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 something special. Please pass this information along to those who may be interested in our discussions who do not have e-mail.
Now, here's the update:
It was a small group that came out on Fathers' Day to discuss religion and its role in our private and public lives. Those in attendance spoke casually about our own current and past involvement in religious activities, which, as it turns out, amounted to little, at least in comparison to many Americans. We also compared notes on the role religion played in our upbringings, and to what extent our perspectives on religion varied (or didn't) with those of previous generations in our families.
While we found much to disagree with in the attitudes of some of those who are religious, we also expressed respect and appreciation for the role that religion can play in motivating people to help others. One member shared a colorful anecdote about a passionately religious man's recent attempt to convert her, and how the effort - though unsuccessful - had led to a suprising level of understanding and discovery of common ground between them. And we all agreed that religion clearly moves a number of good people to do good work in the world.
Left largely unexamined, however, was the extent to which religion had shaped - and continues to shape - the history of our nation and of the world. In a broad, historical sense, has religion been primarily a force for good or a force for evil in our world? Have religion and politics become too intertwined, or not intertwined enough? Join us as we examine these and other issues, this Sunday, July 2, at the City Cafe in Mid-City Mall.
Special Note: For our July 16th meeting Clint is inviting everyone to his country bungalow for a cookout. For more details come to the July 2nd meeting or just look for our next update.
June 18, 2006
June 4, 2006
Human Limitations
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 follow human nature.
But the flaw is not simply that we're human. It's that humans are animals and as such have a limited capacity for the acquisition and processing of information. And our attention focuses narrowly on our immediate needs. The world may have become too complex and our personal lives too busy for us to give much thought to the bigger picture.
As they are boons to information dispersal, we considered television and the internet and their amazing effect on our culture. Notable exceptions aside, they usually overload us with a blur of images and crude content aimed squarely at people's carnal frivolities and desires… so we're told.
And useful information that does get in is filtered through perception and prejudices designed to serve biological needs. We discussed how facial symmetry and other cues mold our perceptions of others and alter the interactions to come. One lamented the tendency of inattentive voters to focus on candidates and single issues, prioritizing "personality over policy". Given the mortal limitations of the electorate, it's no wonder our system falls short of the ideal.
Our group looked at the Peter Principle, the idea that individuals are promoted up to a position in which they are incompetent. Can much the same be said of governments and societies? By inertia or design, dominant institutions become removed from the everyday, and their leadership, insulated and weak, undermines those who would threaten the status quo. Rome, the Chinese monarchy and the United States of late were given as examples of greatness and decline.
So is this the fate of nations? Are all peoples destined to repeat the history that seems to be their nature to create? If not, what force can alter that history? Toward the end of our discussion, the word "religion" was uttered....
Spirituality seems like a primal need for our kind. And it has certainly shaped civilization. But is it being radicalized today? Politicized? Should church and state be allowed to marry? Can the world's philosophies ever find common ground? Join us June 18th, 3 PM at the City Café as we consider faith, salvation or damnation.
But the flaw is not simply that we're human. It's that humans are animals and as such have a limited capacity for the acquisition and processing of information. And our attention focuses narrowly on our immediate needs. The world may have become too complex and our personal lives too busy for us to give much thought to the bigger picture.
As they are boons to information dispersal, we considered television and the internet and their amazing effect on our culture. Notable exceptions aside, they usually overload us with a blur of images and crude content aimed squarely at people's carnal frivolities and desires… so we're told.
And useful information that does get in is filtered through perception and prejudices designed to serve biological needs. We discussed how facial symmetry and other cues mold our perceptions of others and alter the interactions to come. One lamented the tendency of inattentive voters to focus on candidates and single issues, prioritizing "personality over policy". Given the mortal limitations of the electorate, it's no wonder our system falls short of the ideal.
Our group looked at the Peter Principle, the idea that individuals are promoted up to a position in which they are incompetent. Can much the same be said of governments and societies? By inertia or design, dominant institutions become removed from the everyday, and their leadership, insulated and weak, undermines those who would threaten the status quo. Rome, the Chinese monarchy and the United States of late were given as examples of greatness and decline.
So is this the fate of nations? Are all peoples destined to repeat the history that seems to be their nature to create? If not, what force can alter that history? Toward the end of our discussion, the word "religion" was uttered....
Spirituality seems like a primal need for our kind. And it has certainly shaped civilization. But is it being radicalized today? Politicized? Should church and state be allowed to marry? Can the world's philosophies ever find common ground? Join us June 18th, 3 PM at the City Café as we consider faith, salvation or damnation.
May 14, 2006
Systems of Government
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 bought into the system and have reinforced what basically is an oligarchy. Economics is intertwined with the power structures and it is likewise guided by selfishness of men.
We looked at governance on the local level and discussed the best practices of community development. The examples set by Canada, the Cubans and even Tito were cited as what can be good, or at least necessary compacts among individuals, society and the powers that be. But whether by racial/ethnic strife or some other trouble, the cultural cloth usually frays, disorder ensues and altruistic ideals give way to dominator realities.
So we pondered how a "government by the people" can function when the people are so human? One thought that any system could work if corruption were neutralized, another suggested that anarchy - a society wherein all of us make the decisions - could happen if people would make a leap of personal development and "get off their butts!".
The term techno-peasant was put forward to describe the citizen who is educated and proficient in the ways of modern culture yet remains socially and politically inept. We went back and forth with a chicken and egg debate about the reasons. Do our schools create "worker bees" when they should be cultivating free-thinkers... or should they be abolished altogether? Does the welfare state lead to lazy dependence? Do our leaders and their institutions guide us or, in the end, do we truly get the government we deserve? Join us June 4th, 3 PM at the City Café as we consider the human origins of our common culture and the circular continuum of society, people and the person.
We looked at governance on the local level and discussed the best practices of community development. The examples set by Canada, the Cubans and even Tito were cited as what can be good, or at least necessary compacts among individuals, society and the powers that be. But whether by racial/ethnic strife or some other trouble, the cultural cloth usually frays, disorder ensues and altruistic ideals give way to dominator realities.
So we pondered how a "government by the people" can function when the people are so human? One thought that any system could work if corruption were neutralized, another suggested that anarchy - a society wherein all of us make the decisions - could happen if people would make a leap of personal development and "get off their butts!".
The term techno-peasant was put forward to describe the citizen who is educated and proficient in the ways of modern culture yet remains socially and politically inept. We went back and forth with a chicken and egg debate about the reasons. Do our schools create "worker bees" when they should be cultivating free-thinkers... or should they be abolished altogether? Does the welfare state lead to lazy dependence? Do our leaders and their institutions guide us or, in the end, do we truly get the government we deserve? Join us June 4th, 3 PM at the City Café as we consider the human origins of our common culture and the circular continuum of society, people and the person.
April 30, 2006
The "Best Form of Government"
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 to reschedule and keep you posted. Please watch for our updates to keep current on our semi-regular schedule. Thank you.
Last time, we continued examining our government and comparing it to others. We assessed the balance of powers among our three branches and explored the history and legitimacy of the Supreme Court's right of judicial review. The ruling Gore v. Bush was criticized along the way.
The talk then centered around identifying the "best form of government". A debate ensued as to the criteria that we would use to determine such a thing. One suggested that the longevity of a particular government woult indicate its success. Another thought that the degree to which it executes the "will of the people" is most important. A third believed the happiness of a government's citizens might be the best criterion by which to judge.
As a 200+ year old, civil war survivor, the US system is a contender that even put "pursuit of happiness" into a founding document. Canada was given high praise. Castro was awarded credit by some, and derided by others, as a "benevolent dictator." And speculation was put forward about how well the French revolution and the Nazis enacted the public will.
It was generally perceived that the complexities of society necessitate a common-held government to counterbalance the other powers that will naturally arise. The "best system" is the one that evolves organically, and peacefully, from the culture it is destined to rule.
So, has our system finished its evolution? Is representative democracy, with perhaps a little tweaking, as good as it gets? Has America achieved the pinnacle of rational governance or is this just one stage of an ongoing process? What does the future have in store? Come help create it as we debate our place in history May 14th, 3 PM at the City Café.
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 to reschedule and keep you posted. Please watch for our updates to keep current on our semi-regular schedule. Thank you.
Last time, we continued examining our government and comparing it to others. We assessed the balance of powers among our three branches and explored the history and legitimacy of the Supreme Court's right of judicial review. The ruling Gore v. Bush was criticized along the way.
The talk then centered around identifying the "best form of government". A debate ensued as to the criteria that we would use to determine such a thing. One suggested that the longevity of a particular government woult indicate its success. Another thought that the degree to which it executes the "will of the people" is most important. A third believed the happiness of a government's citizens might be the best criterion by which to judge.
As a 200+ year old, civil war survivor, the US system is a contender that even put "pursuit of happiness" into a founding document. Canada was given high praise. Castro was awarded credit by some, and derided by others, as a "benevolent dictator." And speculation was put forward about how well the French revolution and the Nazis enacted the public will.
It was generally perceived that the complexities of society necessitate a common-held government to counterbalance the other powers that will naturally arise. The "best system" is the one that evolves organically, and peacefully, from the culture it is destined to rule.
So, has our system finished its evolution? Is representative democracy, with perhaps a little tweaking, as good as it gets? Has America achieved the pinnacle of rational governance or is this just one stage of an ongoing process? What does the future have in store? Come help create it as we debate our place in history May 14th, 3 PM at the City Café.
April 3, 2006
Links on Parliaments and Voting
The following sites seem interesting considering our previous and future discussions on parliaments and presidents.
See:
For voting
http://www.cfer.org/learn/gloss.html
For parliament
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliamentary_democracy
For presidentialism and parliament
http://teacher.scholastic.com/researchtools/researchstarters/presidents/
See:
For voting
http://www.cfer.org/learn/gloss.html
For parliament
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliamentary_democracy
For presidentialism and parliament
http://teacher.scholastic.com/researchtools/researchstarters/presidents/
April 2, 2006
The American System
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. Concepts like Prime Minister's questions and votes of no confidence seem especially appealing these days. The American way was deemed not without merit however. For instance our federal system helps to disperse power and promote political balance.
Although our Constitution was praised not all of us were pleased by its implementation. Government debt, the influence of money, the parceling out of our nation to the highest bidder were all causing the founders "to be turning in there graves". We looked at the contradiction of their behavior and the ideals they espoused. Those ideals were alternately seen as promises to be kept by future generations. We also debated the evolution of the two party system and the viability of independents and third parties. And we even considered alternative voting systems.
All in all it was lively discussion that barely scratched the surface. We ended the talk itching to keep scratching. So we'll continue this exploration at our next event. Are the three branches still in balance? Are federal and state powers divided appropriately? Has gerrymandering solidified a political divide? What aspects of governance would you like to debate? Debate we shall, Sunday the 16th, 3 PM at the City Café.
Although our Constitution was praised not all of us were pleased by its implementation. Government debt, the influence of money, the parceling out of our nation to the highest bidder were all causing the founders "to be turning in there graves". We looked at the contradiction of their behavior and the ideals they espoused. Those ideals were alternately seen as promises to be kept by future generations. We also debated the evolution of the two party system and the viability of independents and third parties. And we even considered alternative voting systems.
All in all it was lively discussion that barely scratched the surface. We ended the talk itching to keep scratching. So we'll continue this exploration at our next event. Are the three branches still in balance? Are federal and state powers divided appropriately? Has gerrymandering solidified a political divide? What aspects of governance would you like to debate? Debate we shall, Sunday the 16th, 3 PM at the City Café.
March 22, 2006
Links on Abramoff
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 of our last discussion.
March 19, 2006
Big Business and Government
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 complexity of our society, our representatives need the input of special interests in order to write policy. And business sponsored initiatives can often benefit the community and even gain the support of labor. Education reform was cited as an area where public and corporate interests coincide. But it was also demonstrated how capitalists are not above imposing conditions and curricula that suit their own ends. There seemed to be a consensus that the formulation of policy by business and other interests is acceptable so long as the process is equitable and transparent.
But how often does that happen? Greed and corruption are rife and although our group didn't single out any industry or political party, many voiced concern that the movers and shakers too often act to the detriment of the greater good. The mix of power and money is like a toxic concoction to the body politic. But as one pointed out, selfishness is the natural result of a system designed to protect property rights. A discussion ensued about the Constitution and the culture it begot. Several concluded that human nature destines our political systems to focus on short-term approaches and cater to big-money imperatives.
Human nature also compels us to seek solutions and alternatives. Campaign finance reform, increasing government's scope, decreasing its power or maybe capping personal wealth, our talk was peppered with proposals for reform. And that seems like a good way to continue next time as we take a broad and critical view of our "Democracy". Does it work well? Well enough? Is it what the founders intended and would it matter if it were not? Join us this Sunday, April 2nd, 3 PM at the City Café as we talk politics, as usual.
But how often does that happen? Greed and corruption are rife and although our group didn't single out any industry or political party, many voiced concern that the movers and shakers too often act to the detriment of the greater good. The mix of power and money is like a toxic concoction to the body politic. But as one pointed out, selfishness is the natural result of a system designed to protect property rights. A discussion ensued about the Constitution and the culture it begot. Several concluded that human nature destines our political systems to focus on short-term approaches and cater to big-money imperatives.
Human nature also compels us to seek solutions and alternatives. Campaign finance reform, increasing government's scope, decreasing its power or maybe capping personal wealth, our talk was peppered with proposals for reform. And that seems like a good way to continue next time as we take a broad and critical view of our "Democracy". Does it work well? Well enough? Is it what the founders intended and would it matter if it were not? Join us this Sunday, April 2nd, 3 PM at the City Café as we talk politics, as usual.
March 5, 2006
Corporations
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 up with global competition their policies increasingly undermine the interests of common people the world over. Foreign acquisitions, massive outsourcing and other practices make our economy vulnerable to extra-national influences. As we grasped for solutions our government was perceived as a likely agent of change. After all, what other institution has the power to rein in the industrial-military-corporate complex. This begs the question…
…can government regulate business if business is busy regulating the Government? We'd like to think that public policy flows from well-considered deliberations that take all interests into fair account. We know that has never been the case. From NAFTA to CAFTA, ownership of our ports to the regulation of our mines, corporate sway has usually carried the day. Does big business have too much political power? Is it a legitimate component of the national interest? Is there anything we can do about it anyway? Mind America's business and join us March 19th, 3 PM at the city Café as we discuss Corporations, the government and the people.
…can government regulate business if business is busy regulating the Government? We'd like to think that public policy flows from well-considered deliberations that take all interests into fair account. We know that has never been the case. From NAFTA to CAFTA, ownership of our ports to the regulation of our mines, corporate sway has usually carried the day. Does big business have too much political power? Is it a legitimate component of the national interest? Is there anything we can do about it anyway? Mind America's business and join us March 19th, 3 PM at the city Café as we discuss Corporations, the government and the people.
February 19, 2006
Mass Media, Take 2
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 when ascribing the reasons for it. The power to manipulate has been taken to a high art by advertisers as they aggressively compete for our attention. They will shamelessly use sex and crudity or go negative if it pays off. They'll tug at our emotions by associating their products with every dream and aspiration we have, no matter how far-fetched that association is. And media will use these tools without regard to standards or consequences. Although they'll stoop low when appealing to any and all audiences, they readily censor themselves so as not to offend, as when they refuse to criticize America or publish cartoons of Mohammed. While considering remedies for media irresponsibility we launched into a debate about free speech, ownership of the airwaves and the need to be informed.
As we dissected the media we examined not only their power but their interconnections as well. With mergers and acquisitions the balance between a free press and corporate interests has become uncertain. Big business, multinationals, mega conglomerates, these terms allude to a frightening scene whereby money equals political power. Has the game become rigged? Are the captains of industry steering the ship of state? Do the concerns of corporate boards and shareholders now trump the public good? Come help us to understand, this Sunday, March 5th, 3 PM at the City Café.
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 when ascribing the reasons for it. The power to manipulate has been taken to a high art by advertisers as they aggressively compete for our attention. They will shamelessly use sex and crudity or go negative if it pays off. They'll tug at our emotions by associating their products with every dream and aspiration we have, no matter how far-fetched that association is. And media will use these tools without regard to standards or consequences. Although they'll stoop low when appealing to any and all audiences, they readily censor themselves so as not to offend, as when they refuse to criticize America or publish cartoons of Mohammed. While considering remedies for media irresponsibility we launched into a debate about free speech, ownership of the airwaves and the need to be informed.
As we dissected the media we examined not only their power but their interconnections as well. With mergers and acquisitions the balance between a free press and corporate interests has become uncertain. Big business, multinationals, mega conglomerates, these terms allude to a frightening scene whereby money equals political power. Has the game become rigged? Are the captains of industry steering the ship of state? Do the concerns of corporate boards and shareholders now trump the public good? Come help us to understand, this Sunday, March 5th, 3 PM at the City Café.
August 18, 2005
Link to KentuckyVotes
... 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.
Poke through it. Subscribe to legislative updates. And feel free to comment. I thrive on it.
Thanks.
June 26, 2005
Terri Schiavo
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 10th, we'll serve up a conversation about hunger and nutrition in the metro area. A representative from a group called Community Farm Alliance will fill us in on the basics about providing the "basics" to everyone. Community Farm Alliance is a statewide grassroots that supports family-scale farmin as a means of protecting the environment and strengthening rural community life.
So come to the City Cafe 3 PM, July 10th and partake of good company and conversation at the next meeting of Cofound.
Here is a link to an article in .pdf that goes a little deeper into our topic: http://www.foodsecurity.org/PerspectivesOnCFS.pdf
On Sunday, July 10th, we'll serve up a conversation about hunger and nutrition in the metro area. A representative from a group called Community Farm Alliance will fill us in on the basics about providing the "basics" to everyone. Community Farm Alliance is a statewide grassroots that supports family-scale farmin as a means of protecting the environment and strengthening rural community life.
So come to the City Cafe 3 PM, July 10th and partake of good company and conversation at the next meeting of Cofound.
Here is a link to an article in .pdf that goes a little deeper into our topic: http://www.foodsecurity.org/PerspectivesOnCFS.pdf
May 5, 2005
Links on Gun Control
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 different viewpoints and scopes on the issue of gun control in general. Some of them require Adobe Reader, which can be downloaded here.
May 1, 2005
Transportation
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 mobility and the virtues of mass transit. Some lamented our sprawling urban structures and car-centered culture and wondered what it will take to prod us to change. It was widely acknowledged that current federal policy will not do the trick.
Sunday, May Fifteenth, we will talk about crime, victim's rights and gun control. Florida has recently passed a law granting crime victims the option of using lethal force. Will this policy thwart criminals or lead to needless injuries and death. Just where do we draw the line between defense and offense? Come armed with your best arguments as we explore the issues of crime, victim's rights and gun control. Matt Evans has material about the subject that he will post on our website, cofound.blogspot.com.
Inevitably, the conversation touched on the conflict between the American love of personal mobility and the virtues of mass transit. Some lamented our sprawling urban structures and car-centered culture and wondered what it will take to prod us to change. It was widely acknowledged that current federal policy will not do the trick.
Sunday, May Fifteenth, we will talk about crime, victim's rights and gun control. Florida has recently passed a law granting crime victims the option of using lethal force. Will this policy thwart criminals or lead to needless injuries and death. Just where do we draw the line between defense and offense? Come armed with your best arguments as we explore the issues of crime, victim's rights and gun control. Matt Evans has material about the subject that he will post on our website, cofound.blogspot.com.
April 20, 2005
Links on Rapid Transit
I wrote two stories back in 1999 about Louisville's efforts at getting light rail into the city.
The Rail Truth
Pointing to Portland
The 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 public transit).
The Rail Truth
Pointing to Portland
The 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 public transit).
April 17, 2005
Social Security
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 personally contact our Congressmen and to hold them accountable.
As the discussion progressed, a positive outlook came to the fore and a consensus developed that a rough patch may lie ahead but our resilient society can innovate its way to better days.
On May 1st we meet again with the topic: Transportation for the Long Haul
Transportation issues come up often during our discussions and certainly it is a subject that affects us all. When it comes to traffic jams and pollution, we are all a part of the problem. But we can also play a role in it's solution. Join us as we talk about bridges, light rail and the future of the automobile. On Sunday, May the 1st we'll take a look at the local and long distance issues, for today and for down the road. Hope we see you then.
As the discussion progressed, a positive outlook came to the fore and a consensus developed that a rough patch may lie ahead but our resilient society can innovate its way to better days.
On May 1st we meet again with the topic: Transportation for the Long Haul
Transportation issues come up often during our discussions and certainly it is a subject that affects us all. When it comes to traffic jams and pollution, we are all a part of the problem. But we can also play a role in it's solution. Join us as we talk about bridges, light rail and the future of the automobile. On Sunday, May the 1st we'll take a look at the local and long distance issues, for today and for down the road. Hope we see you then.
April 4, 2005
Interesting Links
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 will need to do a a search on this site as long html addresses, which is what I had for the exact address of these files, break the blog).
2. Since we mentioned consumerism, an interesting conversation was had about Coke by a recent author on the subject, check it out at http://www.booknotes.org/Transcript/?ProgramID=1772 (no special programs needed as this is a transcript).
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 will need to do a a search on this site as long html addresses, which is what I had for the exact address of these files, break the blog).
2. Since we mentioned consumerism, an interesting conversation was had about Coke by a recent author on the subject, check it out at http://www.booknotes.org/Transcript/?ProgramID=1772 (no special programs needed as this is a transcript).
March 25, 2005
Link on Eminent Domain
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.
March 14, 2005
Book Recommendation
The book I recommended yesterday:
I could have done without some of the essays. Luckily, all those essays are short.
February 24, 2005
Kentucky Focus
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 bringing to the next meeting. I'm glad it's being held at a place where beer and food can be consumed. Nothing against libraries, mind you.
I have a few friends I may be bringing to the next meeting. I'm glad it's being held at a place where beer and food can be consumed. Nothing against libraries, mind you.
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