by John Paluszek on Oct-02-2024
If you are concerned about the future of democracy in the world order, read “Autocracy, Inc. , The Dictators Who Want to Run the World” – an alarming new wake-up call by Pulitzer Prize winner Anne Applebaum. https://bit.ly/3MjJEjl My capsule review via key excerpts (10 minutes read): “Introduction “Autocracy, Inc. “Nowadays, autocracies are not run […]
by John Paluszek on Aug-16-2024
“What happens when China passes the U.S. in R&D and has the manufacturing base?” – Alarming, provocative (and prophetic?) summary of new NYT report. https://nyti.ms/46KehrJ
by John Paluszek on Apr-10-2024
First, the context: “ … people won’t stop trading goods – and depending on how long a view you take, the world has always been in a state of ‘reglobalization’ … The phrase simply describes the constantly shifting circumstances and relationships in global trade.” – economic historian Harold James. https://nyti.ms/3U74qHx (For Phoenicians, see below.) Then […]
by John Paluszek on Mar-13-2024
“When all is said and done, this Supreme Court term will likely be the most consequential yet for free speech on the Internet.” – David Cole in his new book review (print edition) https://bit.ly/49IXg1z of “Social Media, Freedom of Speech and Future of Democracy.” Professor Cole, the Honorable George J. Mitchell Professor of Law and […]
by John Paluszek on Feb-28-2024
A virtual debate: “Resolved: E.S.G. needs – and deserves – a robust, spirited, and informed defense.” [E.S.G. in the current corporate social responsibility lexicon: ”Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) is a set of considerations, including environmental issues, social issues and corporate governance that can be considered in investing.” Wikipedia] E.S.G. critics and sceptics now […]
by John Paluszek on Jan-14-2024
Vladimir Putin is running Vladimir Lenin’s 1919 “playbook” with 2024 weapons – especially advanced communications technology. They share these “plays”: A movement born of socio-political turmoil. A cult leader. Regional/global ambitions. Assault on democracy in favor of autocracy. Violation of international law. A torrent of lies (“disinformation” in the current vernacular). Brutality. Evidence: This […]
by John Paluszek on Dec-19-2023
“Mideast War pushes employers to extend diversity programs to faith groups. Workers are asking employers to respond to rising Islamophobia and antisemitism. But office discussions about religion are difficult.” That’s the alarming headline and sub-head on a new digital edition New York Times major business-section featured report. https://nyti.ms/4aiPtIF The horrific Gaza war is, of course, […]
by John Paluszek on Nov-01-2023
For a few moments, put aside the current highly divisive debate on whether companies should take public positions on political and social issues and consider this: A growing number of companies in the U.S. and Europe are offering their employees seminars on democratic principles and the dangers of conspiracy theories – civics training that […]
by John Paluszek on Sep-13-2023
To help defuse the current culture wars and develop student citizenship, Stanford University’s School of Humanities and Sciences is introducing a new first-year core curriculum, “Civic, Liberal and Global Education”. https://stanford.io/3r3EdOr The curriculum “seeks to celebrate the diversity of students … while incorporating many of the important political and ethical aspects of citizenship…” […]
by John Paluszek on Aug-30-2023
“We believe that the world is big enough for both countries to thrive. “ (Treasury Secretary Janett Yellen, July 9, 2023 news conference.) “China and the U.S., Still Adversaries, Are Talking. That’s a Start…” “Treasury Secretary Janett Yellen … said the two sides would pursue ‘more frequent communication’ despite their deep differences.” https://nyti.ms/3rkt63A [Skeptics, […]
by John Paluszek on Jun-15-2023
“Sometime this month, our nation’s highest court will hand down the latest of its long (although for many, not eagerly) awaited decisions addressing a legal issue at the core of America’s cultural divide. “This case – more accurately two cases – concern the use of race in admissions programs at colleges and universities.” That […]
by John Paluszek on May-17-2023
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
by John Paluszek on May-01-2023
That’s the gripping capsule summary of a new seminal analysis by New York Times guest columnist Bret C. Devereaux: “College Should Be More Than Just Vocational Schools” https://nyti.ms/43l57zO Or to be blunt: Will liberal arts studies adapt enough – and fast enough – to survive the current attacks on it? There is, of course, much at stake. […]
by John Paluszek on Mar-14-2023
Today, journalists and foreign affairs experts are exploring, “What’s up with China [China!] mediating an historic Iran-Saudi Arabia peace deal?” An answer: global hearts and minds. Headline and subhead of The New York Times report on China’s surprising new role as mediator in the just-announced Shiite-majority Iran /Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia peace deal: China’s Role in Iran-Saudi Arabia […]
by John Paluszek on Mar-07-2023
A recent New York Times headline said it all concerning the current political attack on ESG investing and companies’ commitment to social responsibility: “On Wall St., ‘Socially Responsible’ Is Common Sense. In Congress, It’s Political”. https://nyti.ms/3ZEkHUr Columnist Jeff Sommer, analyzing the current political backlash on ESG: “In the financial world, trillions of dollars […]
