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RESPECT and EDUCATION    

People of good will tend to respect the rights of others. Progress implies learning, which is accelerated by formal education. Respect and education are two of the essential pillars of democracy. They closely correspond  to two of the three virtues ( the good and the true ) sought by philosophers, both ancient and modern. The third virtue ( the beautiful ) can reasonably be said to be able to prosper only in those cultures in which the first two are already fairly well established.

Please note the particular order in which I have listed  these virtues:
(1) the good,(2) the true, and (3) the beautiful. This ordering reflects my own subjective view about their relative importance: first what is good, second what is true, third what is beautiful. I am not claiming that everybody should agree with this particular ordering; however, if you keep it in mind, it may help you to understand why I hold certain views about certain specific situations, particularly when  these situations involve a conflict between two or all three of the virtues. 

I highly recommend the following sites which promote respect:
The American  Humanist Association    
The Unitarian Universalist Association 
The History of Islam 
Buddhanet 
Be The Cause 

Here are some unconventional views of what education really means:  
And the Truth Shall Not Set Them Free     The Seven-Lesson Schoolteacher      
What to Do Till the Undertaker Comes

An unconventional view about drug addiction:
Link 1  Link 2

Education is enhanced by the following: 
Accurate Communication of Ideas     Healthy Skepticism      
A Flexible Learning Environment       Lateral Thinking

A particularly important kind of knowledge is Self-knowledge. Here are some relevant links:
Applied  Psychophysiology &Feedback         
Soka University of America               Self Knowledge Symposium       

In today's world, at least an elementary familiarity with computers greatly enhances one's ability to acquire knowledge. Here's a Computer Primer

Here are some specific subjects I'm particularly interested in:
Responsible Religion Religious authorities have often abused their power in their desire to further their own selfish interests, and still do so today. Integrity demands that these abuses be brought to the attention of their victims.
Responsible Economics An economic model can be successful in the long run only if it is based on realistic expectations about material resources and human behavior.
Responsible Science Related to my belief in personal responsibility, is the belief that responsible use of the scientific methodology is worthy of publicity and support. 
The Beauty of Science links to some pictures and animations which show that scientific investigations often lead to what is beautiful as well as to what is true and good for mankind's well-being.
The Future of Science links to some research at the cutting edge of  science. 
Humor  

Some of my favorite message boards are:  
http://cyberutopia.yuku.com/

http://www.meetup.com/backyard-skeptics

http://realism.yuku.com/

http://freethinkerspub.yuku.com/

http://politicsandnews.yuku.com/

http://undebunked.yuku.com/

http://wastelandofwonders.yuku.com/

http://atheism.yuku.com/

http://biblebabble.yuku.com/

http://theroundtable31996.yuku.com/

Here are a few controversial blogs:
AMERICAblog         The Huffington Post   Monbiot           Alternet               Counterpunch  
 Newyorker                Digbys blog               Liberty Forum  River Bend blog  Portland Indymedia    Scotsman                  BBC 

mailto:benfranq@att.net