Society Archives - Page 40 of 44

Have We Forgotten the Point of Representative Democracy?

By Bill Clontz October 22, 2018 October 22, 2018 2 Comments

There Is Solid Reasoning Behind Representative vs Direct Democracy.

The founders of these United States carefully reviewed governments throughout history. They focused much of their attention on ancient Greece and Rome. Oftentimes, they did so by reading in Greek and Latin, so as not to lose subtleties in translation. We could use a few of those founders today – but that is a discussion for another day.

We are making our choices in midterm elections. I don’t think anyone on any side of any issue underestimates the importance of these elections.

Join the discussion at: Have We Forgotten the Point of Representative Democracy?

The Purposes and Power of Conversation

By Bill Clontz October 18, 2018 October 19, 2018 2 Comments

As We Careen into the Midterm Election, Let Us Reflect on the Art of Conversation.

This blog began last Summer in part to provide improved dialog opportunities.

Our diminishing ability to talk with each other in this country should be a matter of concern for all. Disagreements are natural – and healthy. But if we are unwilling to talk at all with millions of our fellow citizens, this is problematic. Not easy stuff, but we need to try.

It cannot bode well for the health of this country to continue down this path.

Join the discussion at: The Purposes and Power of Conversation

Who Owns This Business?

By Bill Clontz October 17, 2018 October 17, 2018 Leave a Comment

A Small Insertion into a Recent Defense Bill Could Yield Important Results.

The midweek post on this blog most often addresses questions of science and technology. This week we are taking a slight detour to examine questions around ownership of companies in the modern economy. In an era in which income inequality is an increasingly front and center issue, the idea of employee ownership has appeal.

This is not to claim that employee ownership is always a winning formula. A successful company still needs management. A business run like a New England town meeting is unlikely to survive in a tough competitive environment for long.

Join the discussion at: Who Owns This Business?

Communities – Not the Nation, Not Individuals – Might be the Answer

By Bill Clontz October 14, 2018 October 15, 2018 Leave a Comment

We are pretty good at staying mad at each other. Might the mid-level of human interaction offer a break in the pattern of constant conflict?

Some years ago, many political scientists lamented the truism made famous by Tip O’Neal that “all politics is local.” The concern was that this condition prevented the operation of true national parties with unified agendas. The spread from left to right was so wide within each party as to make the concept of true national parties inoperative.

Be careful what you wish for.

Join the discussion at: Communities – Not the Nation, Not Individuals – Might be the Answer

Let Me Tell You a Story….

By Bill Clontz October 7, 2018 October 12, 2018 2 Comments

Story Telling as High Culture and Community Connector.

Most of us have good childhood memories that begin with the phrase “tell me a story.” Stories are some of the earliest connections we have with those we love. They can fire our imagination, touch our emotions, teach us valuable lessons.

That is only the beginning. Stories are also how we pass down culture and history. In some cultures, this is the primary means for passing along what is important. Story tellers are honored people, with foundational roles in society.

You may be forgiven for thinking this is no longer the case in America.

Join the discussion at: Let Me Tell You a Story….

Night Owls, Early Birds, and Variations Thereof

By Bill Clontz October 3, 2018 October 5, 2018 2 Comments

When do YOU Do Your Best Work?

We all know the stereotypes. Heck, most of us ARE the stereotypes.

Night Owls tend to get their second wind about the time most people are going to bed. Around midnight or so, these people hit their stride in productivity or creativity. They tend not to be especially happy to be awake (sort of) to attend a breakfast meeting.

Early Birds are the opposite, of course. They like to rise before the sun. The US Army had a slogan in its advertising some years ago wherein a soldier says,

Join the discussion at: Night Owls, Early Birds, and Variations Thereof

“I Don’t Watch TV.” Too Bad – You are Missing Out

By Bill Clontz September 28, 2018 September 28, 2018 2 Comments

This is Not Your Parents TV.

Surprise! This Might be a Golden Age for TV.

I have friends who proudly proclaim they watch no TV. Some even make a point of saying they do not own one. On the one hand, I can understand that. There is a lot of junk on TV. There always has been. But there are also amazing feats of programing going on today. My biggest problem is not avoiding the junk. The problem is catching, or even knowing about, all the good stuff that is out there.

If we are going to talk about this,

Join the discussion at: “I Don’t Watch TV.” Too Bad – You are Missing Out