Taking Back Democracy

Democracy is supposed to be a form of government by the people, for the people. Ideally, everyone has an equal voice. Unfortunately, that isn't how it works out - money greatly influences political influence. And some of the richest "persons" are corporations.

As we can clearly see from the recent FCC net neutrality news, corporations, with lots of money to spend, are not exactly conscientious about doing what's best for people in general - and politicians are more than ready to listen to them and their dollars. Corporations, if we want to call them "persons," happen to be very greedy people, concerned entirely with making more money and securing their financial best interest. That's only to be expected - that's what corporations are designed to do. That's why, frankly, they shouldn't be "persons."

As true persons, we are and should be concerned about not only our interests, but the interests, needs, and problems of other people. And that's why money, especially money from corporations, needs to be taken out of politics.

The Vermont Legislature has passed a resolution calling for a Constitutional Convention to change campaign finance law. Hooray, Vermont! Now we need 33 more states to jump on board.

Meanwhile, I encourage you to, contact the FCC and call Congress and let them know how much a free and open Internet means to you! We need net neutrality - tell your representatives that the FCC's plan is not acceptable.

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To change subjects entirely - I have no good transition - here's a photo for TBT, since I was late.

Isn't he beautiful? They wouldn't let me take him home, though.

Links!

• Libraries & Books:
• Librarians are superheroes. But you already knew that, right?
• Young People Want Equality But Struggle To Discuss Bias It's a very important issue - not just historically, but now, today. How can we get the conversation started? Libraries seem to be in a great position to get young people thinking - and talking - about equality, biases, and the path to a better future.
• Tennessee School Board Restores The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
• “We’re All Mad Here” – Lessons from Alice There are some really great lessons in this book. Maybe it's time we all re-read it.
• Science:
• How Meditation Affects The Brain I need to meditate more.
• Net & Tech:
• Think your Internet is slow? It is. And your provider is thrilled.
• The New York Times has greatly disappointed us with their FCC coverage.
• APCo wants higher bills for homeowners who go solar Punitive damages, I suppose? Providing your own electricity must hurt APCo's feelings. (I suppose, if corporations are persons, then APCo has feelings, right?)
• Other:
• Sudan woman faces death for apostasy 
• Which country shares your parenting values? I had a terrible time with this quiz. So many of the "options" seemed too related to be split cleanly - and others ought to be carefully reconciled. For instance, how do you separate determination and hard work? Shouldn't respect be immediately included in a feeling of responsibility? Don't we need to encourage creative ways of balancing independence and unselfishness - not to mention self-expression and tolerance? And doesn't imagination play into everything else? Of course, I believe religious faith does, too - your faith, taken seriously, informs and shapes your entire life. The number one value I can pass on to my kids wasn't even on the list, frankly: the thirst to learn more, to be constantly questioning, thinking, and growing. What country values that?
• Before 'Brown V. Board,' Mendez Fought California's Segregated Schools The truth is that de facto segregation is now a huge problem. We need serious reform throughout school systems to end racial and economic inequalities.
• Found In Translation Wonderful words and phrases that have no good English equivalent. All of which, I might add, are beautifully illustrated.