Pointing Fingers

I think the line goes, "Let those without sin cast the first stone." Thanks for setting the example Congress.

Congressional Junkets Defended as Work Based.

The Politics of Economics

Are politics ruining economics? Interesting idea, especially when there are a lot of congressmen who don't understand the full scope of the stimulus package but are toying with it for political posturing.

Of course though, some would argue that economics ruined itself long before.

Politics is damaging the credibility of economics

By the way, I usually like what Krugman has to say.

Torture

Calling Congress out on its actions, or lack thereof.

Congress' Phony War On Torture

Race Matters

A few articles on racism.

The first discusses police brutality on the black population. I'm not discounting the fact that the police have a high stress job but it seems like once a week when I want the local news another Chicago officer has shot and killed someone. It seems to be all too common. Also, the shooting of Diallo that the article discusses is chronicled in a Springsteen song, "41 Shots."


Still Shooting At Us.

The second article is about the health care issue in this country. I know this is a much discussed issue but we haven't done anything about it and until we do, it will only get worse. Now is a perfect time to address this problem.

Deamonte's Toothache.

Reclaiming a Business Education

As I near the end of my MBA program, I can say that I have learned much, not from the actual coursework but mostly from my fellow classmates. These classmates have offered me a glimpse into their experiences and attitudes and how these have shaped their understanding of the world. I believe that I can claim that much of what I have learned is more of an example of what to avoid both in action and thought.

It is not much of a surprise but these business students, more often than not, fit the mold of the stereotypical business student. They focus on the financial bottom line and do not seem to examine the consequences of their choices. I feel like one of the most pivotal tools that I have ever been taught is always to critique what I am taught. Not necessarily to analyze each piece to death but rather to not merely accept everything as truth. I don't see my fellow business student viewing their education through the same critical eye. This has been and continues to be disheartening.

In light of recent events, I feel as though it is time to start educating business students to focus on actively seeking to improve the lives of others rather than just not causing harm, whatever that may mean. This is a focus on what is their "self-interest," a basic piece of justification for the capitalistic system. It should be taught that "self-interest" isn't just what is good for the person but also the group as a whole. That if the whole is improved, this will, more likely than not, improve everyone's situation and not leave the margin behind. Some may say this sounds socialistic. It could be but it is not exclusive to that system. It is about understanding the consequences of choices. It is an understanding of "I am because we are."

An easy example of this is the fact that currently one of the biggest concerns facing the United States is the state of the health care industry. The country has a huge number of uninsured who have helped lead to the astronomical rise in health care costs. In our current climate, more and more people are being laid-off and, as a result, are losing their health care packages, if their employer provided them with this insurance. So the numbers of people who are uninsured are rising, just magnifying the need to address the health care problem. If we want to help save the economy, a great way to do it would be through universal health care. This would eliminate much stress on families with huge piles of bills that they cannot pay and also provide an economic boost from the government. It would have a significant effect on the future of this country.

Many do not believe that it is in their "self-interest" to have universal health care. Many years ago, many thought it was a bad decision to have a social security system but now, everyone would be up in arms if social security was discontinued, even if they don't "need" it.

With that being said, here is an article that inspired this post.

From a Jesuit publication, America:

What's Good for Business?

Failing our Veterans

A pretty sad story that I heard on NPR this morning. More needs to be done in response.

Veterans Turn to Online Strangers for Financial Help

Now He Needs to Prove Himself

As he stated, we are all responsible for the future of this country and the world, but Obama still has an agenda that he needs to address. Is he doing it? This is a start but we still need more.

Guantanamo Trial Of Canadian Halted

Still Ringing True

"When I speak of love I am not speaking of some sentimental and weak response. I am speaking of that force which all of the great religions have seen as the supreme unifying principle of life. Love is somehow the key that unlocks the door which leads to ultimate reality."
- Dr. King

Still working towards that Beloved Community...


Why I Cannot Be Silent.

Demanding Change

Check these out.

I was slow to recognize the stain of Guantanamo.

100 Days Campaign

Camp Hope 2009

Dissent is the Highest Form of Patriotism

Obama can't deliver the change on his own, we all must contribute.

Is Pragmatism Overrated?

The Next Step

Now that Obama is set to arrive in office in a few short days, people are both considering the impact of different statements and promises he made while on the campaign and also the Bush legacy. How will the new views and focuses of the White House affect national security? How will Obama atone for the errors of Bush? Where is the justice in this process? Specifically, it has been admitted by the White House (Cheney himself in December of last year) that they supported the use of waterboarding as an interrogation technique. How does the US as a country respond to this? I would hope that we wouldn't continue these policies but how do we "right the ship" and come to represent the ideals that we espouse? Here are a few opinions on what should be done.

Bringing Justice to the War on Terrorism.

Also, here is an assessment on the viability of some of Obama's campaign claims.

Assessing Obama's Promises

Private Eyes, They're Watching You

Violation of civil liberties.

More Groups Than Thought Monitored in Police Spying.

Faith Based Initiatives

Even if Obama is not religious at all, he is very smart in forming social policy. His work as a community organizer taught him that faith based groups will always be working with those who are oppressed and embracing these groups will not only help those who are seeking the aid but also the government as well. This alone is not the answer but it is one step closer.

Crafting Policy Agenda, Obama Team Brings in Faith Groups

Not a Good Week for the Great State of Michigan

Dingell vs. Waxman

Reading up on the Right

From the Atlantic. Enjoy.

Modernity, Faith, and Marriage.

the Bradley Effect vs. the Urkel Effect

Once again, a little late, but still pretty funny.

Can Obama Overcome the Urkel Effect?