Building Healthy Economies

 

Chapter Seven Questions: Here are some things to ponder. You don't have to answer them all, but answer the ones you care about most or add in your own sentiments.

 

“Study and examine all but choose and follow the good.”

-Ras Tafari

 

1. Were you surprised by any of the statistics on stress and depression?
2. Do you agree with the “possible causes” of stress, depression, and obesity put forward by this chapter?
3. What is the role of exercise for you?
4. Have you ever had any problems with stress or depression?
5. What did you think about table 8.1?
6. What is your take on the summer facilities model?
7. Before reading this article, what did you know about declining testosterone levels? What information was new? 
8. Which of the ideas on “building community” can best fight stress and depression?
9. Do you think a time bank could help you in your life?
10. How large of an impact do you think time banks can have on the stress and depression of elderly, isolated people?  

Tell us how you feel about these thoughts. There were several questions within the chapter too. If you feel compelled to answer any of them instead of the ten above, do so. Share all of them with your friends and family and get your community involved in the solutions to our world.

Ideas for America Discussion Guide

IDEAS FOR AMERICA DISCUSSION GUIDE

Although the book contains hundreds of ideas, all of them are united under one front; to improve quality of life for all living things. How to study these goals is up to you, but one thing is for sure; we’re going to need many, many different voices to be heard for this work to have a chance to have a positive impact on people’s lives.

You might ask what’s the most important idea or principle of the book? Above all, we need to love and respect one other. The ideas in this book are great, but they mean little without our commitment to treating each other and those who can’t defend themselves well.

What do we need; new authors, participation in college classrooms and Local Papers. It will take hundreds of writers to explore the relatively unexplored themes in this book. I believe there are easily enough themes here for hundreds of full books, if only folks take the time to find and develop them. College classrooms can contribute to the productive debate by doing problem solving and policy analysis in the classroom. The hearts and minds of college students can contribute to elevate the quality and spirit of analysis. Local newspapers can reestablish a new role for themselves by engaging in greater analysis; by helping readers understand how a rapidly changing world affects them. To achieve this, journalists will need a system to continue to develop their knowledge. 

What did you think about the 7 key concerns in the Discussion Guide from the book? What did you think were the biggest points of the book were? Did you disagree with anything I covered? What would be a better approach? Let us know, this is your forum!

Every Life Matters

“When written in Chinese, the word “crisis” is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity.”

– John F. Kennedy

The shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson and the strangling death of Eric Garner brought out a great deal of anger that had previously only simmered below the surface. The mantra “black lives matter” that came out of the events was a great mantra and articulates a new, better attitude that I (and I’m sure many others) feel needs to pervade our culture. That mantra was turned in to “All Lives Matter” here, which is the essence of the spirit of this book; to improve quality of life for the black, Latin and white poor. At the same time, there is a focus on taking the pressure off the police, because it they that have to bear the burden of bad policy. Yes, there is such thing as good policy that benefits everyone.

1. Which idea in this chapter do you think is the best response to the current crisis?
2. What do you think about the potential benefits of “Citizen’s Books” and annual government reports? Do you have any thoughts on their ideal format?
3. What are some existing models of approaches to transparency?
4. Can make the summer facilities model outlined here happen?
5. Do you think the proposed goal for world peace is an important part of this chapter? What do you think would be a good first step for its implementation?
6. What are four benefits of a national energy policy?
7. How can we work toward animals being treated with decency and respect?
8. Are there any other ideas from elsewhere in the book that belong here?
9. What is the role of community newspapers in the twenty-first century?
10. How are the walking paths and rail trails near you? How can the rail trail, Safe Routes or pedbikeinfo.org ideas be applied to your hometown?

Tell us how you feel about these thoughts. Share them with your friends and family and get your community involved in the solutions to our world.

A Healthier and Greener New England

“Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing on one’s own sunshine.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

In this chapter we “bring it all home” by looking at the ideas discussed throughout the book and applying them to the quality of life in towns and cities of my home region of New England. It’s exciting for me; every part of the region is so different but still there are steps forward we can take that are good for everyone.

1. Are there any “rail trails” near your hometown? Have you been on one?
2. Is it exciting for you to imagine connecting the network of bike paths and rail trails into a New England network?
3. What is one way to build bike paths much more cost-effectively?
4. What do you think of the Safe Routes Brattleboro story? Could this model be imitated in rural Massachusetts?
5. Is table 9.4 helpful?
6. Do you think the “roommate pooling” model can help struggling young people?
7. Were any of the points on health care and wellness new or interesting?
8. Which “Health Care Course” do you like? Which would you take if you had the option?
9. What do you think of the idea that Massachusetts college classes study and ways to secure Social Security? Is this realistic or feasible?
10. What do you think are the best ways that the Massachusetts media can support public well-being?

Tell us how you feel about these thoughts. Share them with your friends and family and get your community involved in the solutions to our world.

Building Peace and Progress on College Campuses

“Throughout modern history, students have been the engine that powers the most transformation of movements. From civil rights to women’s rights, students acted as catalysts for earth shifting change.”

- Guide to Transforming your Campus, 

Community and Career, 

U.S. Green Building Council

Chapter Eight Questions: Here are some things to ponder

You don't have to answer them all, but answer the ones you care about most or add in your own sentiments.

 

1. What are the four general advantages to better energy policy?
2. Does participating in a crop mob sound like fun to you? Would this be a fun event for campus clubs or groups?
3. How much of a difference could it make to the local economy if colleges committed to buying organic food from local farms?
4. What are some differences between organic and modern agricultural methods?
5. Do the colleges in your area work with local green energy groups?
6. What was your favorite question from the chapter?
7. Had you ever heard of wave energy before?
8. Have you seen and learned about electric and/or hybrid vehicles?
9. Do you think students are capable of working out solutions to some of the health or environmental issues discussed in this chapter?
10. Do you think time banks could facilitate the “Green Revolution” on campus? 

Tell us how you feel about these thoughts. There were several questions within the chapter too. If you feel compelled to answer any of them instead of the ten above, do so. Share all of them with your friends and family and get your community involved in the solutions to our world.

Building Health and Well-being

 

“If health fails, teaching, knowledge, life itself, all comes to naught. So have nothing to do with alcohol and avoid all things against which the conscience speaks.”

-Ras Tafari

100 Days of Progress
This chapter exists because I believe many Americans can enjoy life more through systematically building their well-being. In my language teaching I always emphasize two steps; 1) Define your goals and the elements of making progress that go into reaching them. And, 2) Figure out a program that will allow you to make progress every day. Then, carry out this program for 100 days. When you make progress every day, there is no pressure to rush.

Chapter Seven Questions: Here are some things to ponder

You don't have to answer them all, but answer the ones you care about most or add in your own sentiments.

 

1. Were you surprised by any of the statistics on stress and depression?
2. Do you agree with the “possible causes” of stress, depression, and obesity put forward by this chapter?
3. What is the role of exercise for you?
4. Have you ever had any problems with stress or depression?
5. What did you think about table 8.1?
6. What is your take on the summer facilities model?
7.  Before reading this article, what did you know about declining testosterone levels? What information was new?
8. Which of the ideas on “building community” can best fight stress and depression?
9. Do you think a time bank could help you in your life?
10. How large of an impact do you think time banks can have on the stress and depression of elderly, isolated people?

Tell us how you feel about these thoughts. Share them with your friends and family and get your community involved in the solutions to our world.

Simplifying the Federal Tax System

 

 “...the flat tax would be so simple, you could fill it out on a post card…It would be honest. It would eliminate the principal source of political corruption in Washington — trading loopholes for campaign cash. It would be fair.”

-Steve Forbes

Chapter Six Questions: Here are some things to ponder

You don't have to answer them all, but answer the ones you care about most or add in your own sentiments.

1. What are five positive effects of simplifying the federal tax system?
2. Which is the best argument for a simplified tax system?
3. Do think tax simplification would result in less fraud?
4. How much time did you spend doing your income tax return last year?
5. Could federal tax simplification make the job of tax accountants easier?
6. Were you surprised by anything you saw in Table 6.1; “Who Pays Taxes?”
7. Do you think a simplified tax system could result in less intimidation of IRS agents?
8. What do you think of connecting the responsibilities of the 1% to an expansion of the national park system?
9. What role do you think investigative journalism students like those at Northeastern University can play in the future of tax simplification? 
10. Do you see a link between tax simplification and greater transparency and responsibility on the part of our federal government?

Tell us how you feel about these thoughts. Share them with your friends and family and get your community involved in the solutions to our world.

Securing and Maximizing Social Security

“All of us who are concerned for peace and triumph of reason and justice must be keenly aware how small an influence reason and honest good will exert upon events in the political field.”

-Albert Einstein

Chapter Five Questions: Here are some things to ponder

You don't have to answer them all, but answer the ones you care about most or add in your own sentiments.

1. What are the five principal areas of federal spending?
2. What is the difference between mandatory and discretionary spending
3. What are the top mandatory spending categories?
4. Defense spending is very high; can you think of some peaceful activities our military might engage in?
5. What does the paragraph “principles versus projections” emphasize?
6. According to the author, what are two important aspects of making Social Security work?
7. How could the federal government better promote fiscal transparency?
8. What do you think of our existing transparency tools? How can we best engage the public?
9. How can we best integrate our colleges and universities into the debate?
10. Which of the “avenues to progress” did you like best?

Tell us how you feel about any of these questions. Do they affect you or anyone you love? Share this with your friends and family and get your community involved in this discussion.

Creating Opportunities for the Common Man and Building Healthy Economies

 

“Yes sir, my friends, the meek can only inherit the earth when the John Does start loving their neighbors. You’d better start right now. Don’t wait till the game is called on account of darkness. Wake up, John Doe, you’re the hope of the world.”

-John Doe from the movie Meet John Doe

Chapter Three and Four Concerns

What do you think about these ideas? Start some comments about these ideas and how should they be implemented? Do you have any further ideas we can grow on?

• CREATING WALKING AND BIKE TRAILS-Reflect on the role of the car in American communities. Then look at successful approaches to creating more walking and biking paths. 
• TOWN BASED FUN-Tell how semi-public recreational facilities made for bright summer days in Europe. Then, imagine how that model can work in communities here.
• BOSTON ARTS AND BUSINESS COUNCIL MODEL-Look at how shared housing can be a big plus for young, old and the communities they live in. Then reflect on a number of challenges with regards to this.
• MAXIMIZING LIFE THROUGH EDUCATION-Look at how application of the main points in education can be a boost to communities, including making “every village a university”  through town based learning.
• SUPPORT LOCAL FARMING-Not only do they support local economies and health, but can provide fresh fruit to local schools.
• TIME BANKS AND THE LOCAL ECONOMY-Consider some ways that time banking can contribute to local life and be a part of healthy, local economies. 
• PROVIDING THE 5 BASIC NECESSITIES OF LIFE-Give everyone access to free housing, food, clothes, air, and water? Simple housing like tiny homes, Merton style stackable units, or Japanese locker apartments. Free no frill jeans and t-shirts and winter jumpers. Universal soup kitchens for business owners and the homeless to meet each other. Plus protection from profiteering on water and air. If you want more you work for it, but as a species we should provide the basics for one and another.

“Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, and the hopes of its children.”

~President Eisenhower

Share this discussion with your friends and get you community involved!

Keeping the American Dream Alive: Share with us how you can help!

“Over the last 30 years, there has been an unprecedented growth in income inequality. Eighty percent of Americans have seen their wages diminish or stagnate. Now it takes two wage earners in a family to make the equivalent of what one used to earn.”

~Mark Erlich, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, New England Council of Carpenters

Chapter Two Questions: Here are some things to ponder

You don't have to answer them all, but answer the ones you care about most or add in your own sentiments.  Its your discussion!

1. What did you think of the Mark Erlich quote at the beginning of the chapter?
2. How does the system of time banking work? How is it different from barter?
3. What is the single best step we can take for the poor?
4. What do you think are the best steps forward for the lowest economic 20%?
5. What economic group do you think the system of time banking can work best for? What do think is the potential of it to help the elderly?
6. Are there any assertions in the chapter that you do not agree with?
7. Do you think that time banking can help the elderly poor and/or struggling?
8. Did you learn anything from the health care chart?
9. What was the most interesting piece of information for you in the section on health care, housing and college education costs?

Tell us what you think. Share these questions with your friends and get your community involved in the answer.

Join the Conversation on Education in Our Communities

Well, if you want to sing out, sing out
And if you want to be free, be free
‘Cause there’s a million things to be
You know that there are

- Cat Stevens, Harold and Maude

Chapter One Questions: Here are some things to ponder

You don't have to answer them all, but answer the ones you care about most or add in your own sentiments.

 

1. What are five core areas to be looked at to maximize the role of education?
2. What do you think of doing a combination of traditional and vocational studies? Is this feasible in your hometown school system? Why or why not?
3. Do you agree with the idea of minimum standard tests? How is their role different from subject assessment tests?
4. I once had a professor who flat out didn’t believe in testing; what’s your reaction to that?
5. Do you agree that physical education should be a daily requirement? What are the laws in your state regarding this? How are they enforced? Are there any loopholes?
6. Did the section on Special Education give you any feeling of hope or optimism? Was there any particular point you found useful?
7. Which idea for maximizing physical programs would best be integrated into the schools?
8. Was there any point or idea in the section on Adult Education that you liked?
9. What did you think about the idea of “Language Houses” at our state universities?
10. In your opinion, how should adjunct professors go about improving their situation? 

Tell us how you feel about these thoughts. Share them with your friends and family and get your community involved in the solutions to our world.