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Political Bloggers

Because the news isn't half as fun if you can't blog about it.

Network Leader: Emily Ma
 
Clay Forsberg Imagine a society where the community, with the values and culture of old-school neighborhoods merge with the connectivity of social media providing the support our government has absolved itself of: Community 3.0! "Taking action" ... The People Have the Power, Part 4" ~ http://bit.ly/IRHe3P

3 weeks ago from Barter on Brazen, Inspiring Leadership, Nonprofiteers, Political Bloggers and Problem Solving3 more

 
Clay Forsberg Imagine if we didn't need government! Imagine if the social and economic "safety net" was your friends, your neighbors and yourself. "Community 3.0" ... The people Have the Power, Part 3 ~ http://bit.ly/HQ8D6N

5 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist, Problem Solving, Political Bloggers, Nonprofiteers and Inspiring Leadership3 more

Jay Bitsack: Hi Clay,
Yes, humanity as we know it on this globe is rapidly approaching (before the next century) a major tipping point. And the notion of ...More
Hi Clay,
Yes, humanity as we know it on this globe is rapidly approaching (before the next century) a major tipping point. And the notion of community building is right on target with what's needed for humanity to not only survive the transition, but to also prevail beyond that event. In this regard, you might find the following books to be highly complimentary to and supportive of your own thinking: 1) Limits to Growth, 2) The End of Growth: Adapting to Our New Economic Reality, and 3) The Great Disruption: Why the Climate Crisis Will Bring On The End Of Shopping And The Birth Of A New World.

Very much in line with your concept for Community 3.), Chapter 7 of The End Of Growth addresses possible mechanisms for enabling a smooth(er) transition. One in particular, called "Transition Initiatives (or Towns), provides what might be a good elaboration on your ideas of what a 21st century community needs to be. Here's and excerpt from that chapter:

Transition Towns
Given the looming energy and environmental threats outlined in this book, it’s evident that something like the following is called for. We need a grassroots movement that educates people about these challenges and helps them develop strategies to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. It should aim to build community resilience, taking account of local vulnerabilities and opportunities. Ideally, this movement should frame its vision of the future in positive, inviting terms. It should aim to build a cooperative spirit among people with differing backgrounds and interests. While this movement should be rooted in local communities, its effectiveness would increase if it were loosely coordinated through national hubs and a global information center. The work of local groups should include the sharing of practical skills such as food production and storage, home insulation, and the development and use of energy conserving technologies. The movement should be non-authoritarian but should hold efficient meetings, training participants in effective, inclusive decision-making methods.

That may sound like a tall order. But here’s some good news: that movement already exists. It’s called Transition Initiatives, and communities that have one of these initiatives often call themselves Transition Towns.4 The “transition” that’s being referred to is away from our current growth-based, fossil-fueled economy and toward a future economy that is not only sustainable but also fulfilling and interesting for all concerned. Transition Initiatives got their start in 2005 in Britain through the work of a Permaculture teacher named Rob Hopkins. In his Transition Handbook, Hopkins tells how he came up with the strategy, and sets forth a range of useful guidelines for groups.5 Nearly all of Rob’s prose is saturated with irrepressible optimism:

Transition Initiatives are not the only response to peak oil and climate change; any coherent national response will also need government and business responses at all levels. However, unless we can create this sense of anticipation, elation and a collective call to adventure on a wider scale, any government responses will be doomed to failure, or will need to battle proactively against the will of the people.... Rebuilding local agriculture and food production, localizing energy production, rethinking healthcare, rediscovering local building materials in the context of zero energy building, rethinking how we manage waste, all build resilience and offer the potential of an extraordinary renaissance — economic, cultural and spiritual.6 Hopkins is careful to call Transition a “research project”; in a “cheerful disclaimer” on the Transition website he points out that there is no guarantee of success, because what is being attempted is unprecedented. We truly don’t know if this will work. Transition is a social experiment on a massive scale. What we are convinced of is this: • if we wait for the governments, it’ll be too little, too late • if we act as individuals, it’ll be too little • but if we act as communities, it might just be enough, just in time.7

Heinberg, Richard (2011-06-01). The End of Growth: Adapting to Our New Economic Reality (Kindle Locations 4757-4762). Perseus Books Group. Kindle Edition.

Regards,
Jay

5 weeks ago
 
Daniel Umbro Is there an list of all the blogs being represented in this group?

8 weeks ago from Political Bloggers

 
Clay Forsberg Our economic woes are not because of the banks, corporations or even the government. THEY'RE OUR FAULT! It's time we take responsibility ... and control over our own future: http://bit.ly/vUOSxc

29 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Political Bloggers, Problem Solving and The Modern Strategist2 more

Keri Zuckerman: Although I do believe there is greed within big corporations and the bailouts were shameful, I can't help but think what business doesn't want to ...MoreAlthough I do believe there is greed within big corporations and the bailouts were shameful, I can't help but think what business doesn't want to make a profit? The occupy wall st participants do not realize that they are part of the driving force of social inequality they are protesting. They are protesting corporate greed yet they text each other using their IPHONES, drinking STARBUCKS, wearing NORTHFACE and on top of it all they are a bunch of litterbugs. It's their consumerism that is the catalyst of it all.

If you want to make a difference help boycott these evil systems and live by your convictions!

29 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Clay Forsberg "The government's not going to help you ... so get over it! Empower your neighborhood instead" The public assistance pendulum has swung past the reach of those who truly need it. And it doesn't look like it's going to change anytime soon. There needs to be a different approach, a different plan. I'd like to hear input on the idea of taking responsibility over social issues by creating non-governmental neighborhood groups. Check out my last post for more information: http://bit.ly/f4r8L2

57 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist, Political Bloggers, Barter on Brazen and Nonprofiteers2 more

 
Clay Forsberg Clay Forsberg "Millennials Rising!" Is Egypt Gen Y's Normandy Beach? http://bit.ly/eK4WNs Are the Millennials finally starting to exert their power. And if they are ... what's next?

67 weeks ago from Political Bloggers

 
TOP IDEA: Tariq West The internet is a democratic space in the sense that web 2.0 tools have allowed for political expression, mobilization and direct action. One of the key dimensions of democracy, however, is deliberation. Can the internet provide a context for informed, nuanced decision making amidst complexity and disagreement? What tools are available for deliberation on the internet? More here: http://bit.ly/aN3OSJ

106 weeks ago from Political Bloggers, Social Media, Nonprofiteers, Government and Public-Sector and Future Leaders3 more

Elizabeth Marling: This is too fascinating not to be reopened. I also have to recommend anyone who sees this link to Tariq's blog. Incredibly thought provoking ...MoreThis is too fascinating not to be reopened. I also have to recommend anyone who sees this link to Tariq's blog. Incredibly thought provoking material, excellent brain food for any other pseudo-intellectuals like myself.
91 weeks ago
Kaseema: You have asked a very important question, however I would have to suggest you take a look at a technology called Google Wave all conversations or ...MoreYou have asked a very important question, however I would have to suggest you take a look at a technology called Google Wave all conversations or deliberations which is a discussion of all sides can be done with this technology. It can be done in real time without servers. you create the space through the use of invitation, within that space you can exchange ideas, opinions, video, pics, create agenda and, plans. Yes I would agree we must deliberate to come to an agreeable or correct conclusion which may lead to a plan of action. This I believe will begin with Web 3.0 on which Goggle Wave will lead the way.
You wrote a good blog on the subject I look forward to reading more from you.

67 weeks ago
 
Jake Kaskey I know it was a really tough Tuesday for a lot of young, Democratic campaign staffers across the country. You win some, you lose some, but so many new people came into the process after Obama's election they may not yet have felt the sting of defeat. Here's to all the young staffers feeling the pain this week: http://jakekaskey.wordpress.com/2010/11/03/the-morning-after-gut-punch-y...

80 weeks ago from Political Bloggers

Andrew Shell: I like the ideas in the article but how would we make this happen? It seems like our voting system is pretty much set it stone, how does one try ...MoreI like the ideas in the article but how would we make this happen? It seems like our voting system is pretty much set it stone, how does one try to change it?
81 weeks ago
Lucas Dailey: It's actually not as bad as you might think. For federal elections it's almost entirely a state issue. Most states use the same system but there ...MoreIt's actually not as bad as you might think. For federal elections it's almost entirely a state issue. Most states use the same system but there are some weird ones out there. I've been meaning to talk to some city council and state legislator friends for a while now.. Nationally, there aren't too many good test cases in the US, so we need to raise it's profile much more. The only example of preferential voting the average american knows about(and they don't even know it's preferential voting) is the Heisman Trophy.
81 weeks ago
 
Riley Carson I wanted to get some social commentary/political guest posts for my blog, www.Wayfaring-Stranger.com. I'm a socially progressive atheist with a military background; I would love to get some people who are completely different from me. Heck, even if you agree with me, I'd like that. I proofread all guest posts for spelling errors and grammar mistakes. Hope you guys are all okay with that! If you are interested, please email me at RileyCarson@hotmail.com! Much appreciated!

85 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas, Political Bloggers and Brazen Bloggers1 more

 
Rebecca Thorman What alternative media sources or blogs do you read to get other views besides the mainstream media? I'm really looking for good commentary and editorial type reads... thanks in advance!

94 weeks ago from Social Media, Blogging Ideas, Journalism and Journalists and Political Bloggers2 more

Peter Gowen: Better late than never, eh? ...
I've been curious about others' media interests, too, so thanks for the topic!
The ones I've settled on, over the ...More
Better late than never, eh? ...
I've been curious about others' media interests, too, so thanks for the topic!
The ones I've settled on, over the past couple years are:

http://www.democracynow.org/
http://www.therealnews.com/t2/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/

86 weeks ago
Patrick Pho: For me it's not aggregation but reading the links of my twitter followers that hold difference views than my own.
86 weeks ago
 
Riley Carson Is anyone else perturbed by the fact that as of this moment, we have no defense budget for fiscal year 2011? Basically, the military has no way to fund the two wars and numerous relief acts that they've been sent to do.

86 weeks ago from Political Bloggers

Jake Kaskey: Totally agreed, Riley. Let me also be COMPLETELY upfront about my political leanings/bias- I'm very much a progressive- but that said, if the ...MoreTotally agreed, Riley. Let me also be COMPLETELY upfront about my political leanings/bias- I'm very much a progressive- but that said, if the Democrats had filibustered defense funding during a Republican president the GOP would be screaming about not supporting our troops. And for the GOP to argue that somehow adding DADT to the authorization bill is wrong because you should only pass "clean bills," it was McCain himself who attached campaign finance reform legislation to Defense authorization legislation in the past.
86 weeks ago
Riley Carson: I agree with you entirely. I hate the fact that they're using the military as a pawn in the political game.
86 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh Just read in the NYT this morning (http://nyti.ms/bBnLMZ) that 27 states have adopted the new national education standards policy. I'm worried because I feel like these new standards policies are too focused on fundamentals and ignoring the skills that are becoming more important for success like computer skills. I'm not involved enough in education to know whether I am right or wrong, but based on the things I have read I'm a little concerned. You guys are the experts, what are you thinking?

96 weeks ago from Education Conversations, Education and Political Bloggers1 more

Cooper: The subject was standards, and it does relate in that standards help those who are not part of select group of people given special consideration ...MoreThe subject was standards, and it does relate in that standards help those who are not part of select group of people given special consideration as with the debatable program in D.C.

In these economic times, with budgets being slashed, we have to consider how many students are actually served under any given program.

Yes this is getting long winded and off track, so it's best to move it elsewhere.

95 weeks ago
Bryon Ownby: @Ryan, while I am in agreement with your initial post here, in most part those that I have interaction with in the corporate training field agree ...More@Ryan, while I am in agreement with your initial post here, in most part those that I have interaction with in the corporate training field agree that the education bar must be raised (at least where I live)! Is it by standardized testing to measure the results of accomplishing this? I feel that is something yet to be seen. My personal belief, the whole dang education system needs a rest & overhaul (and our culture vaule education more than it does)!! The question I ask, does the same fundamentals from 30 years ago that were great building blocks apply to today's world? My thoughts are probably not. Definately the teaching styles probably need to be changed as well.
89 weeks ago
 
Mae Buzen How much time do you spend complaining about politics? If you're a news junkie like me, and passionate about politics, you probably spend several hours a week complaining about the state of politics and public discourse in this country. Maybe it's time to try reforming the system from within, don't you think? http://www.midpointers.com/public-policy-degrees.html

98 weeks ago from Political Bloggers and Future Leaders

Mae Buzen: Thanks! That was really insightful, Joy and Cooper.
94 weeks ago
Clay Forsberg: Check out this interesting article referred to by Lifecourse, the author of the Fourth Turning: "Morley Winograd and Mike Hais explain how ...MoreCheck out this interesting article referred to by Lifecourse, the author of the Fourth Turning: "Morley Winograd and Mike Hais explain how Millennials want an active government—and a new approach to public policy. http://bit.ly/di22yM"
92 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Tariq West "Don't want the job too much": I met with former Secretary of State George Schultz on Friday. Politics aside, he struck me as a remarkably thoughtful and capable statesman. Perhaps his most poignant advice was on knowing where your lines of ethics and principle are and being willing to walk away from extraordinarily attractive opportunities when they're crossed. Have you thought critically about where your lines are? Have you walked away from attractive opportunities on of a matter of principle?

105 weeks ago from Brazen Undergrads, Nonprofiteers, Government and Public-Sector, Political Bloggers and I am Gen Y3 more

Melissa Breau: @Jesse - I'm sorry to say you probably would not have gotten very far with a lawsuit. I think the company has a right to ask you to not discuss ...More@Jesse - I'm sorry to say you probably would not have gotten very far with a lawsuit. I think the company has a right to ask you to not discuss personal beliefs while at work. While working at a given company you are expected to represent that company's beliefs and not your own. That said, I think there are probably companies whose mission aligns much more closely with your own and would welcome having such a strong believer as part of their team. I would strongly recommend you reach out to these types of organizations and see if they are hiring.

Unfortunately, we do give up certain rights when we agree to work for a company. That is why it's so important to find a company that aligns with our own beliefs. And, when we find that the company we are working for does not align with our beliefs, why it is important to move on.

I think this is true far beyond Jesse's very specific religious case study, and is true with any belief. If, for example, you found out the company was doing something illegal, would you leave? What if the company offered you some of the proceeds?

As someone who works freelance, I think it's important to choose your clients carefully; but I also think there are times where you need to think critically about where exactly your personal lines are and decide that sometimes perhaps your personal beliefs have to take a back burner (not necessarily ethical beliefs, but other personal beliefs).

An interesting recent example is Elana Kagan's nomination as supreme crt. judge and the controversy around the role she played in trying to ban the military from recruiting on Harvard's grounds since they do not allow gays in the military. Essentially all she did was sign a document supporting a law suit saying this should be allowed to happen based on the idea that Harvard would not allow any other un-equal opportunity employer to recruit there, but it was over turned.... they were allowed to recruit anyway.


105 weeks ago
Sadya Siddiqui: @Tariq im really sorry this thread of urs got hijacked. i think u shud repost it. its such a gud question that u've raised. also u cud widen the ...More@Tariq im really sorry this thread of urs got hijacked. i think u shud repost it. its such a gud question that u've raised. also u cud widen the scope of it and ask how does GenY & ethics roll togther?
105 weeks ago
 
Tariq West As a matter of principle I never comment anonymously or say anything online that I'm not wiling to say under my own name. What's your take on this?

107 weeks ago from Social Media, Personal Branding and Political Bloggers1 more

Brian McCarthy: I don't worry about myself but the safety thing has to be considered from time to time. One of my clients had their full name, contact details ...MoreI don't worry about myself but the safety thing has to be considered from time to time. One of my clients had their full name, contact details and address on their SM channels. She ended up being harassed by someone who actually showed up to her place or business. The police had to be called. I know this is the exception and not the rule but face it there's a lot of questionable people out there. You can do business, become an expert show who you are but sometimes a little common sense can prevent a bucket load of trouble.
106 weeks ago
Andrew Hill: Thats for sure, It is like people with the personal phone numbers and stuff out there sitting there. I do sell stuff online so buyers get my ...MoreThats for sure, It is like people with the personal phone numbers and stuff out there sitting there. I do sell stuff online so buyers get my address but besides that it is under lock and key, granted all you would probably have to do is google someone's name to get the information but still.
106 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Tariq West One of the interesting takeaways from yesterday's "I Don't Know to CEO" conference (http://bit.ly/apU04M) is that women tend to be less self-promoting than men. Among other things, they ask for fewer and lower raises and are less likely to showcase their accomplishments. Why do you think this is?

107 weeks ago from Brazen Undergrads, Nonprofiteers, Political Bloggers, Upstarts! and Entrepreneurs3 more

Tariq West: Thanks for the input all! Seems the common thread is that "appropriate" behavior for women within the context of male-dominated cultures, ...MoreThanks for the input all! Seems the common thread is that "appropriate" behavior for women within the context of male-dominated cultures, particularly within business organizations, is powerfully normed in ways that makes self-promotion difficult, even self-defeating. And as Elisabeth alludes to, this is representative of a broader societal dynamic in which women under-report themselves (or men over-report themselves?) and gender plays an unreasonable role in our competence judgements.
106 weeks ago
Stephanie: I once read an article that stated that when men receive a bonus, they say, "I deserved this, I worked for this." When women get a bonus, they ...MoreI once read an article that stated that when men receive a bonus, they say, "I deserved this, I worked for this." When women get a bonus, they say, "It was luck."

I have always been conflicted over women's tendency to be humble just because I'm a confident, ambitious, and intelligent woman and yet I still find myself putting myself down when someone compliments as a way of showing humility. I'm currently trying to break that habit, but I think a lot of gender issues lies in the fact that societies tend to assign traits to specific genders. For instance, aggressiveness linked to men, humility and compassion to women. Problems come up when people don't "play" their respective and expected parts and others don't know how to react or react negatively.

106 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh Hey everybody, Penelope Trunk and I are doing a Live Video Chat next Wednesday, Feb 24, 9PM EST. Our topic is online networking for Government and Public Sector employees. If you're interested in joining us, sign up here: http://www.brazencareerist.com/webinar/gov Please spread the word to friends and colleagues who might like to join us!

117 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector, City & County Government Workers and Political Bloggers1 more

Maria Pontikis: Thanks for the notice, Ryan. Sounds like a useful session for us all!
117 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh: It's going to be great! I could talk about social media and online networking all day long ... Basically I do :)
117 weeks ago
 
Grady Locklear Hey everybody! I'm barging into this group, but I'm hoping a few of you will be interested in some cross-promotion blogging. We would love some input from savvy political bloggers at Voteable (http://voteable.net/) so... check out the page, and then get in touch with me if you're interested in contributing an article or getting involved as a volunteer.

123 weeks ago from Political Bloggers

 
So, I just wrote a slight editorial about the Tehran protests and the Iranian president. You can find it on my page. It's called "Welcome to Gangland."

125 weeks ago from Political Bloggers

 
Anybody blog foreign policy? I started a group, but maybe I should consolidate...

140 weeks ago from Political Bloggers

 
Alexander Lobov so who's going to fire the first shot...?

153 weeks ago from Political Bloggers

Alexander Lobov: for now ill stick to tearing apart his column, which nothing will save from being terrible....
153 weeks ago
Seth Church: I'm really tired of Washington D.C. Politics, the've had their finger to the wind so long that they lost sight of every day Americans.
142 weeks ago
 

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