Brad Rourke

Brad Rourke’s Blog

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • I'm Full Time at The Kettering Foundation

    I’m delighted to report that, as of February 1, 2013 I’ll be a full-time staff member of the Kettering Foundation, a research foundation that studies democracy. I have had a relationship with the Foundation since 1998, and have been an Associate of theirs since 2005. As a consequence of this, I am shutting down my…

  • How I Make 'Bulletproof Coffee'

    As many of my friends know, for some years now I have eliminated almost all grains from my life. Save for the occasional cheat, I do not eat wheat or any other grain. I try to avoid added sugar and anything processed. My diet consists of meat (especially grass fed beef and bacon), green vegetables…

  • This Space Is Mine

    The recent Instagram terms of service controversy has got me thinking. It seems that, inexorably, we have been drawn to social media in deeper and deeper ways over the past three years or so. 2010 was the year Facebook took off and it is now the center of gravity for mainstream social media. Twitter is…

  • Nine Rules For Discussing Tough Issues Online

    Apropos of yesterday’s lament about uncivil behavior online, here are some rules I try to follow when discussing contentious issues on social media and in blog comment threads: Say nothing online I would not say in person Be very mild with language because it can be misconstrued and taken the wrong way Remember my conversation…

  • Anger In Online Interactions

    The horrific events at Sandy Hook Elementary School have set people across the nation on edge. People are shocked, grieving, angry, confused, frightened, and more. People are reaching out to one another. In person (on the street, in coffee houses) and on social media (Facebook, Twitter, blog comment threads) people are conversing. As a proponent…

  • The Ancestral Boot Camp I Want To Visit

    Dear entrepreneurs: In case you want to get this set up for the summer, I thought I would let you know what kind of experience I would be willing to pay money for. I am looking for an Ancestral Fitness Boot Camp. What is this, you may ask? Good question. In essence, this camp would…