Jed's Interests: Politics & Philosophies of Life

I'm opinionated as all get-out, but I'm opposed to dogmatism. My basic philosophy-of-life can be summed up by saying that most of the world's problems stem from a lack of empathy; almost all else follows from that. Here are some areas that I have particularly strong or unusual opinions in:

• computers (make interfaces usable! teach computer literacy, without scorn! empower usersavoid letting a techno-priesthood acquire all the power!)
• pacifism, of the secular extremist variety (teach nonviolence!)
• education (down with grades! down with hyper-specialization! teach people how to learn and how to enjoy learning!)
• environmentalism (ride a bicycle to work! Use public transportation! If you must drive, avoid cold starts! Vote Green! Emphasize sustainability! Sneer at greenwashing!)
• anarchism, of the idealist/pacifist variety ("Anarchy: it's not the law, it's just a good idea.")
• bisexual/gay/lesbian/transgender issues (be inclusive, not exclusive!)
• polyamory and related issues ("Monogamy leaves a lot to be desired.")
• non-gender-specific language (such as "ta" for an epicene pronoun)
• multiculturalism, of the diversity-without-separatism flavor
• privacy (promote strong encryption!)