CAG@LOCH#39
If i were less bound to my thesis project and generally less devoted to the study of mathematics i might run for office. But is it really the inclination and dedication to learning structures and solving problems that's necessary, even for local government? Where does one make the transition from striving to make the government conform to one's own standards to striving to make it work best for the largest swath of constituents, and does "selling out" fall along this spectrum, or is it a different kind of compromise? How difficult is it, really, to compromise between what's best for the most people and what the most people actually want, for whatever reason? Is it a government's place to make people grow up?
The owners (or so i think of them; the older employees, who also seem the most knowledgeable of and involved in the workings) of the Easy Chair seem enthusiastic when i ask sustainability-related questions, such as the source of their beans and what local business might carry new DVD releases. Upon reading Krisha's first essay (in the shop's copy of Homecoming Journals), i'm reminded of how complicated even the concept of "localness" in a town can be: who owns the land and buildings, whom they let set up shop there, who legislates the process by which outside businesses acquire space. The only effect a typical citizen can have is through town meetings (which i should begin attending) and selective patronage. No one should be expected to contribute beyond that, but if enough people do that much it keeps the true local businesses competitive. But why should college-bound adolescent-adults care about such things, when their stints in Blacksburg are typically limited to four years? I don't have an answer for this one yet.
Of course, local businesses aren't subject to the oversight of chains and franchises and may thereby get away with violations of health codes, indecent treatment, etc. for some time without enough people noticing or suffering before taking action. Do we need local watchdog organizations? Maybe the issue is moot in the face of purchasing power. Thoughts?
Do i care enough about coffeehouses and coffee culture to spend a month during the Winter and/or Summer visiting them and chatting with their employees and patrons, simply for the sake of exposure?
Do i naturally care about things other than myself, or do i condition myself through my preferences to associate things i rationally decide are "good" with my personal well-being? Wouldn't the latter go a long way toward explaining almost everyone's reluctance to switch political party affiliation, or vote off party lines?
Resolution: I will draw more of my personal conversations about global topics to venues where others can overhear and chip in if they're inclined. I will also ask questions when people are discussing interesting things nearby, but first i need a polite way to back out after a short time if my role in the conversation escalates.
We seem to have a weekly math grad lunch going. Lunch is better than coffee, because coffeehouses are appropriate for doing math as well as socializing. I'll see if the combinatorics bloc are interested in having coffee together on a regular basis, perhaps at alternating venues. That would absolutely rock.
Oh, and i think there'll be contra dancing this Saturday night.
The owners (or so i think of them; the older employees, who also seem the most knowledgeable of and involved in the workings) of the Easy Chair seem enthusiastic when i ask sustainability-related questions, such as the source of their beans and what local business might carry new DVD releases. Upon reading Krisha's first essay (in the shop's copy of Homecoming Journals), i'm reminded of how complicated even the concept of "localness" in a town can be: who owns the land and buildings, whom they let set up shop there, who legislates the process by which outside businesses acquire space. The only effect a typical citizen can have is through town meetings (which i should begin attending) and selective patronage. No one should be expected to contribute beyond that, but if enough people do that much it keeps the true local businesses competitive. But why should college-bound adolescent-adults care about such things, when their stints in Blacksburg are typically limited to four years? I don't have an answer for this one yet.
Of course, local businesses aren't subject to the oversight of chains and franchises and may thereby get away with violations of health codes, indecent treatment, etc. for some time without enough people noticing or suffering before taking action. Do we need local watchdog organizations? Maybe the issue is moot in the face of purchasing power. Thoughts?
Do i care enough about coffeehouses and coffee culture to spend a month during the Winter and/or Summer visiting them and chatting with their employees and patrons, simply for the sake of exposure?
Do i naturally care about things other than myself, or do i condition myself through my preferences to associate things i rationally decide are "good" with my personal well-being? Wouldn't the latter go a long way toward explaining almost everyone's reluctance to switch political party affiliation, or vote off party lines?
Resolution: I will draw more of my personal conversations about global topics to venues where others can overhear and chip in if they're inclined. I will also ask questions when people are discussing interesting things nearby, but first i need a polite way to back out after a short time if my role in the conversation escalates.
We seem to have a weekly math grad lunch going. Lunch is better than coffee, because coffeehouses are appropriate for doing math as well as socializing. I'll see if the combinatorics bloc are interested in having coffee together on a regular basis, perhaps at alternating venues. That would absolutely rock.
Oh, and i think there'll be contra dancing this Saturday night.