What I'm Reading

Are we all Matrix drones? Cambridge economist Ha-Joon Chang argues that “there is a reality where things could and should be better…In order to wake people up to that alternative reality, you need to show them that it isn't impossible.” In his new book Chang debunks the myths that people are paid what they are worth, that the "trickle down" effect of increasing wealth among the rich helps the poor, and that education makes countries more prosperous.

Wildfires and drought in Russia are destroying wheat crops, and floods and widespread crop destruction in Pakistan are creating a massive humanitarian crisis that has left more than 1,600 dead and some 16 million homeless and hungry. John Podesta and Jake Caldwell from the Center for American Progress and argue that the United States must commit $3.5 billion to food security assistance to countries such as Niger, Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and northern Nigeria, as only $812 million has been allocated since 2009.

There is more scientific evidence that shows that human caused climate change is affecting the world as predicted. A particular variant of the periodic El Niño warmups of the tropical Pacific Ocean is becoming more frequent and stronger as show in a study published by scientist from NASA and NOAA. This provides more evidence that the climate system is being changed by the buildup of greenhouse gases.

While combat troops have left Iraq, the United States has left something behind besides the world’s largest embassy. More than $5 billion was wasted in Iraq on unneeded construction projects. The projects included a $40 million empty prison in the desert north of Baghdad, a $165 million empty and unfinished children's hospital, and a $100 million waste water treatment system in Fallujah where there is still sewage in the streets.

The Empathic Civilization