Forwarding the Conversation

I want to start this post out by commenting on the fact that I’ve not published anything new in awhile. Thanksgiving was a hectic time – I was travelling – and upon my return I was hit with a sinus infection. This is the first opportunity I’ve had since before Thanksgiving to post. So, here goes…

The Obama transition team recently sent out an e-mail and created a new part of their website that invites people to join in a discussion of the issues. This new section is called Your Seat at the Table. I think that this is an important development in the democratic process as the new administration is signaling that it is interested in what ordinary people have to say.

What I wondering is whether this is a genuine attempt at receiving input in order to forward the conversation. Feel free to post what you think. Below is a video that was released a few days ago.

I found this TV ad to be quite moving because it shows a world connected by falling dominoes. These aren’t the kind of dominoes that are menacing – they are colorful and soothing. This advertisement speaks to me and says that everyone on earth is in some way connected. It’s a simple and very effectively delivered message (in addition to the message of: please buy our TV because the color is good).

What does this ad say you?

Last week, in California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger hosted the Governors’ Global Climate Summit. The purpose of the summit is twofold:

The first is to facilitate a high-level meeting between governmental “climate leaders” and to conclude a cooperative Summit Declaration on climate solutions (such as the examples described above). The second is to discuss the outlook for a comprehensive global agreement on climate solutions that prevents the world passing the “tipping point” as described by the IPCC. 

To learn more about the summit click here and to watch videos of all the activities click here. Below you will find a pre-recorded address from President-Elect Obama to the summit attendees.

Here are some questions to chew on as you watch the video:

• What is it going to take for the entire world to begin moving in the same direction on the issue of global climate change?
• What sacrifices are each of us going to have to make in order to ensure that we preserve our planet?
• How can each of us do to make sure our leaders take the issue of climate change seriously?

Watch this video about the Charter for Compassion and read the description below. You can help write the charter for compassion by going to the link provided above or in the description below.

By recognizing that the Golden Rule is fundamental to all world religions, the Charter for Compassion can inspire people to think differently about religion. This Charter is being created in a collaborative project by people from all over the world. It will be completed in 2009. Use this site to offer language you’d like to see included. Or inspire others by sharing your own story of compassion.

Absent a fireplace and FDR, Barack Obama delivered his first YouTube “fireside chat” where he outlined his plan for rebuilding the economy. This is important because it sets the bar at a new level for how elected officials use the internet to strengthen our democracy.

The question coming out of this is simple: does this simple video signal an era of open government? Express your opinion by voting in the poll and then watch Obama’s video below. You can also find it at www.change.gov.

President-Elect Obama has recently launched a new website called Change.Gov. The website is what democracy is all about. It is open, transparent, and gives a forum for people to give their input and vision for the country. The site invites people in to be a part of something. I think this a fantastic example of what is made possible empowering individuals. Check out the website below by going to www.change.gov. Before you go watch President-Elect Obama’s victory speech and think about the following questions.

• What does a vibrant and flourishing democracy look like?
• What can you do to serve your country?
• What is the value in seeking input from a large number of people?

VOTE!!! It doesn’t matter who you vote for just go out to the polls and vote. Take a lawn chair, some magazines, a six pack of beer, a bottle of wine, a picnic basket, or whatever will make you happy. Get motivated by watching the video below! Also, if you don’t know where to vote go to www.maps.google.com/vote

5 Friends Video is back… and remember… VOTE on November 4th. Click here to find out more information about your polling location and voting in your state.

This is one of the most important posts on this blog. Please take a look.

In this TedTalk psychologist Jonathan Haidt explores the difference between liberals and conservatives. One quote that he draws on here is from Buddhist Zen Master Sent-ts’an who says:

If you want the truth to stand clear before you, never be for or against. The struggle between “for” and “against” is the mind’s worst disease.

Haidt argues that through moral psychology that we can all learn to step outside of our “moral matrix” which will allow for a more productive and civil society.  Watch the video and ask yourself the following questions

1. How is Haidt’s argument playing out in the 2008 election?
2. How do you take this way of seeing the world onto a battlefield that uses morality as a wedge?
3. What are you for and what are you against? How do you feel about those who oppose you?

This is a funny video, but in all seriousness I’ve been really perplexed recently as I’ve spoken to many of my friends who don’t think that voting is important. What I’d like to hear is WHY voting is or is not important to you. Please leave your thoughts in the comments section.

Visit www.maps.google.com/vote to find out more information about where and how to vote.