Unity is the Enemy of Political Freedom

"[O]nly tolerance for opposition and conflict can guarantee the survival of political freedom." –Susan Dunn, in the introduction to The Social Contract and the First and Second Discourses by Jean-Jacques Rousseau It’s been a long campaign season. I’ve wanted to blog about what I’ve been thinking and feeling, but couldn’t quite put words to it…

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Old-Fashioned Campaigning, Through the Internet

It’s been a long campaign season. On the eve of the U.S. election, I’ve enjoyed seeing how much a message and a cause could grow, by building both an online and offline community of like-minded citizens. It’s been a fascinating case study over time. So here’s one more article by the Wall Street Journal on…

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Letting Go of Proving Myself

I learned a big lesson last week. In preparing to be interviewed about my newest venture, A Bigger Voice, I talked with colleagues about my apprehension and my biggest nightmare–being speechless or fumbling for the right words to describe my passion. I know, it sounds silly. But this was my third try at the same…

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How An Ex-Rock Star Can Help You Create Community

A Fast Company article describes a new site for uploading videos, The Hub, as a way for human rights atrocities to be made visible.  Why is this innovative? Because according to the article, places like YouTube have "strict guidelines against graphic sexual or violent material." The Hub was launched by ex-rock star, Peter Gabriel, who…

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