Rethos.com - richardtreadwell's Global Feed

A must read for every college kid heading back to campus!

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:12:35 -0400

Credit Card Tips for College Students

Now that you're making financial decisions for yourself, be sure to protect yourself from credit card tricks and traps. Here are some tips to consider before you break out the plastic. Adapted from "Credit Card Tips for College Students,” Consumers Union...

Blog Round Up

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:07:43 -0400

You can catch all the news at GamePolitics.com.

Thai Government Turns Against Video Games

Video game repression has surged in Thailand following last month's killing of a taxi driver by a 19-year-old man who told police he was

Ideology 101 in 2008

Political thought in the United States can't just be divided into two camps — us vs. them, left vs. right, progressive vs. conservative — it's much more complicated than that. There are actually a variety of progressive viewpoints on the economy, fo...

New Post - Li Li Parsons

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:03:08 -0400

New posting http://www.rethos.com/news/view/1528 My illustration will have to be added soon. I am posting this from a remote location nowhere near my scanner. Enjoy! Li Li

Alliance Accepted! - Common Good Finance

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:34:32 -0400

Hello from Big Sur - Alec Henderson

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:14:51 -0400

Hello everyone, After spending two months deep in the mountains of California's Central coast I and the majority of monks at the Tassajara Monastery have been evacuated due to the recent fires. My friends at the LA Times wrote a front page article http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-me-fires28-2008jun28,0,4613015,full.story on our plight and this has generated some significant publicity. I am hold up in Santa Cruz with the monastery dog, Ginger. She and I are well and blogging at http://sittingwithginger.blogspot.com/ I am only back on the grid until we can ret...

new post, part 2 of Elder Brothers article - Li Li Parsons

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 13:12:23 -0400

here's the link: http://www.rethos.com/news/view/1469 Feedback always welcomed!!! Li Li

Easy Ways You Can Help Conserve Rainforests

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:54:33 -0400

1Choose foods grown on farms certified by the Rainforest Alliance

Buy coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, bananas, orange juice, g...

New post - Li Li Parsons

Sat, 31 May 2008 18:03:01 -0400

here's the link: http://www.rethos.com/news/view/1399 Feedback and evaluation is always welcomed!! Some of you are getting this notice twice, as you are also on my personal email list. Apologies for the duplicate! Li Li

Summer Job with Web Startup Company

Tue, 27 May 2008 14:04:41 -0400

BetterLesson has summer jobs available in the Research and Field Organizing departments. We are looking for dedicated educators with at least one year’s classroom experience to help us dramatically improve the lives of teachers and the quality of the instruction they deliver to students.

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to cooper@betterlesson.org

Founding Director of Product Research

Tue, 27 May 2008 14:02:37 -0400

We are looking for someone with a keen interest in education technology and policy to head up our product research team.   We are looking for someone who is anxious to immerse him/herself in education technology and policy in order to help craft the long term vision of the website. The right candidate will:

1.    Have 1 or more years of prior research experience
2.    Have prior experience in the fields of education technology and/or policy.
3.    Possess strong writing and strategic thinking skills. ...

Founding-Level National Field Director

Tue, 27 May 2008 13:59:37 -0400

We have begun an aggressive grassroots effort to reach out to educators across the country. We are looking to hire someone with a minimum of two years’ classroom experience to lead this effort.   The right candidate will:

1.    Have some prior experience in outreach, recruitment, or sales
2.    Be exceptionally organized, creative, persuasive, extroverted, and resourceful.
3.    Possess strong leadership, critical thinking, and writing skills.
4.    Be committed to the soc...

Feminine Face of Activism

Sat, 17 May 2008 13:46:04 -0400

WOrking from the Heart: The Feminine Face of Activism

Join women from a round the world for this life-changing 6-day gathering in Bali, with Balinese indigenous wisdom leaders as co-facilitators. WOmen of all ages will come together who all share a deep sense of "calling" to help generate the kind of world you want to leave for your children and grandchildren. Stretch into your future as a global citizen and allow this more intimate experience to open your heart and expand your capacities as a committed leader. For more information, please visit...

Development Associate

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:12:44 -0400

Development Associate
Job Description: http://lifewater.org/get_involved/documents/0805DevelopmentAssociate.pdf

Please contact info@lifewater.org for more information.

Communications and Network Associate

Tue, 06 May 2008 14:24:56 -0400

People For the American Way Foundation conducts research, legal, and education work on behalf of First Amendment freedoms and democratic values; monitors, exposes, and challenges the Religious Right movement and its political allies; identifies, trains, and supports the next generation of progressive leaders through its Young People For youth leadership programs and its Young Elected Officials Network; and carries out nonpartisan voter education, registration, civic participation, and election protection activities.

Young People For (YP4) is a youth-driven and youth-led pr...

Alliance Accepted! - Len Hulsbos

Mon, 05 May 2008 01:33:42 -0400

News Post: the Kogi Mamas and their Warning! - Li Li Parsons

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:46:20 -0400

Go to this link: http://www.rethos.com/news/view/1326 Thank you... be awake, be aware, be engaged! Li

New comment - HELIX power system

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:39:31 -0400

Yes, I've always wanted to create my own self-sustaining form of power; perhaps this device will create a chain-effect by a creative engineer?

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:50:07 -0400

I was reminded by someone who commented on my blog (www.animalperson.net) that Dr. Will Tuttle's World Peace Diet: Eating for Spiritual Health and Social Harmony (http://www.amazon.com/World-Peace-Diet-Spiritual-Harmony/dp/1590560833) is great for people on a spiritual path, as well as those interested in doing the right thing for the planet and all its inhabitants. Tuttle talks about some of the main points here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLgGnP0pWzM Here are some Tuttle quotes, as well as some of my own connections: --"Seeing beings rather than things." --We are attached to food...

New comment - ipod Nation

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 10:29:15 -0400

JustinTruax: I respect your choices and your opinion... for a more thoughtful response to your comment, check out my comment over at the blog "Technology: Isolating us or keeping us safe?" by pinksiete.

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:20:07 -0400

I agree Mary that government and culture does a magnificent job at hiding where our food comes from - and that indeed "who" our food comes from. Society is so ingrained in "exceptions" from myths of the "food group" to religious ceremony. If there's a reason to use/misuse an animal there will be a taker every time. Living now as veg*an for 5 years or so, I frequently revisit that previous (un) consious place I was at before.... I see it now as a place of numbness - and of denial. A place of un-health, spiritually and physically. If we are ever to square up our morals concerning animal...

New comment - ipod Nation

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:15:23 -0400

I agree with you to a very little extent. Yes, from the ages 4-12 I believe they don't need to be so secluded from society. They need to meet new friends and learn more and everything. At one point though, you get to the age where you don't want to take part in a world so corrupt full of lies and killing. So you turn on your I-pod, it's a nice way to get away from EVERYTHING that is bothering you. Because music in reality is the best escape for anybody. We listen to it for relaxation, we listen to it for distraction, we listen to it for anything really. Another thing is that with the...

New comment - ipod Nation

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:21:05 -0400

Great article. Youâ€™re right about the â€œiâ€ phenomenon, it does put people in their own little â€œpodâ€. It IS concerning that it could be cutting people off meeting people. I mean, would YOU try to start a conversation with someone busy with their tech toy? I was actually thinking that yesterday as I watched people in a park and on a popular street in the University area of Edmonton Alberta. I saw people with earbuds in and out in a social setting and wondered how they expect to meet people if they couldn't hear someone say "hi" to them. I wondered if they even thought of it. ...

New comment - ipod Nation

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:19:06 -0400

I completely agree with you Li Li. I am also disappointed by the younger generation that I see on the bus and elsewhere that choose to shut themselves off from opportunities to interact with others as they caccoon themselves in their music with Ipods and other things plugged into their heads. The world is getting less and less friendly all the time!

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:53:09 -0400

Richard, You always write so well and you are very thoughtful about your responses... this is greatly appreciated! Rather than being motivated by a purely moral position, I feel that, on my own spectrum of choices to "do what is right" re food, I am motivated first by health. Ethics and morals are secondary, rather close behind the primary consideration... but still... Health-wise, for my body-type, metabolism, digestive processes, spiritual energy, and clarity of mental function, I thrive on live foods. When I eat mostly cooked foods, I am sluggish, foggy, and gain an extraordina...

New comment! - Cooperative Based Society

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:52:37 -0400

Thanks, that's a really good point, the words have been so corrupted they've lost their traditional meaning. Freedom means slavery, peace means war. We should be careful to define our terms. We definitely need to find an economic system that finds the strengths of capitalism and democratic socialism.I believe the common good bank does this. Politics is part of our daily lives, whether we like it or not, wherever there are decisions to be made and power and authority differentials, politics is there. The goal is to have everyone educated and empowered, to ensure self-determination...

Alliance Accepted! - Christel Loll

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:18:17 -0400

New comment! - Cooperative Based Society

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:14:20 -0400

Very well written. I must say that I am reaching a point where I do not want to use the words 'Democracy / Republican' or 'Capitalism / Socialism" for the obvious reason that society has associated the wrong 'term' to each. Though the pros to each are legitimate and valid; we need to stop pointing fingers and picking sides--rather find a nice balance of each and utilize their advantages accordingly. Life should not be coordinated with politics entirely--are we forgetting that we are human beings? I always though human society looked out for each other no matter their race/religio...

New comment - Cleaning Up Soap: Why The Bronner Family Is Washing Out A Few Mouths

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:22:22 -0400

The holistic community as a whole suffers from the misleading spin of companies that call products "organic" or "natural" or "preservative free", even. Thank you for this blog entry, which will help educate us all. We need to take it upon ourselves to be an informed public or we will be mindless consumers.

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:00:23 -0400

Richard, Of course, I respectfully disagree. If it is not morally justifiable to take the life of another without necessity--and it is not necessary for us to eat animals--then deciding to eat meat cannot be called ethical. It doesn't matter what we've done in the past or why. What we know, right now, is that the animals we slaughter unnecessarily are sentient. They experience pleasure, pain, boredom, frustration and terror. And they are "subjects of a life." They are subjects of their own lives. And those lives deserve respect, which comes in the form of not subjugating and slaughtering t...

New comment! - Cooperative Based Society

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:10:16 -0400

Well we agree on that, Paul. Also though, people should take a little while to understand why to switch their money over, and how it will be affect them and their community. Once a few banks work, kinks will be worked out, and the proof of concept will persuade people who would be too skeptical to join. I really hope it works too, and I have a feeling it will. The common good dollars is definitely an issue that will elicit contention. To start off with you just get a certain amount of common good dollars, the tricky part comes when you pay participating merchants in common good dollars whi...

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:46:40 -0400

Mary, A thoughtful, intelligent, and conscious article... thank you! A few people I know fall all along the food consumption spectrum, and they all have some kind of rationale for why they choose what they choose. I do too, and it is a challenge for my willpower and conscience. I feel down to the fiber of my being that I would thrive on a vegan mostly raw foods diet... the one friend who is versed in ayurveda agrees... but it is a great test to actually accomplish this! No excuses, just stating that I agree with you and at the same time have compassion and empathy for everyone who str...

New comment - ipod Nation

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:26:22 -0400

Richard, You write so thoughtfully and eloquently about a point I had not really considered when I wrote this article: you state "people only desire so many people in their social network, some more than others...", and this is very true. I suppose it is even more true in our modern era than it was in previous ones, before industrialization and before we became inundated by sensory input. So much is asked of people in the West: time, energy, attention all go towards material security and accumulation... and most people work around other people that they otherwise would not have any ass...

New comment! - Cooperative Based Society

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:58:43 -0400

I really like the idea of the Common Good Bank. However it is very complex and takes a good half an hour to understand. I believe that in order to acquire the necessary support it needs to be explained in a simple format. Also people may be suspicious about trading in their currency for common good dollars. I know I wouldn't feel that easy about it. This is not to say that I am not fully in support, I just hope it works. I am looking forward to seeing how the first couple of banks work out.

New comment - Is "Compassionate Carnivore" an Oxymoron?

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:09:01 -0400

Mary, Thanks again for another pointed piece about animal rights and veganism. I must admit that I am one of those people you refer to in the piece that still rationalizes the consumption of dairy. However, I am well aware of the hypocrisy of my decision - I have just been unable to must the energy to change my lifestyle while being a college student. However, it is something I think about enough, and that I one day hope to reconsider thoughtfully. I have an article request for you! Can you write a piece regarding whether or not the consumption of dairy/meat that would otherwise go b...

New comment! - Cooperative Based Society

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 11:55:20 -0400

Amen!

New comment - ipod Nation

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:40:14 -0400

James, This is a good thing, and it's the blessing or benefit of such technology. I love music and I love literature. Both modes of expression enrich us in ways we can't even begin to measure! I am cautious, however, of those things we use to make ourselves "content" at the expense of losing our integration with our greater community. Thanks for the feedback!

New comment - ipod Nation

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:16:09 -0400

I noticed on London Underground people are looking more happy than they were 10 years ago - i think it is the new arrivals that have helped. Another observation is the book reading - I turned to see 5 people in a row all with open book - some maybe on quite short journeys.

New video posting - Li Li Parsons

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:53:45 -0400

I have posted a new video and article in the newsfeed. Please watch/read and support our growing citizen journalism! Here's the link: http://www.rethos.com/news/view/1278 I believe that I have that right. if I got a little dyslexic there, I will remedy it and send another email with the proper link. Thanks! Li Li

New comment - The Sinner's Dilemma

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:10:13 -0400

thanks for clarifying. the thing to note about the food chain is that change has to happen over time. if everyone switched to a local vegan organic diet tomorrow, well for one there wouldn't be enough resources to feed everyone, and what we'd be leaving behind would require massive attention. there are millions and millions of animals in factory farms that would need cared for, food that would need eaten, jobs lost etc. PETA recognizes things must happen in steps and stages. It's why they work WITH companies like McDonald's to help modify and upgrade standards thus affecting our unde...

New comment - The Sinner's Dilemma

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:03:02 -0400

I respect everyone's opinion and certainly you are entitled to yours but i do disagree wholeheartedly. That's like saying if someone used a weapon to defend themselves then that means they also support killing in cold blood. Women (and men) can and should choose to do whatever they wish their bodies. Animals do not have that luxury. We live in a speciesist society that is constantly justifying inexcusable behavior by the deep-fried bucketful. there are many many ways we can and should affect change on the planet. at a time where 'sexy' still has incredible powers of persuasion using it ...

Alliance Accepted! - jill ettinger

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:06:54 -0400

new rethos journalism posts from Li Li - Li Li Parsons

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:54:11 -0400

Here are the links for my latest pieces. Great work, everyone, btw! This month we've seen some really high quality journalism and commentary. YAWP! http://www.rethos.com/news/view/1249 http://www.rethos.com/news/view/1251 Li Li

Funding available for mentoring of children with incarcerated parent(s) through Caregiver's Choice

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:53:21 -0400

If you run a mentoring program and work with children of incarcerated, your program might qualify for funding to serve more children.

New Post - Li Li Parsons

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 18:54:31 -0400

Here's the link to the latest post! http://www.rethos.com/news/view/1195 Thanks in advance for everyone's support. I am enjoying the latest batch of journalistic inspirations. Li Li

New post - Li Li Parsons

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:53:39 -0500

link for new post: www.rethos.com/news/view/1041 or check out my page at: www.rethos.com/inscapes Thanks all for checking it out at your convenience. Good work, all fellow journalista!! Li Li

New posts - Li Li Parsons

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:17:58 -0500

To those of who have already looked at these posts, great and thank you! To those who have not, here are the links so that you may see them if you so desire. So wonderful... to have this conscious community here at rethos! Li Li www.rethos.com/news/view/973 www.rethos.com/news/view/974

New Year Posting! - Li Li Parsons

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:37:05 -0500

I have placed a new years graphic piece and article on my home page, and it will shortly be featured in the news feed highlights. Check it out. Give feedback... May realization and prosperity and creativity be yours in 2008 and beyond, all of my allies here at rethos! Li Li

New Year Posting! - Li Li Parsons

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:31:49 -0500

New Year Posting! - Li Li Parsons

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:25:55 -0500

New Year Posting! - Li Li Parsons

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:21:19 -0500

New Year Posting! - Li Li Parsons

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 12:15:47 -0500

Important Article - Akeeba

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 23:52:02 -0500

Hello Allies, I recently wrote an article concerning a corporation that might be closing it's doors to 300 people in the city where I live. This will have a major impact on these people's lives and on the economic stability of our city. The article is here. Please take a look at this article if you haven't done so already and give it a rating if you can. Also, if you can send a message like this to your allies asking them to do the same, that would be great. We really need your input....

Check out this article... - kiadso

Sun, 30 Dec 2007 10:53:01 -0500

Hi allies- Thanks for being my ally- I look forward to reading more of your writings. I wanted to ask that you all read the article here. I think it's important and I hope you will rate it and leave a comment... Thanks for your time... kiadso

Alliance Accepted! - Philip McMaster

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 20:29:32 -0500

New comment - On Nonviolence

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:20:05 -0500

ah, well that makes sense, I’m out of school now and had forgot that it’s finals season. good luck with your tests!

Pacifism as Pathology is a good read, Ward Churchill has been a big influence on my thinking. I can’t give him 100% credit for my deciding to stop calling myself a pacifist, but he definately gave me a swift kick in that direction.

cheers man - lynx

New comment - On Nonviolence

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 04:23:23 -0500

Lynx,

I acknowledge my absence from this debate. My incompetence can be partly blamed on college finals—and a scorched memory. I actually just bought a book called “Pacficism as Pathology” which makes the same argument against nonviolence (I think). I plan on giving that an honest read, and coming back when my mind is healthy to spark this much needed discussion.

Sorry for the delay, and keep fighting the good one brotha, Eli

New comment - On Nonviolence

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 04:01:03 -0500

well, it’s been 4 months and elias never came back to refute my arguments as promised, so let the public record show that the points were conceded. too bad, i was looking forward to a good debate…

New comment - Capitalism and Inequality: If Only Time Could Tell...

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 03:50:22 -0500

Like Alec, my response to this article required a new article. mine is at http://rethos.com/news/view/692-On-Revolution-How-and-Why-

in a nutshell, my big beef is that you seem to believe things have changed since the days of old-school industrial capitalism as depicted i nthe pyramid picture you posted. you’re wrong. there are just many more layers today, the essential structure is identical.

Alliance Accepted! - Haley Elkins

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 01:02:23 -0500

Ally Request - Scott McMahan

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 22:49:42 -0500

Ally Request - Anarcharnate

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 16:38:41 -0500

New comment - The Silliness of CSR ("Corporate Social Responsibility")

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 16:41:45 -0500

Akeeba, your post gives me the slight sensation that you judge me as greedy. I might be far off, and if I am, please tell me and I appoligize in advance.

In any case, if I was greedy, trust me, I wouldn’t have started my career in the music business!

In regards to your comment: “Notice the possessive manner in which Ian writes about ‘his’ teachers. Humans cannot be owned”

I could have easily said my people, my family, etc. This does not translate to me believing I own them. In fact, its important that I disclose that the teacher...

New comment - The Silliness of CSR ("Corporate Social Responsibility")

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 06:57:25 -0500

Ian: “Are you saying that if my little music school grows to be big, it will be unethical? Its values will be out the door?”

Answer: YES

Reason from Ian: “But, the reality is, I deserved every last penny I made from it. I bled for that company and sacrificed a lot of my life for it. I worked 7 days a week for years. In fact, I had my teachers telling me to pay them less!”

(Notice the possessive manner in which Ian writes about ‘his’ teachers. Humans cannot be owned. Notice how he assumes his suf...

New comment - The Silliness of CSR ("Corporate Social Responsibility")

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:44:30 -0500

Bollocks! As long as the CEO of a publicly held corporation is subject to the laws governing corporations in the United States he/she has one, and only one, duty to perform and failure to exercise all of his/her abilities and resources in the service of that duty is a breach of that duty: that duty is to maximize profits for the shareholders. Any diversion of resources or wealth to projects or processes or the promotion and sale thereof is a breach of that fiduciary duty unless they are specifically designed to increase the fiscal bottom line.

Until th...

New comment - The Silliness of CSR ("Corporate Social Responsibility")

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 23:16:48 -0500

Mr. Treadwell, you mention:”...You start with a small corner store and end up with an unethical, life insurance-taking out, bullying, giant of a complex, because the profit motive drives the whole process.”

Are you saying that if my little music school grows to be big, it will be unethical? Its values will be out the door?

Here is the reality; Corporations are not evil. Its the people that run them who are. Set the incentives to make a company ethical, virtuous, and moral and it will be.

I am sure many of you might say that this is not possible; ...

New comment - The Silliness of CSR ("Corporate Social Responsibility")

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 11:31:41 -0500

Fullmoonmedia, you mentioned: ”...comparing corner stores and Wal-Marts.” Ironically, all corporations start that way; as a corner store. Just as Walmart did.

New comment - The Silliness of CSR ("Corporate Social Responsibility")

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:18:50 -0500

Well what a fine debate!

If I may chime in…

So-called “Social Responsibility” is clearly in opposition and empirically opposed to the bottom line (profit) where corporations are concerned. If nothing changes regarding the “appropriate” behavior of corporations, (whether by interventions or levees or legislation), then there will be no incentive for corporations to take on any responsibility other than the ONE they currently maintain: a responsibility to maximize profits for their investors (period).

Any...

New comment - The Silliness of CSR ("Corporate Social Responsibility")

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:55:00 -0500

Richard brings some very interesting commentary. However, what Richard is doing is what we call projection; because a couple of corporations that are harmful to humanity, all corporations must therefore be the same.

Unfortunately, this is very far from reality. The reason why I actually take offense to this depiction is because, I work for a corporation that does good things for people. And, the reality is, there are a lot more corporations like the one I work for then the large corporations that Richard depicts.

Let me tell you a story that may make you appreciate s...

New comment - Capitalism and Inequality: If Only Time Could Tell...

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:36:46 -0500

My problems with this article have prompted me to reply with a post of my own at the following link:

http://www.rethos.com/news/view/748-A-critical-essay-in-reply-to-Ian-Wooden-s-article-re-Inequality-and-Capitalism

Alliance Accepted! - Li Li Parsons

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:11:15 -0500

New comment - The Silliness of CSR ("Corporate Social Responsibility")

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:42:41 -0500

Kiadso,

You say: “I cannot for one minute imagine a corporation taking anything from an article posted on Rethos and making a company policy decision based on it. Corporations on Rethos would want to be on Rethos not to learn from us, but to SOLICIT us.”

You’re partially right on this. A corporation does wants to solicit you. However, corporations would join the Rethos community specifically for the purposes of learning from you. How can they sell to you if they don’t know what it is that you want?

You say: &...

New comment - The Silliness of CSR ("Corporate Social Responsibility")

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 21:40:39 -0500

Ian,

You say: “We are being afforded the opportunity to influence “powerful” corporations, and to discard such an opportunity is sensless.”

That’s an interesting take on this situation, but I disagree. It sounds like you’re saying that because corporations are powerful, we should feel grateful for the chance to beg them not to abuse their power that they shouldn’t have anyway? Also, I cannot for one minute imagine a corporation taking anything from an article posted on Rethos and making a company policy decision based on it....

New comment - The Silliness of CSR ("Corporate Social Responsibility")

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 19:44:10 -0500

I think that yes, there could be a wholly socially resonsible corporation. The point, however, is that there never has been one and never will be one, since once a corporation becomes completely socially responsible, it ceases to be defined as a corporation. I believe that this is the case, but if anyone thinks differently, please respond.

New comment! - A Corrupt Patience - Response to Ian Wooden

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:58:17 -0500

Forgive the multiple typos… very distracted by a four year old and trying to stay focused on writing! Li Li

New comment! - A Corrupt Patience - Response to Ian Wooden

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:54:30 -0500

That the corporate model is based on a fascist-like one is only common sense from the pov of those who have worked their whole lives for something just to have it taken away by the careless and callous motive of profits. My grandfather worked for over 40 years on the northern railroad and even became a vp… you wuld have thought that at that high level of upper management he would have had a cushy retirement and pension… but not only did that not manifest, when he died, his widow was left peniless. Did the company owners actually care? Of course not. He was treated much be...

Alliance Accepted! - Ed Mierzwinski

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:35:24 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Balthazar

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:08:59 -0500

Ally Request - Michael Oppenheimer

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 21:26:40 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Cornel West

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:57:28 -0500

New comment - Richard Dawkins - The God Delusion

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 19:45:29 -0500

Guts,

Nationalism is definitely a contender in terms of bringers of death, and I’m sure religion is very often used as a tool. But the simple fact is that the violence and cruelty of the Abrahamic religions make them particularly useful for those ends. No government has ever used, say Buddhism, as a reason to start a war or to commit genocide. They can’t, because it truly is a religion of peace.

You could certainly make the “tool of nationalism” argument in the case of the crusades or Manifest Destiny, but what about things like witch burnin...

Alliance Accepted! - Technology For People Group Inc.

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:40:17 -0500

New comment - The Silliness of CSR ("Corporate Social Responsibility")

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 19:08:46 -0500

Akeeba, lets be clear on something (and please re-read my post cause clearly you have misinterpreted). I have never stated that the anti-corporate and non-corporation-based writings to be “ramblings.” The defintion of rambling is “going on for a long time” and when I refer to it, I refer to our discussions which we carry out as a community which do not draw out change. A proposed solution is great, but how do we implement it? This is where I see working with corporations beneficial. They have the ability to implement our propositions.

Alliance Accepted! - Akeeba

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 21:39:56 -0500

New comment - The Silliness of CSR ("Corporate Social Responsibility")

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:36:26 -0500

Ian, it’s unfortunate that you consider many of the anti-corporate and non-corporation-based writings to be “ramblings.” I don’t feel the way to fundamental economic and social change is to create profit-seeking corporations draped in green colors. Let’s not encourage people to start corporations (where only the few people at the top will most likely benefit) and instead, encourage people to start cooperatives (Like Richard states) that are based on mutual benefit instead of profit. Thanks for your ideas, Richard.

Even if the next person to be a...

New comment - The Silliness of CSR ("Corporate Social Responsibility")

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:15:32 -0500

Interesting post Kiadso. However, I do feel like we are taking the inclusion of corporations on this site in the wrong fashion.

I see Rethos as a tool. A tool that allows us to educate, influence, and help make this world a better place. Rethos, from my understanding, is a platform for change. And the only way to start such a change is to initiate a discussion.

I want to see corporations on this site. I want to hear what companies are doing to make a difference and look at how genuine their intentions are. I want us to propose solutions and I want these corporations t...

New comment - Capitalism and Inequality: If Only Time Could Tell...

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:31:25 -0500

Lynx brings up some great points. However, I feel the need to address a certain common understanding of all those against the Capitalist system. In many ways, I am starting to feel the sensation that the picture of this article sparks a lot of emotion. The underlying rationality of why I posted this picture was not to reinforce this pyramid. I look at it and say â€œits crazy how far we have evolved sinceâ€. It is important to understand that this picture is very far from the Capitalism of 2007. Continuously, a lot of references that are made in argument against the system (and this go...

New comment - Alternatives to capitalism

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:08:20 -0500

Paul – I agree with you, the next big step forward is not armchair philosophy but to actually develop working alternatives. For me, the growing movement towards worker-owned non-hierarchical and self-managed businesses is a massive step in the right direction because it provides a glimpse of a better way to organize our production. What I’d really like to see is that movement growing and taking things to the next level – setting up credit unions that would provide bridge loans to workers seeking to purchase the businesses where they work and convert them into collecti...

New comment - Capitalism and Inequality: If Only Time Could Tell...

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:51:39 -0500

your argument that capitalism is becoming more ‘enlightened’ and that inequality will soon be a thing of the past is so far beyond disingenuous it’s just plain silly.

Capitalism requires poverty since it relies on economic coercion of the majority through the threat of poverty or starvation in order to force people to accept the low-paying jobs that form the basis of the capitalist pyramid. And that’s before you even touch the fact that the profit system itself is based on systematic theft. for example:

say I work in a shoe factory making sho...

New comment - The Silliness of CSR ("Corporate Social Responsibility")

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 02:26:45 -0500

Meet the new boss-same as the old boss…

New comment - Alternatives to capitalism

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:31:45 -0500

Paul, thanks for posting this.

Richard, the ideas you express seem wonderful, in theory. Do you have personal experiences you could share where you’ve been successful at generating the this same kind of energy I see in your writing, in other people? – Thanks.

I think education, access to information, the time to absorb the information, the training to understand the information, the energy to retain the information, etc… are all key components to a successful democracy AND key components in setting up a successful democrat...

Alliance Accepted! - Benjamin Ackerman

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:57:11 -0500

New comment! - A Corrupt Patience - Response to Ian Wooden

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:37:23 -0500

You are a very intelligent and knowledgeable writer. You manage to put what a lot of people feel and think into an understandable and concise form. I am interested to hear your views on decentralisation and community based government/economy as an alternative to capitalism? You mention co-ops in your previous post would you be able to expand on that? I find that a lot of people know whats wrong with capitalism and so am more interested in hearing what alternatives people propose.

New comment - Richard Dawkins - The God Delusion

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:11:02 -0500

and this is the best part, ascended to power with tax payers $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

New comment - Richard Dawkins - The God Delusion

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:09:13 -0500

government is responsible for the deaths of 200, 000, 000+ people in the twentieth century. 200, 000, 000+ for the nineteenth century (native americans etc.). they use religion as a tool for blinding and manipulating the masses.

so for you people who are naive enough to believe that real servants of god are responsible for all this evil, why dont you do some research on your governments and governments throughout history. they have you wrapped around their finger while you blast believers, so continue serving the depraved evil that rules the economic, military, nutrtitional, ed...

New comment! - A Corrupt Patience - Response to Ian Wooden

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 03:30:00 -0500

Alright, let’s take a more specific look. Before that, it really is interesting that you view Nazi’s that way because IBM, Coca-cola, Union Banking Corporation all supported the Nazi effort… all in the name of profits. Corporatism is akin to fascism. They are both authoritarian based structures, democracy is non-existent, they’re both brutally destructive systems.

What you are saying is, with a change in consumer opinion, corporations will need to be more socially responsible because social responsibility is what will sell. But ...

New comment! - A Corrupt Patience - Response to Ian Wooden

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 02:29:36 -0500

I beleive Richard has some very interesting things to say. Moreover, I find it even more interesting that Richard’s view of corporations is exactly how I view Nazis. Unfortunately, I do believe that his perception of the corporation is colored by the very small minority of corporations which are negligent.

Richard, you are right; there is a problem in the system. Not all companies take a balanced score card approach (to coin the term developed by Kaplan and Norton) in making sure all constituents are taken into consideration. This is the reason in which I posted my artilc...

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Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:57:15 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - steve

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 16:33:47 -0500

New comment! - A Corrupt Patience - Response to Ian Wooden

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 07:44:33 -0500

there’s a great documentary on exactly this topic called “The Corporation” that systematically analyzes corporate law as it has evolved over the last several centuries and (among other things) shows how it is actually illegal for corporations to implement the kinds of changes unnecessary to bring about meaningful economic, environmental, and social change because doing so would negatively impact their profit margins and by law corporations must put their shareholder returns above all other considerations.

the system isn’t broken folks, it’s working...

New comment! - Oil and Climate Change - You Can't Solve One without the Other

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:37:00 -0500

I read a statistic somewhere that the US puts 168 million dollars into solar research a year. Compare that to around 600 billion spent on the military, and 169 billion just subsidizing oil flow from the Middle East. Nanotechnology, with carbon nanotubes, has the potential to make solar energy a cheap source of energy, they conduct electricity 10 times better than copper, and fuel cells are in the works as well. Imagine the technology boom if governments invested in energy-specific nanotechnology.

I don’t know whether or not the oil industry execs and government leaders a...

New comment - The Silliness of CSR ("Corporate Social Responsibility")

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:20:12 -0500

I thought that you would be interested in viewing this website because I think it represents a beginning for fighting the tide of corporate destruction. It uses art and good research and mostly healthy skepticism to reveal the dangers of falling for the Global Corporate Line. Dow Chemical has tried to convince us all about their good citizenship…and this site unmasks them brilliantly. Seeing is a beginning. I’d be interested in your reactions.

New comment - Richard Dawkins - The God Delusion

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:20:47 -0500

For those of you claiming that criticism of Christianity constitutes hate speech, you’re full of shit. We’re simply quoting your hateful scripture. How is that libel or hate speech in any way?

Religion, especially the Abrahamic religions have caused far more harm than good. The crusades? Manifest Destiny? The holocaust?

Of course, people will say that was all long ago. Well, how about the Vatican spreading lies about birth control in Africa, so that condoms aren’t used, thus accelerating the spread of AIDS?

I...

New comment! - Oil and Climate Change - You Can't Solve One without the Other

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:26:39 -0500

There is still a certain non-seriousness in regards to how people/organizations/most governments feel about oil. It is no secret that just like any other natural resource we will run out of oil one day. I do not see most governments being genuine about developing greener alternatives; they can’t because a lot of them are financed and promoted by filthy rich oil tycoons.

Certain European countries have incorporated solar, wind and other forms of energy production. It is the future, really, and more interest will lead to quicker development of these technologies and cheaper...

New comment - Kick Coke out!

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 05:51:11 -0500

If anyone want more information of Coca-Cola its here http://knowmore.org/wiki/index.php?title=Coca-cola. Knowmore.org is a really good website if you want information about corporations.

Alliance Accepted! - kiadso

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 09:41:17 -0500

New comment - The Silliness of CSR ("Corporate Social Responsibility")

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 19:17:57 -0500

This will definitely be my last comment if I find out Rethos.com is selling my information to anyone, including “socially responsible” corporations.

New comment - Kick Coke out!

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 03:16:51 -0400

(Oops. Forgot to add the link.)

http://www.indiaresource.org/news/2007/1053.html

New comment - Kick Coke out!

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 03:16:06 -0400

Hello again, Paul. I ran across this article today and thought you may like to add it to your armory of anti-Coke weaponry. Again, imagine what they’re doing that isn’t getting caught and announced.

New comment - Kick Coke out!

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 01:42:33 -0400

I think Richard’s direction is good. Create awareness first. Make sure people know that there is good reason NOT to buy Coke. Health hazards (sugar, caffeine, etc), environmental issues (plastics, energy use to bottle, etc), and truth in advertising and packaging are a good place to start.

Tell your school and peers that any company that has to have their arm twisted in order to get them to be honest about their water sources doesn’t deserve your business and can be assumed to be hiding more, and potentially worse, information.

Fo...

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Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:51:57 -0400

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Fri, 19 Oct 2007 10:50:58 -0400

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Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:35:35 -0400

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Wed, 17 Oct 2007 01:07:08 -0400

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Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:16:02 -0400

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Sun, 14 Oct 2007 19:32:22 -0400

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Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:05:15 -0400

New comment! - Wealth Distribution

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 04:49:47 -0400

What I’m saying here, is that resources so important they determine our survival should not be under the control of a few limited individuals who have as their defining characteristic continued profit expansion.. at any cost. Reduce wages, externalize costs, indebt people, trick them, brainwash them, exploit the poor, coerce, corrode, anything and everything to make a quick buck is fair game. Something we all need, like maybe in some dystopian future, air, should be controlled democratically – community interests should dominate at all times. We see how concentrated power is ...

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Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:50:43 -0400

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Sun, 14 Oct 2007 12:33:13 -0400

Ally Request - kiel

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 19:30:59 -0400

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Mon, 15 Oct 2007 18:38:51 -0400

New comment! - A Fair Pay

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 18:36:48 -0400

Haha, sounds like a philosopher to me. I found it this is Rawls Theory of distributive justice. And I think he had some justifications for why economic inequalities should occur… but I haven’t read to much about it. Thinking about it that way really makes you consider all the injustice that might apply to yourself. We have this terrible tendency to assume that when we benefit from society its because we worked harder than everyone else and we deserve it… but thats just not always the case at all.

Alliance Accepted! - Alec Henderson

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 02:55:26 -0400

New comment! - A Fair Pay

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 22:39:22 -0400

I don’t know if I would call him a philosopher, but hedonist beach singer Warren Buffet has an attribution for the following statement: ””Let’s say that it was 24 hours before you were born, and a genie appeared and said, ‘What I’m going to do is let you set the rules of the society into which you will be born. You can set the economic rules and the social rules, and whatever rules you set will apply during your lifetime and your children’s lifetimes.’ And you’ll say, ‘Well, that’s nice, but what’s the catch?’ ...

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Thu, 11 Oct 2007 20:42:37 -0400

New comment! - Wealth Distribution

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 15:10:56 -0400

Richard brings about a scary thought; air companies that actually sell us something that we presently get for free. Its not enirely far off from a possible reality too; at one time, water was easily accessible and today, it increasingly is becoming a commodity. From an economist point of view (though I am not one nor pretend to be one), I do believe that something like air would need to be controlled by a crown corporation. Air, in itself, would not be able to support multiple competitors and would be like a monopoly; how would providers distinguish who breaths each “brand” o...

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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 13:11:16 -0400

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Thu, 04 Oct 2007 21:08:27 -0400

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Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:06:17 -0400

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Sun, 23 Sep 2007 00:19:09 -0400

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Sat, 22 Sep 2007 19:55:38 -0400

Ally Request - Ben Scheinre

Sat, 22 Sep 2007 18:07:54 -0400