Gerrymandering

The Gerrymandering Factor

Politics,

Ever heard of gerrymandering? It’s quite the disgusting political practice. Basically, a political party influences the way precincts are gathered into districts so that it gains an advantage during elections. Even though the term was coined in the USA, this practice is widespread. It shows just how much democracy can be destroyed from within.

Fortunately, there is some hope in combating the practice. Here’s how a panel of federal judges over in the USA created a useful precedent that will hopefully be the first step towards fixing this affliction of democracy.

Read More...

Government 2.0

Government 2.0

Futurology, Politics, ,

Fake news, profiling & converting voters using social media, rigged elections, media cartels owned by those in power (or that would lie to get the power), demagogy… the list can go on and on. Democracy today means that those that lie best or have plenty of money, get to steer our society. Actually, it has been so since a long, long time ago. But we now have the opportunity to set democracy free, if we make the right use of the technology at our disposal.

The Internet has seen better times. It was and still is a gateway to knowledge. The problem is that the information found on the Internet is often far from accurate; sometimes it’s horrendously false. From a highway to enlightenment, it has become a stormy ocean where one’s mind can be forever lost.

Fortunately, the Internet as a platform is still extremely powerful. We know it has some problems, but people all around the world are working to improve things. Along with newly emerging technologies, the Internet can still be our ladder towards the next stage of social evolution.

Read More...

NFL Logo

Germany, Nationalism and the NFL

Politics, ,

A far-right party has just entered the German parliament. It is a frightening indicator that even a nation that has put people through – and gone itself through – terrible suffering at the hands of such ideology is not safe from a wave of worldwide nationalism that threatens to do great harm to our society in the near future. In the meantime, somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean the very same nationalism is mocking sportsmen’s civic attitude. I’m referring here to Trump’s comments about National (American) Football League players who kneel during the singing of the national anthem in protest of the racial segregation in their country.

To call somebody that has gone through grueling physical trials to reach the pinnacle of a sport a “son of a bitch” is the lowest I’ve seen Trump sink since taking office. This is why for me this is even more important than the predictable election result of a German right-wing party. Regardless of Trump’s policies, as president of the United States he is also a trend-setter, especially in countries within the USA’s sphere of influence (which is not limited to NATO countries).

Read More...

Donald Trump's World is Censored

How Donald Trump Becoming President Changed My World

2 CommentsPolitics, , , ,

Months ago, I wrote a short piece rationalizing why Trump will not be president of the USA (unless the Republican party wants to commit political suicide). I was quite sure it will be the first and last time I’d mention his name on this website. Then, I was given a stark reminder that “nothing’s certain”. Not only did Trump get the presidency, but the Republican party is doing quite well.

I’m not ruling out political suicide just yet, but this doesn’t change the fact I’ve made a serious estimation error regarding Donald’s chances. It has been one of my most disappointing prognoses, so I chastised myself over it more than a few times. However, I spent far more energy into learning from this mistake. There are many teachings indeed.

Read More...

Berta Caceres

To Be or Not to Be an Activist

Politics, Recommendations,

Being an activist has never been easy. Even in the 21st century, the death sentence for speaking the wrong words can be delivered unexpectedly by those that happen to disagree for whatever reason. This happens despite millennia of social development, now culminating with a sharp rise in our ability to exercise the right for free speech thanks to the Internet.

Last month, just before UK’s referendum on whether or not they should stay in the European Union, a member of parliament was killed, probably because she was holding peaceful views in a country that is increasingly dominated by hate. Jo Cox was stabbed, shot, and then stabbed again, in a horrifying illustration of how the wrong politics and education have mutilated our society.

Read More...

North Korea's Most Dangerous Weapon

North Korea’s Most Dangerous Weapon: Incompetence

Politics, Recommendations, ,

As you might know, on the 7th of February 2016, North Korea launched an “Earth observation satellite”. Governments across the world were probably right in condemning the operation. The same type of rocket can also be used for nuclear warfare. What about the satellite? Well, apparently it’s tumbling in orbit, useless.

Fun fact: there are about 2000 satellites orbiting our planet and an estimated 300.000 pieces of space junk. On average, we’re losing one satellite per year. A collision between two satellites could have dire consequences.

Read More...

Trump Will Not Win

Trump Will Not Win

Politics, Recommendations,

Don’t worry, the world’s not going to end, at least not because of Donald Trump becoming the president of a nuclear armed superpower. What is worrying me is that such a statement even needs to be considered or said. When somebody like Trump takes a front seat in the politics of a superpower, there are serious questions that some people should start asking themselves.

Even so, I like to think that the current situation is for the best. Donald is a mirror in which America can take a good look at itself. Perhaps less advantageous is how he represents his country abroad. Several economic partners already expressed strong distaste towards the fellow.

Read More...

Moldavian Flag

Is Moldova the Next Battle in the Russia vs NATO Saga?

2 CommentsPolitics, Recommendations, , ,

Russia and NATO have a problem. Trampling upon Ukraine’s territorial integrity and using it as a pawn in the geo-political superpowers war has concluded with what is pretty much a draw. The current situation in Moldova bears some similarity. A pro-Western government is currently leading the country, although its position is precarious. Is it now time for another state to face economic ruin while offering the mass-media a profitable side-show?

Read More...