Post No. 114: Re-Visiting the Way We See the World

© 2009, the Institute for Applied Common Sense

We’ve operated this blog for over a year now. It’s been quite the experience. We’ve learned a lot from you.

Earlier today, in responding to a post on the blog operated by one of our regular readers, we were reminded of the importance of revisiting our views on various subjects.

His particular post had to do with our inherent biases and prejudices. He suggested that recognition and acknowledgment of them are important. We agree.

However, we commented that part of personal responsibility involves constantly questioning and challenging one’s beliefs on a regular basis. Otherwise, we become fixed in our beliefs, and too comfortable with them.

In our view, rigidity in positions on issues interferes with the collaborative spirit needed to address serious, long-term problems in society.

We often go back and review our prior posts and the responsive comments of our readers. Unfortunately, while we have access to a comprehensive list of the subjects discussed, our readers do not. Additionally, while the topic cloud widget is a nifty little gimmick, it really does not assist a new reader in locating older posts.

We decided to provide you with a few of our most recent posts so that you might have an opportunity to revisit them. It will be interesting to see if anyone’s views have changed in the interim.

African-Americans and the Democratic Party

Why Do the Democrats Seemingly Have a Lock on African-American Votes


Anger and Civil Discourse

Is There a Positive Side to Anger?

Dobermans. Surrounded by Dobermans.


Bias and Bi-Partisanship

It All Depends on the Price of Your Ticket on the Train


Criminal Justice

Following Economic Meltdown, New Calculation of Value of Human Life

When the Surfboard Hits the Wall


Economy and Economic Theory

Making Use of the Current Financial Mess

If Tin Whistles are Made of Tin, What are Credit Default Swap Derivatives Made Of?

Too Few Indians; Not Enough Chiefs

Been There; Done That


Environmental Issues

What is "Cap and Trade" and Why are So Many Saying All of those Things about It?


Humor - On the Light Side

Now That We Have a Japanese-German-African-Eskimo-American President

A Little Comic Relief before the Storm


Libertarian Party (U.S.)

Why Aren't More Americans Members of the Libertarian Party?


Local News Crime Coverage

Local News Coverage of Crime


Lying / Pursuit of the Truth

27 Situations Where People We Respect Claim that "Lying" is Appropriate


Madoff and Wall Street

Every Issue Has Two, Three, Possibly 27 Sides


Monopolies and Anti-Trust

Should Government Intervene Where Private Sector Monopolies or Near-Monopolies Exist?


Notre Dame Commencement and President Obama

Should the Pope Be Permitted to Speak at a Public School Commencement?


Personal Responsibility

Rarely Does a Man Love His True Self (or, How to Discourage Comments to a Blog Post)


Republican Party

Re-Posting of Article: What Makes People Vote Republican


Religion and Separation of Church and State

Jesus Christ and the Republicans

Jesus Christ and the Democrats

Program of Interest on C-Span2 Book TV Right Now


Socialism and Government Intervention

Should the Response to Natural Disasters be Left to the Private Sector?

Should Government Get Out of the Business of Education?


Torture

Who Cares If It's Torture?


U.S. Border Issues

At What Price Freedom to Bear Arms?