Internet Access, Sustainability, and Citizen Participation: Electricity as a Prerequisite for Democracy?

By Michael J. Oghia, Open Democracy

The lack of internet access is especially problematic because it is a key driver of inequality, which is a principal threat to not just democracy, but all human rights; hence, the barriers listed above only serve to exacerbate inequality. As the authors of a paper that examined sustainability and participation in the digital commons (Franquesa & Navarro, 2017) emphasized: “it is well established that there is an access gap between citizens who can afford a digital device and an internet connection and those who cannot.

Why Are the Danes so Happy? Because their Economy makes Sense

By George Lakey, Waging Nonviolence

The World Happiness Report puts Danes consistently in the top tier. Twice in the past four years Denmark came in first. Danes also report more satisfaction with their health care than anyone else in Europe, which makes sense, since happiness is related to a sense of security and others being there for you. A fine health care system makes that real.

Philadelphia’s Civic Commons Campaign: An Ambitious Campaign to Spread Opportunity into All Corners of the City

By Jay Walljasper, Resilience.org

For decades the “Philadelphia Story” was about steady economic decline. That story is being rewritten today as many Americans rediscover the advantages of cities—inviting public spaces, rich cultural diversity and a creative environment that fertilizes start-ups and attracts talent.

Fraternitas Mercatorum

By David de Ugarte, P2P Foundation Blog

Fraternity is a key Western value since the time of the Greeks… But how did it become the yearning of the urban masses to the point of forming a triad with freedom and equality?

“Something’s Happening Here… What It Is Ain’t Exactly Clear…”

By Michael Peck, Shareable

“For What’s It’s Worth,” the 1967 Buffalo Springfield song as lyrical, close-up, socio-economic observation, still resonates.

Ready for the Revolution

By Vera Bradova, Leaving Babylon

Time for the second egalitarian revolution, don’t you think?