Feldman's Faves: March 21, 2022

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE

One of my good friends and I always discuss how no kid ever grows up saying, “one day I want to become an endurance athlete”. However that’s where most of us just end up. With March Madness being in full swing, I am constantly reminded that the window is closing on me achieving my bucket list goal of pulling off a thunderous dunk on national television for the entire world to see. I will not give up on this dream but I am certainly looking for ideas for a Plan B if anyone has any suggestions. In this context and for those of you who enjoy riding your bikes once the good weather arrives I wanted to make you aware that on June 5th, you can join Baycrest’s first-ever Bike for Brain Health, as Baycrest is taking over the DVP (this used to be known as the Ride for Heart). Full disclosure, I am on the Board of Baycrest (so this event is near and dear to my heart but no pressure on anyone to ride). Here is the website if anyone is interested in checking it out - https://bikeforbrainhealth.ca/&utm_source=SA360&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=Baycrest_BikeforBrainHealth&utm_content=Branded?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7bv-tu7R9gIVpmxvBB2-1w3mEAAYASAAEgLyAvD_BwE -

Today’s theme is looking at history and challenging our current thinking and understanding of how things are, how things will be and how things ought to be.

The 1619 Project – Developed by Nikole Hannah-Jones with Various Contributors - It’s hard to describe this book since it is really a uniquely compiled collection of stories, poems and essays from various contributors that touch on multiple aspects of the experience of African Americans in the United States – ranging from the origins and lasting impact of slavery, the meaning of citizenship, voting rights, housing and intergenerational wealth (or in this case, the lack thereof and its impact). I actually “read” this one as an audiobook, which I think is the best way to fully appreciate it. There is music, different voices and more artistic expression when you hear some of this material read out loud by someone else. The 1619 Project was kicked off in 2019 in the New York Times Magazine to commemorate the 400 year anniversary of the arrival of the first slave ship to America from Africa. The basic premise of the project and the book is to re-examine and reframe the legacy of slavery in the United States in order to better help people understand its implications up to the current day. There is a lot of history, a lot of analysis and some controversy as this project is not without its critics (including Donald Trump……whatever Donald….). From my perspective it is eye opening and informative and is something that makes you think about many ingrained assumptions. I won’t go into the details but I will say there are some difficult and uncomfortable truths that this book uncovers with the goal of opening people’s minds to a reality that is important to understand if one wants to really understand American history at a granular level. Here is an interesting summary from former GE CEO, Jeff Immelt, who (like me) considers this book to be a must read - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/book-you-should-read-jeff-immelt

What the war in Ukraine means for the world order | Ian Bremmer - The most interesting point made by historian Ian Bremmer in this PODCAST is that the invasion of Ukraine represents the end of the Peace Dividend that emerged following the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989. For over 30 years there was a belief that the world was moving towards the “End of History” with liberal democracy and market economies being the final evolution and version of human society in which interdependency at a global level would reach proportions without precedent. This is exactly what the last 30 years has been (at least on the surface but with some countervailing trends (of rising autocrats and inwardness) that have been gaining momentum). Bremmer believes that with Putin’s invasion of the Ukraine, that these good days are behind us and that a new world order with fragmented globalization, autarky and more violence is likely in store for the world. A little bit scary. At the same time, he does see some ways for global powers to find a new peaceful order - but not without its challenges. The way the West has come together in recent weeks is one bright light emerging from this horrific crisis. Here is an excerpt from the PODCAST itself “Russia's invasion of Ukraine has created previously unthinkable changes in geopolitics, seemingly overnight. In this vital conversation, political analyst Ian Bremmer takes a closer look at the global implications of the war, including NATO and the EU's renewed sense of purpose, the spiral of escalation, energy politics and the significant, potentially permanent shifts in the world order. (This talk and conversation, hosted by TED global curator Bruno Giussani, was part of a TED Membership event on March 10, 2022. Visit ted.com/membership to become a TED Member)”: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ted-talks-daily/id160904630?i=1000553747726

Thank you for your ongoing engagement and participation. A special shout out this week to Susan Garvie who gave me a great gift this week, namely, Tim Marshall’s 2015 book entitled “Prisoners of Geography – Ten Maps that Explain Everything About the World”. The basic premise of this book is that geography impacts politics more than we think and helps to explain why China is doing what it is doing to strive to be a naval power (i.e., fear of blockade), why Europe has had years of war and will never be fully united (i.e., many mountain ranges separate nation states) and how we all won the lottery living where we live (no chapter on Canada but there is on the US and I am extrapolating). Most relevant to today is the chapter written on Russia that explains so clearly the strategic rationale of Putin and why he feared Ukraine joining NATO and/or the EU. I’m not saying that his rationale is rational, or that what he is doing is justifiable in any way whatsoever, but when you look at map (as the book provides) and you see how exposed Moscow could be, you can at least understand a basis for Putin’s insecurity (forget the fact that NATO is a defensive organization and that he is completely delusional….). This perspective is just that, a perspective, but fills in the picture, at least in part. Thanks again, Susan, it was a good treat for me. Please keep bringing me gifts…

And remember to stay safe, stay healthy and to docket daily.

Jon