Most of us understand that Islamic terrorism proceeds from an extremist branch of Islam. The vast majority of 1.6 billion Muslims around the world live in peace through moderate interpretations of Islam. Imams consult with our pastors (and vice versa) to share common bonds of humanity.
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We Can Protect Freedom AND Defeat Terror?
The attacks in America on September 11th, 2001 ignited an era of extreme reaction, still reverberating today. Not only was the American public convinced to support attacking the wrong enemy in Iraq, costing an estimated half million lives, but in the extreme policy measures adopted in the wake of the attacks, each citizen became a terror suspect. Knee-jerk policy reaction is not sober action. It mimics the extremes of its enemy, misses the mark, and we will never defeat the enemy by mirroring the it.
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Malala Wins Nobel Prize
The little girl who was shot point blank by the Taliban as she rode a bus home from school in Pakistan became in 2014 the youngest Nobel Prize winner at the age of Seventeen. Malala Yousafzai grew up the Swat Valley in North-West Pakistan, near the border with Afghanistan. Her community was shattered by the Taliban, who destroyed girls' schools, among other brutally oppressive deeds. Malala lived in a neighborhood where women were beaten for such offenses as an ankle accidentally showing under a burqa; people were shot, hanged and beheaded for violating Taliban laws. But this little girl would simply not allow her fear to control her actions.
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JFK: On the Role of the Artist
For inspiration, there's nothing quite like hearing John F. Kennedy speak. If you're an artist, or simply appreciate art, listen to this October 1963 SPEECH that JFK delivered at Amherst College, Massachusetts, in honor of the poet Robert Frost, who had died in January of that year. While honoring one man in the speech, Kennedy honors at once all artists, all truth, and the nation.
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Enhanced Interrogation
The Bush era calls for continuing reflection, not least upon the Enhanced Interrogation Techniques implemented by the CIA to break down detainees during the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. The complex arguments for and against the program are clarified in this stirring 2009 testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The testimony of academics and government servants encountered here will provide new insights to anything seen in the news.
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Nelson Mandela
The entire country of South Africa seemed to be united in mourning with the passing of their "father," Nelson Mandela. Mandela's life, decency and leadership skills recall the wisest advice about keeping the courage of our convictions.
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Independence Day
Independence Day invites reverence for the freedoms by enjoy, bestowed by our founders. Somewhat under the radar is one poignant story concerning two of them: Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. They each signed the Declaration of Independence, were political friends turned political enemies, and both died the same year --on the same exact day, which happened to be July 4th.
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Art of the Middle East
We are so inured to the socio-political matters of the Middle East, we seldom stop to wonder about its artists and creators. This must-see blog is refreshingly devoted to brilliant artists, curators and exhibitions from Abu Dhabi and Amman to Tehran and Zurich.
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National Defense Authorization Act
For the last two years, in 2012 and 2013, The National Defense Authorization Act has included language that puts our constitutional rights at risk. The sections in question grant extraordinary latitude to the executive, who may choose at any time to undermine the rights of American citizens.
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Ghetto Celebrity (Contours Podcast)
If you love to hear new important voices, or you've ever endured the creative struggle, listen to this podcast. It will touch bone.
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Secrets of Body Language
How can we discern when people are being truthful, or false? Expert coaches and trainers of high profile clients are featured in this footage of world leaders, celebrities and other public figures, illuminating the powerful signals revealed by body language.
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The End of War-2 (Contours Podcast)
Humankind created war, and is therefore capable of ending it. This is the daring theme of science scholar John Horgan's new book, "The End of War." In Part 1 of my podcast interview with Horgan, he discussed evidence that human warfare has existed for only the last ten thousand years: a blip on the historical screen of human history.
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The End of War-1 (Contours Podcast)
Most of us perceive warfare as the single-most horrific tool employed by nations in the settling of disputes. But how often do we hear convincing counter-narratives that offer hope for a better way? Listen to my interview with scholar John Horgan, author of "The End of War" to hear a unique perspective on cultural evolution, and his conclusion that a warless future could be humanity's next step.
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Tenth Anniversary
A crowd was assembled around St. Paul's Chapel on Broadway. One block west, behind the chapel, the tenth anniversary ceremony to honor the victims of 9-11 was taking place; its sound system spreading indistinct reverberations through the blocks. Only the 9-11 families and government dignitaries, including Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, were admitted to ground zero. The rest of the public milled around the perimeter of St. Paul's to be nearby the epicenter of remembrance.
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Acumen
The engine of globalization is a remarkable phenomenon. Enormous talent is being unleashed across the developing nations. But in its wake, a spectacular number of people are being left behind. They have little or no access to healthcare, education or public debate on issues affecting their lives. Ever wonder how the future will look if the gap between the world's rich and poor continues to widen?
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