Speaker addresses dangers of slogans and populism

By Toyin Obatusin - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on November 16, 2024.

James Moore “What are the Dangers of Slogans and Populism” in a presentation to the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs at the Lethbridge Seniors Center on Thursday.

The speaker spoke on topics such as society, how it functions and how it doesn’t. He touched on social debt and the social obligations of humanity. The speaker believes that it is the responsibility of the human race to think of themselves as ancestors of the world that they have inherited and what they are going to leave for the children of the future, making sure that what’s inherited should be as good as how it was left for us after we leave it. This is one of the many reasons as to why Moore believes that biodiversity has to be protected.

It is said that the world has a vulnerability to slogans that aren’t examined.

Moore questioned the audience, “Do you think that it’s by the Grace of God that the king is the king?” Although only a few hands were raised, he continued”this was really convenient 500 years ago, as a way of explaining how things are in society.”

It was said that we’ve inherited the history of what other humans have left us, the marbles of the world.

Moore told the audience a story about a young boy named Tommy Douglas who as nine years old and about to lose his legs. He overheard the chief of surgery asking his parents permission to bring medical students to observe how he saves the leg, and if permission is granted, he will make the surgery complimentary.

He went on to say that the reason citizens in the United States file for bankruptcy is due to their medical bills, and that the challenge from the other side is that “there is so much money to be made.”

James believes that the human race should show kindness, not only to themselves, but to the natural resources of the earth. That the land that was inherited, should not be destroyed by the people who inherited it. The floor was then opened for questioning and comments.

Barb Phillips, one of many in attendance, thanked James for contributing to our understanding about how to recognize misinformation and slogans.