Our group read the introduction & chapter 1 of the book The Common Good, by Robert B. Reich. (See a book description - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37506435-the-common-good)
-- Our lively conversation was aided with a concise discussion guide, pp 191-193 --
Day M. - Conservatives make a rational argument against providing United States assistance towards the global common good: "Let's instead prioritize care for our citizens. We aren't the world and can't help everyone. Our 'global leadership' is for our military budget, which tends to fuel American military contractors and maintains our edge."
Pete R. - Our primary obligation is to be informed citizens. Free public libraries are a public good. For example, one can post there to give away one's computer.
Judy H. - If more wealth recompensed necessary works we wouldn't need the wealthy to 'give'.
Harry H. - Scandinavian countries are social democracies. Jesus propounded Agape.
Gudrun M. - Let's assist others to take responsibilities and obligations, a challenge in Scandinavia.
Rose B. - Nowadays we have so much more wealth than our grandparents, which in Seattle causes a digital divide.
For next week, please read Chapters 2 & 3, which equals 30 pages.
The next book we'll read/discuss is Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants,
by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The book explores reciprocal relationships
between humans and the land, with a focus on the role of plants and botany in both Native American and Western traditions. (Rose Bailey will group order the book this week.)
* See a book description - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braiding_Sweetgrass.
