Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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The Cost of War
Seth Kershner Spare Change News The late Howard Zinn, a long-time supporter of Spare Change News, once said: “We do not have democracy in this country when it comes to foreign policy.” While it seems straightforward, in a way almost simplistic, Zinn’s remark remains powerful, ironic (since so much of American foreign policy is promoted…
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SCN Interview with Harvard Economist Edward Glaeser
Edward Glaeser, an economics professor at Harvard University, recently sat down with Spare Change News editor Tom Benner to discuss his myth-shattering book about cities, “Triumph of the City: How Our Greatest Invention Makes Us Richer, Smarter, Greener, Healthier, and Happier.” SCN: Your book makes the case that cities make up America’s economic heartland, and…
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From The New Executive Director
Alan Feinberg Spare Change News I just wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself to all the readers. My name is Alan Feinberg, and I have over 30 years experience in the social services field. I have worked in diverse and economically disadvantaged communities throughout Greater Boston. I am very familiar with the issues…
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CEOs to workers: More for me, less for you
Holly Sklar McClatchy-Tribune News Service Big company CEOs got a 23 percent raise last year and corporate profits are at record highs. But the minimum wage has less buying power now than in 1956 — the year Elvis Presley first topped the charts, videotape was breakthrough technology and the Dow closed above 500 for the…
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Editorial: Senators, You’re No Ted Kennedy
When Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid appointed John Kerry to the so-called “super committee” charged with cutting more than $1 trillion from the federal deficit over 10 years, we couldn’t help but wonder if the Bay State’s senior senator is in for more swift-boating. Kerry and the two other Democratic senators appointed to the committee…
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Boston, A Human Rights City
BEATRICE BELL Spare Change Spare Change News writer/vendor Beatrice Bell interviewed Debbie Ferretti, a volunteer with Survivor’s Inc., about Boston’s status as a Human Rights City and the group’s role as a human rights advocacy organization. Beatrice – When did Survivor’s Inc. and The Human Rights Movement start? Debbie – Survivor’s Inc. was originally started…
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Harvard's Food Literacy Project part of the Local/Sustainable Movement
Robert Sondak Spare Change News A group of Harvard University staff members working in conjunction with students helped found a food project promoting food economics and health on campus and in the surrounding city of Cambridge. The Food Literacy Project, which was founded in 2005, introduced four components of food economics and health to the…
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Some of us just need housing
James Shearer Spare Change News Many of you no doubt have been following Spare Change News editor Tom Benner’s three-part series on Housing First, and it has been a good and informative series. But for me, on a personal and professional level, there are still some things that need to be addressed. No, not by…
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Disunion in Union Square: Controversy Heats Up Somerville Neighborhood
Liam Cunningham Spare Change News A positive redevelopment project? Or a textbook case of harmful gentrification? This is the central question driving a debate in Somerville that has created a stark division of opinion between residents, community organizers, politicians, attorneys, and landowners involved with the issue. The issue revolves around a proposed renovation project to…
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Pine Street Inn, hopeFound Explore Merger
Adam Sennott Spare Change News Two of Boston’s leading homeless shelters announced August 5th that they are considering a merger that they believe could allow them to have a greater impact in Boston’s fight to end homelessness. Pine Street Inn, New England’s largest homeless shelter, and hopeFound, formerly known as Friends of the Shattuck Shelter,…
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