As we look at the questions confronting governments today, we see certain problems arising all over the world. One of them, certainly, is the definition of citizenship. People are expected to be citizens of one country their entire lives. This makes sense because loyalty to one's country is a virtue that is valued everywhere. The people of any country expect and demand patriotism of all of its citizens. To die for their country, if necessary.
But, with the increasing interaction of people throughout the real and the cyberworld, can we always rely upon this? I know several people with dual and even multiple citizenships. They can own property and even vote in more than one country. A child born in the United States is automatically a citizen, even if its parents are not. We also have doctrines of comparative law which decide which country's laws apply in divorces, business contracts, inheritance and many other matters.
As people enter into more of these extra-national relationships, I expect the principles of comparative law will become more complicated. The definition of citizenship can be expected to change, as well.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Why Have A Public Theatre?
It's a legitimate question, but, for me, it is answered in CONVERSATIONS IN TUSCULUM, a new play by Richard Nelson. The entire play consists of conversations between Brutus, Cicero and Cassius at country villas while dictator Julius Caesar is waging war in Spain.
No swordplay, assassinations or sex. Just talk, and more talk (although some of it concerns sex). The reviews were mostly negative. I was lukewarm about going, but I'm a subscriber. The one good thing about negative reviews; it allows you to be pleasantly surprised.
It's NOT talk, it's drama. These men are lifelong friends and related by marriage. They each have ideas in their own minds, but are not sure what they are. Of course, we know what will happen. The drama is in seeing the germ of the idea grow within them as a result of the discussions. Part of the excitement is seeing acting of this stature which is totally committed to having otherwise dry discourse become dramatically alive.
Amazingly, the talk seems perfectly natural for these particular historical figures and - at the same time! - illuminating about the challenges in today's America. The parallel between President Bush's policies and Caesar's is arrived at through the organic development of dramatic themes. It is never strained.
THIS is the purpose of a Public Theatre. This play will probably be forgotten after the next election (although it shouldn't be). But, for a little over two hours, we are persuaded to think about our own choices as citizens in a new way, and that is stimulating.
No swordplay, assassinations or sex. Just talk, and more talk (although some of it concerns sex). The reviews were mostly negative. I was lukewarm about going, but I'm a subscriber. The one good thing about negative reviews; it allows you to be pleasantly surprised.
It's NOT talk, it's drama. These men are lifelong friends and related by marriage. They each have ideas in their own minds, but are not sure what they are. Of course, we know what will happen. The drama is in seeing the germ of the idea grow within them as a result of the discussions. Part of the excitement is seeing acting of this stature which is totally committed to having otherwise dry discourse become dramatically alive.
Amazingly, the talk seems perfectly natural for these particular historical figures and - at the same time! - illuminating about the challenges in today's America. The parallel between President Bush's policies and Caesar's is arrived at through the organic development of dramatic themes. It is never strained.
THIS is the purpose of a Public Theatre. This play will probably be forgotten after the next election (although it shouldn't be). But, for a little over two hours, we are persuaded to think about our own choices as citizens in a new way, and that is stimulating.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Before Our Eyes
Just some passing thoughts on the changes taking place in the world now.
Things are swirling before our eyes, which means that the power structure that was in place -- at least until the collapse of the Berlin Wall -- has also collapsed. There is no single political, cultural or commercial leader that holds the dominant position today. It may be years before that happens.
In the meantime, the internet is the most powerful instrument in determining the new power structure. Everyone is in competition to get the broadest support, which means that multi-lingual and multi-cultural perspectives have the advantage.
What you will see from Interpreters Group in the future will reflect that competition.
We want you to be excited by the new opportunities this offers you. We also want it be fun. You will see new partnerships, new features and more invitations for the membership to participate. We want to encourage your ambitions and prosperity, as we welcome your encouragement of ours.
Things are swirling before our eyes, which means that the power structure that was in place -- at least until the collapse of the Berlin Wall -- has also collapsed. There is no single political, cultural or commercial leader that holds the dominant position today. It may be years before that happens.
In the meantime, the internet is the most powerful instrument in determining the new power structure. Everyone is in competition to get the broadest support, which means that multi-lingual and multi-cultural perspectives have the advantage.
What you will see from Interpreters Group in the future will reflect that competition.
We want you to be excited by the new opportunities this offers you. We also want it be fun. You will see new partnerships, new features and more invitations for the membership to participate. We want to encourage your ambitions and prosperity, as we welcome your encouragement of ours.
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