Lessons From the Storms

by | Oct 13, 2005 | Opinion

Altruism vs. egoism was a much-debated topic among ethicists, philosophers and social scientists some 40-plus years ago when I first began seriously studying ethics. The issue was whether ordinary people performing loving acts were motivated by love of others or by...

Cracking Down on Terror in Canberra

by | Oct 12, 2005 | Opinion

State premiers and chief ministers met the Australian Prime Minister on Sept. 27 and endorsed a raft of unprecedented anti-terrorism measures. In doing so they undermine fundamental human rights–rights we often take for granted, but rights that help to define...

‘A History of Violence’

by | Oct 12, 2005 | Opinion

Sometimes a film presents a tremendous vision, but it comes wrapped in images that obstruct the vision for many. We see descriptions of “graphic violence” and “strong sexual content” and decide the movie isn’t for us. I struggle with...

When Racism Applies

by | Oct 11, 2005 | Opinion

Tennessee lawmaker Stacey Campfield, one of Knoxville’s white state representatives, has shown, once again, that whites do not understand racism. Campfield, who last month compared the Black Legislative Caucus to the KKK, recently clarified his statement to...

Columbus Day No Reason to Celebrate

by | Oct 10, 2005 | Opinion

Women were raped. Children were disemboweled. Men fell prey to the invaders’ swords. Within a generation, the lives and cultures of the indigenous people of the Americas were forever changed. Avarice for gold and glory took its course and decimated the...