News Schmooze

Moderated by Pat Renfroe

 

Upcoming Topics:

April 8-  Changing the Constitution - Should we change the U.S. Constitution?  What are the areas being proposed for change? How do other nations change their constitutions? Are constitutional changes needed in the Florida Constitution?

 

April 22-  Getting More - Do Americans believe that “more is better?”  Has consumerism led us on a course to build a “beautiful life with acquisition of goods and status” versus a good productive life?  If this consumerism is opposed are we rejecting the values of capitalism? How much is enough?

 

May 13-  Capitalism – How does capitalism contribute to the concept of a democracy? One is a financial concept the other is a governing concept. Can other financial systems be used with the concept of a democracy?  Some say capitalism has gone wild, suggesting restraints. Some suggest that all policies should be guided by the profit motive of capitalism and believe that everything should be done to support the capitalistic concept.  What do you think?

 

May 20-  Passive Resistance – Is passive resistance a viable way to bring about change? When has it been successful?  Do protest activities in the U.S. represent passive resistance?  If not, why.  Should we protest in Florida, since the Legislature seems to ignore the will of the people expressed through Constitutional amendments?  Would you participate in a protest?

 

June 10-  What is the proposed foreign policy of each the Presidential candidates? How will these proposals make the country’s place in the world stronger or weaker if implemented?

 

June 24-  What are the major domestic problems in the U.S. today? After identifying a number of topics the group will work on achieving consensus on the top three issues and discuss presidential candidates’ proposal to solve these problems