The rise of the info-state is about not only money and technology, but also loyalty and collective identity. As the Canadian scholar Daniel Bell argues, we are entering an age of “civic-ism,” in which pride in one’s city supersedes national patriotism. The “city-zen” is the new citizen. We identify ourselves as much or more as New Yorkers as Americans—and so many expats and immigrants in New York feel the same way….The measure of success in the age of info-states isn’t wealth or security alone but also Technik, the capacity to harness emerging technologies for the benefit of the population.
9/11/2011
I devote today to remembering the strength and courage of our country 10 years ago, from the first responders to the heroes on Flight 93 to the support networks throughout the country, and celebrating the friendships of here and now. We all have our own stories and connections, but ultimately, as 9/11/01 taught us, this country is family, and that should trump all of the outlandish hatred and politics and injustice that sometimes perseveres. The best way to honor those who lost or risked their lives is to try our absolute hardest to help those who need help and look out for one another.
Jack Layton's letter for Canadians
I don’t follow Canadian politics (should I start?), but I was captivated by the form, content, and tone of this letter, and also the simple fact that it was even written. Give it a read in the former leader’s memory.
Posts to keep you entertained, thinking, sharing, and discussing. I blog across subject areas because there's a lot of interesting stuff out there; why limit our conversation?
