Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Will the Dudley Municipal Center Project Revitalize Roxbury?
The Roxbury community has a 300-year-long history, starting out as a colonial town and later, in the 19th century, becoming part of the city of Boston. Currently, Roxbury is a low-income neighborhood at a crossroads, embarking on significant inner- city urban development in a recessionary environment. Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino has started to address…
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International Human Rights Day
International Human Rights Day was held on December 10, 2012 all around the world. Personally, it seems more appropriate to have December as International Human Rights Month, because of all the reasons people complain, fight and celebrate in December. You ask yourself; “When was the last time I celebrated or even gave a thought about…
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Resolve to End Homelessness in 2013
It’s the beginning of the year, and resolutions are fresh. Exercise more. Lose weight. Spend less. Reduce stress. Gym memberships jump in January, and so do hopes that weight-loss programs and yoga classes will reshape our bodies and minds. But New Year’s resolutions don’t come cheap. According to market research corporation Marketdata Enterprises, Americans spent…
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Progressive Triumphalism Is Premature
Under Democratic and Republican governors alike, and with the cooperation of a supposedly progressive legislature, Massachusetts is defunding human services and education and prioritizing corporate welfare. This casual contempt for the less fortunate among us continues. On December 4, the Governor announced further cuts under his 9C powers (which do not require legislative approval):…
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Letter from the Editor
The life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. looms large in our nation. As we approach the 50th anniversary of his landmark speech at the March on Washington, surely, books, documentaries, and other wares will extoll the virtue of this great man. The risk and violence of the era in which he…
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Honoring Dr. King
As we get closer to Martin Luther King Day, I believe he would be proud of the strides we have made in the 45 years after his death. Minorities have accomplished much. Today we have a voice — a voice that, judging by the last election, is determined to be heard no matter how others…
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Time for Action on Common-Sense Gun Reform
As a parent and grandparent, I remain overcome with sadness, grief and outrage by the recent tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. This unspeakable act of violence will forever imprint December 14, 2012 in our hearts and minds, and my heart goes out to the families impacted by this senseless tragedy and the many others we have…
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An Elegy for Innocence
“It is not suppose to happen here.” This phrase is uttered after every mass killing in pristine and pure suburban America. The latest casualty in American gun culture was described by the Consoler-in-Chief as a “quiet town full of good and decent people.” Six and 7-year-old bodies riddled with military grade bullets fired by an…
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A Happy New Year?
This is supposed to be a year in review issue, but for me it’s all about the future and what it holds for and for all of us. I really don’t know what it holds. When I think about recent events, I’m almost afraid– the shooting in Newtown. How can anyone possibly think about a…
Got any book recommendations?