-08:00

At our July tenth meeting Stephen Bartlett and Sherry Hurley of the Community Food Alliance hosted an informative discussion about food security in the metro area. Among other things, CFA is working to establish links between local farmers and urban dwellers. This would benefit both parties as producers find new markets and consumers gain access to fresh and nutritious food.Since early this year,

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-88834295490981985252005-06-26T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T12:40:28.700-08:00

The five of us who gathered on Sunday the 26th debated a wide range of subjects. We talked about the Terri Schiavo tragedy and the political reverberations it has spawned. As we focused on Congress and other institutions of governance it evolved into to a discussion about events in Iraq, crime and punishment and other topics too numerous to mention. It was a spirited dialogue. On Sunday, July

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1118795384988439272005-06-19T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T12:46:09.920-08:00

As this coming Sunday, the 19th, is Father's Day we've decided not to hold our usual discussion. Instead, a few of us are getting together to discuss and plan for the future of Cofound itself. We are inviting everyone to join and help guide us as we look to new possibilities and expectations. The meeting will begin at 2 PM at the City Cafe.Our regular discussions will resume on June 26th.

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1119216156444263782005-06-05T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T12:44:38.504-08:00

On Sunday, the 5th of June Aleve Douglas of the Community Farm Alliance was to lead a discussion about food security in Louisville. She had to cancel at the last minute and that topic has been rescheduled for July 10th.Instead, the eight who gathered chose to conduct a freewheeling open discussion about whatever was on their minds. That proved to be a lot. Our talk covered filibusters, eugenics,

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1115340649924841342005-05-05T17:33:00.000-07:002007-01-04T13:01:22.373-08:00

I am unsure what to say about crime victim's rights and hand guns -- I think I took on too much, too wide of a scope in the topic -- so I want to narrow this a bit and talk about gun control. This will depersonalize it a bit (as I was recently the victim of a crime), but I think it will still relate to my personal experience. Here are some suggested readings. Read as many as you like. They give

thesullentyperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17552850362692466040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-27426177065536401892005-05-01T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T13:06:02.066-08:00

On Sunday, May first, fifteen of us traveled to the City Cafe and discussed transportation. David Coyte from CART, was there to take questions and speak about the local, regional and national outlooks. We critiqued TARC and other systems and considered new technologies such as magnetic levitation. Inevitably, the conversation touched on the conflict between the American love of personal

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1113999870983313812005-04-20T05:21:00.000-07:002007-01-04T13:09:22.431-08:00

I wrote two stories back in 1999 about Louisville's efforts at getting light rail into the city.The Rail TruthPointing to PortlandThe two stories combined won First Place for Enterprise Reporting from the Louisville Society of Professional Journalists. I only mention this because David Coyte is quoted in, I believe, both stories. He is a supporter of light rail (or at least the concept of rapid

Caleb O. Brownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-14551629111239686222005-04-17T17:00:00.000-07:002007-01-04T13:07:11.012-08:00

On Sunday, the 17th, eleven intrepid souls braved perfect weather to discuss Social Security. Our talk touched on the financial squeeze facing retirees and the disabled and the social responsibility many feel they have for these groups. Several among us expressed a general disgust at politicians for mismanagement, if not outright theft, of the trust fund. This prompted a call for us to

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1112644584336942012005-04-04T12:50:00.000-07:002007-01-04T13:12:05.471-08:00

If you actually want to know what is going on this world, I don't think you can really watch TV and know anything, but there are some glaring exceptions, CSPAN being one of them.Two interesting things everyone should check out:1. Since social security serves as our next topic, check out some of the testimony and videos CSPAN posts from different perspectives at http://www.cspan.org (sorry you

thesullentyperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17552850362692466040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1111786318469242182005-03-25T13:30:00.000-08:002007-01-04T17:00:10.316-08:00

Regarding the eminent domain case before the U.S. Supreme Court, I recently interviewed the man who argued the case before the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of the landowners. Enjoy.

Caleb O. Brownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1111784909355911982005-03-25T13:00:00.000-08:002007-01-04T17:02:38.618-08:00

Our next meeting will be on Sunday, April 3rd, at 3 p.m. at the City Café in Mid-City Mall. Please note that we will NOT be meeting on Sunday, March 26th, as this is Easter Sunday. The topic of our meeting will be:Oil Shortage? Crisis Ahead or Not to Worry?For relatively brief articles on the subject from two different perspectives, check here and here. Please note that I do not vouch for the

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1110845920064735852005-03-14T16:17:00.000-08:002007-01-04T17:05:42.963-08:00

The book I recommended yesterday:I could have done without some of the essays. Luckily, all those essays are short.

Caleb O. Brownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1110424589207983932005-03-09T19:08:00.000-08:002007-01-04T17:08:26.931-08:00

My man Clint put together this blurb, which includes the mission statement adopted by those present at the 2/27 meeting:Cofound, short for Coalition for Understanding, is an independent effort to promote the highest ideals of democratic discourse and reasoning. After five meetings, we are pleased to present the cementing structure of our group, a mission statement that we think best describes

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1109461786924312412005-02-26T15:32:00.000-08:002007-01-04T17:11:58.818-08:00

This case apparently - though appearances are perhaps likely deceiving - has Souter (generally regarded as "conservative") siding with Ginsburg (generally regarded as "liberal"). It revolves around whether the government has the right to appropriate private property - albeit with "just compensation" - and turn it over to private developers - albeit with the ostensible aim of community

Nicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1109252671377794012005-02-24T05:39:00.000-08:002007-01-04T17:13:14.081-08:00

For those interested, I have begun a "podcast" of my radio program, Kentucky Focus, a weekly public affairs program aimed at Kentucky listeners interested in what goes on in various parts of the state. You may download the program or subscribe to the podcast, if you're able. If you don't know what a podcast is, then don't worry, it's just a geek term for a geek toy.I have a few friends I may be

Caleb O. Brownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1109219061688195592005-02-23T20:20:00.000-08:002007-01-04T17:18:49.666-08:00

At this point, I think I am being ridiculous, certainly not giving uptake to the previous posts, but I would help Caleb and others lay a lot on the table so we could digest what we want when we want. George Lakoff, a cognitive linguist, has a lot to say about discourse, language choice, and frames. Here is a link to an article he wrote about conservatives and liberals. I like some of what he says

thesullentyperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17552850362692466040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1109218516970289162005-02-23T19:50:00.000-08:002007-01-04T17:23:44.143-08:00

A professor I know, Avery Kolers, posted a comment about discourse between liberals and conservatives, or differing political perspectives, from a philosophical viewpoint. He calls it giving uptake. Here I repeat what he said on another blog, U of L's philosophy blog.I originally posted a version of this as a guest post on Rodger A. Payne's blog. I thought I'd repost it here since it discusses

thesullentyperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17552850362692466040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1109031444749303802005-02-21T15:26:00.000-08:002007-01-04T17:25:24.133-08:00

The Christian Science Monitor has an interesting series called Talking with the Enemy, "A series to help Americans bridge the bitter red-blue divide." While I don't like the intensely simplistic Red vs. Blue paradigm, I do think it's at least instructive to help folks learn how to talk to one another.Another book along the "learning how to listen" vein is Prometheus Rising, by Robert Anton

Caleb O. Brownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1108954469023199982005-02-20T18:18:00.000-08:002007-01-04T17:27:17.290-08:00

I recommend the following books for a quick, occasionally painful political education:Yes, it'll be painful, but there are two books by James Bovard in there. One is an attack on the Bush Administration's War on Terror. The other is an attack on the Clinton Administration's reckless disregard for the rule of law. The other two books simply offer frameworks for looking the political landscape.

Caleb O. Brownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1108932781627678802005-02-20T12:43:00.000-08:002007-01-04T17:28:57.127-08:00

The following books were informally recommended by individual members at our 2/13/05 meeting (please make any additions by commenting on this post, rather than creating a new post):Healing Our World, by Dr. Mary J. RuwartIntroduction to Logic, by Irving M. Copi (or any other good book on logic)Treason, by Ann CoulterHow to Speak to a Liberal - If You Must, by Ann CoulterWhy Government Doesn't

Nicknoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1108931794362913572005-02-20T12:34:00.000-08:002007-01-04T17:30:32.243-08:00

The Sunday, February 27th meeting will be at 3 p.m. at Rich O's Public House and Sportstime Pizza in New Albany. Click here for a map and directions.

Nicknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1108931162930746212005-02-20T12:19:00.000-08:002007-01-04T17:32:18.456-08:00

The following mission statement was drafted by Clint from notes on the discussion about our mission at our last meeting. Please review and comment.We aim to be a widely diverse group of people seeking to build common ground while respecting differences. Our goals are to:Raise the level of dialogue, Promote common courtesy,Learn about and from each other,Examine political and social issues from

Nicknoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-74640943698715090632005-02-13T17:00:00.000-08:002007-01-04T17:40:46.394-08:00

Seven of us attended the meeting on the 13th and made progress on several fronts. As we have asked participants to define themselves politically we spent several minutes discussing each other's perspective and acknowledging agreements and differences.One of our goals is to establish a fairly short reading list of books that will aid folks in understanding different opinions and perspectives. So

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10838243.post-1108421743522764282005-02-01T14:40:00.000-08:002007-01-04T18:13:13.439-08:00

Hi everyone. This is the web log (blog for short) for COFOUND, or Coalition for Understanding. People of various political philosophies meet in person, twice a month, in Southern Indiana and Louisville to talk about social and political issues. Members, of which there are at least ten, are free to make blog entries about various social and political issues they want to discuss. Nonmembers are

Cofoundnoreply@blogger.com0