System Failure - 05.20.15

When trains derail and bridges fall, oil pipelines burst, water dries up and people live without homes, one might reasonably conclude that the fundamentals of civic systems are not being met. But these chronic occurrences are also signs of a different type of systemic failure – a failure of public and spiritual priorities caused by the dominant paradigm of profits over people. This week Ellen speaks with the distinguished philosopher, ethicist and author John B. Cobb about how system failure is inevitable if priorities are corrupt. And co-host Walt McRee talks with Joe Guinan about the launching of a new collaborative effort to create Next Systems to replace the failing performance of money-centric ones. Finally, Public Banking Reporter Matt Stannard reflects on his world as a happy, but troubled, Amtrak traveler.