Brad Rourke’s Blog
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New at Inside Public Judgment: Starting Where the Public Starts
Friends know that at the Kettering Foundation we recently started a new blog called Inside Public Judgment, devoted to sharing what we are learning about framing issues for public deliberation — a behind-the-scenes look at various aspects of developing issue guides. My latest piece is posted, which outlines some of the false starts we made…
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A New Blog at the Kettering Foundation
Inside Public Judgment is a space where Kettering hopes to share what we learn about how the public comes to judgment on difficult problems. My first post, Starting Points for Deliberative Politics, is live now.
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Building a Different Kind of Political Candidate
I’m in the middle of doing one of my favorite activities, something I’ve been involved in since the late 1990’s. It’s the Candidate Training Program, run by the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia. I was a part of the design team for this program and have been involved in different…
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I Don't Mind If You Shop On Thanksgiving Day
Our Thanksgiving tradition is specifically rooted in consumption. I’m not going to overdo it, but at the same time I’m not going to pretend that Thanksgiving is meant to be a day of abstention. It’s a feast.
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Movie Marketing and the Tragedy of the Commons
A friend of my daughter has become one of my favorite Twitter accounts, as he will occasionally go on a bit of a rant about some aspect of the entertainment industry. “Rant” is probably not the right word, as what he really does is mount thoughtful arguments. His latest fragmental piece outlines the unintended consequences…
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In Praise Of Effort Over Time
A dozen years ago, I was completing my stint leading a national election-ethics project, encouraging candidates to negotiate, sign, and abide by “clean campaign” pledges. It was, as you might imagine, an uphill battle. I was excited when a group in Toledo, Ohio, picked up the idea on their own and pressed for the 2001…
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Means And Ends
Today, and for the past few months, I have been thinking a great deal about moral philosophy. I’ve observed my own convictions becoming unsteady, so I wanted to spend time considering — and articulating — what I fundamentally believe. What is the basis of right action? How do I define right action in my own…
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New Issue Guide From National Issues Forums: What Should Go On The Internet?
I’m delighted to announce that the latest issue guide from the National Issues Forums is now available. “What Should Go on the Internet? Privacy, Freedom, and Security Online” is freshly updated for 2013 and includes new data as well as stories to illustrate key points. (Order.) An excerpt from the introduction: The same Internet that has…
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Having Difficulty With Transitions
Today, in just a few hours, we are taking my daughter to college. My emotions have been on edge and I can barely get anything done. I’m so very proud and excited for her – and selfishly dreading how much I will miss her. In my interactions with people, these past few days, the most…
Brad Rourke 