This was originally posted to Facebook Notes. A heart problem. Earlier today, someone I know posted this image on Facebook. “TRUTH!!!”, my friend exclaimed. As a rational person who values evidence and critical thinking, this photo misses the point by grossly oversimplifying a very complex issue. And while it maybe be technically true, that’s only in the most ideal sociological conditions. The real world is far more complex. (Instead of being flippant and dismissive toward people you disagree with, challenge the things that you think you know.

In response to “I moved to the US 7 years ago from Finland — here's what Americans don't understand about Nordic countries”, and why I support Bernie Sanders. This was originally posted to Facebook Notes. Here’s what Americans don’t understand about Nordic countries Anu Partanen, writing for The Atlantic: Commentators repeat endlessly the mantra that Bernie Sanders ’ Nordic-style policies might sound nice, but they’d never work in the U.S. The upshot is that Sanders, and his supporters, are being treated a bit like children—good-hearted, but hopelessly naive.

As a political moderate who values sanity and evidence over emotional rage in politics, I really tried to keep an open mind about the various candidates from across the political spectrum. I wanted to listen to what they had to say, watch how respectfully they treated the other candidates — across party lines — and dissect and challenge their empty rhetoric. This was originally posted to Facebook Notes. https://www.flickr.com/photos/outtacontext/4764160036/in/album-72157624426458536/ Things I believe in We live in a digital world, that will continue to become more digital as time passes.

If you've known me for more than 5 minutes, you’ll know that I’m interested in politics, thoughtful discussion of the issues, and educating the kinds of people who only get their political information from Facebook. You’ll also know that I support moving beyond the petty, drive-by politics of today by changing the way that I — and hopefully others — think about the issues that affect us. The core of the problem… Source: Lawrence Lessig: The unstoppable walk to political reform

I’ve been paying quite a bit of attention to the story of Edward Snowden — the former CIA contractor who leaked classified information to the American public about how the government is spying on us through acronym-laden programs known as “PRISM” and “MUSCULAR”. Allow me to be your tour guide as we uncover just a few of the ways in which the NSA has broken the law and spied on American citizens. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (1978) It all started in 1978 with the passage of FISA: