August 2014 meeting (Failte) -- Tokyo Socrates Cafe
- Aug 31, 2014 · 3:00 PM
The topic for this month is "Is it better nowadays to be a small country rather than a big one?"
On 18 September, the people of Scotland will make a momentous choice, voting whether Scotland should become independent or not. This referendum has stirred considerable controversy. The ‘No’ campaign claims that Scotland receives more financial support for health, education, agriculture and state pensions than currently it contributes via taxation, while the ‘Yes’ campaign argue that Scotland’s contributions are underestimated, and that an independent Scotland would be able to create a Scandinavian-style state more in keeping with the left-wing tendencies of its citizens. See this link for a more personal slant on the issues.
One of the broader questions raised by the Scottish referendum is whether small countries are happier and more efficient than larger ones. While opponents argue that an independent Scotland would be too small to have any weight in the world, supporters point to the examples of success nations such as Iceland or Singapore. What are the costs and benefits of size? Does being bigger necessarily give you more clout? Or does being smaller enable you to navigate more nimbly the global market? For an analysis of these issues see: http://www.economist.com/node/109387
Please note that we will be conducting this event in two groups at different locations. You can check the RSVP status of both on the main page, and sign up for whichever you prefer.
As always:
1) The main discussion will be held from 3:00pm to 5:00pm,with more open conversation afterward for however long people wish to stay.
2) More information about Failte can be found at their webpage.
3) Though there is no charge for the meetup, please order at least a drink or a snack at Failte as they have been kind enough to allow us to use their space without any charge.
4) Please keep your RSVP as up-to-date as possible, even if you're updating on the morning of the meeting.
5) Please try to be on time. If you'll be more than 30 minutes late, please consider joining us after we finish around 5:00pm.
-The Organizers
Something for family stuff came to me so I cant make it today I am so sorry hope everybody have a good time