“Snow Fall” Versus Scroll Kit
by Jason Lightner May 23rd, 2013 
Independent Ideas
This past December, The New York Times published an online piece entitled "Snow Fall: The Avalanche at Tunnel Creek." Written by esteemed writer John Branch, "Snow Fall" tells the dramatic tale of a group of avalanche victims and the science behind one of nature's most feared disasters. Not only is the article a gripping insight into the impartial wrath of mother nature, but the interesting method by which the article is delivered provides a great deal of intrigue. Utilizing new web technologies and multimedia, the story is brought to life in a way that is uncommon among old media
Conclusions About the Planning of Utopia
by Jason Lightner May 17th, 2013 Independent Ideas
After five whole weeks devoted to outlining an extremely rough basis for what one might consider a utopia, a word I used rather lightly as the antithesis of dystopia, I've been amazed at both the reaction, as well as the difficulty involved in drafting some of the items. I've come away with a few conclusions, not the least of which is that no matter what we think we know about the benefits of "small government," with the way the world currently operates, and the intricacies involved, a large government is inevitable. The important duty of the people, however, is
Utopia According to Lightner Pt. 5
by Jason Lightner May 10th, 2013 Independent Ideas
As Andy Ihnatko of the Chicago Sun Times would say, "Good morning, afternoon, or evening. Please delete as appropriate."
I'd hoped to be able to put a ribbon on this series with part five, however, I made a slight miscalculation with regards to the span of topics. You see, I came to the sudden realization that I'd completely left out one of the more important parts of a free society — voting. We're going to discuss not only voting this week, but also term limits, and the necessary separation of Government, church, and company.
For your convenience:
Part One — Laying
I'd hoped to be able to put a ribbon on this series with part five, however, I made a slight miscalculation with regards to the span of topics. You see, I came to the sudden realization that I'd completely left out one of the more important parts of a free society — voting. We're going to discuss not only voting this week, but also term limits, and the necessary separation of Government, church, and company.
For your convenience:
Part One — Laying
Utopia According to Lightner Pt. 4
by Jason Lightner May 3rd, 2013 Independent Ideas
Hello once again, friends! We're almost ready to wrap up this weekly essay on what I feel would make for a great society, and I feel like I have a good point to make in next week's article, which should tie everything together. This week, however, we'll look at Government's role in art, science, and invention.
For your convenience:
Part One — Laying the Foundation
Part Two — Public Service
Part Three — Personal Responsibility
Let's get right down to it.
It has always struck me as strange that Government didn't take a more active role
For your convenience:
Part One — Laying the Foundation
Part Two — Public Service
Part Three — Personal Responsibility
Let's get right down to it.
Part Four — Making Progress
It has always struck me as strange that Government didn't take a more active role
Utopia According to Lightner Pt. 3
by Jason Lightner April 26th, 2013 Independent Ideas
These past few weeks we've made decent headway in stepping further and further toward a pleasant and sustainable society. In part one, we established the purpose of Government, the definitions and responsibilities of individual freedom, the sanctity of privacy, and in part two we've established the need for public service, utilities, and taxes. We're well on our way, I'd say. There are only a few real topics left to go over, but these are the circus fires. Let's get started, shall we?
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms has always struck
Part Three — Personal Responsibility
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms has always struck