Below the Surface: Take the subject of the last book or news article you read and think of its systematic aspects. Are there objectives? Rules? Procedures? Resources? Conflict? Skills to be learned? Make a list of the systematic elements of the subject or activity. Do this several times per week with different types of activities or hobbies.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle move to Victoria
- Rules: You are not allowed to leave the Royal family… right?
- Procedures: Consult Queen first, then media
- Resources: Royal allowance gone, now relying on Meghan’s net worth or “roughing it.” Who provides security detail?
- Conflict: Offended the Royal family and the royal watchers. Alleged public scrutiny and racism of Meghan.
- Skills to be learned: effective communication, healthy boundaries, budgeting
Impeachment Trial
- Rules: Impeachment charges must be drafted in the House of Representatives. The trial for the person undergoing such occurs in the Senate, requiring two-thirds of the members present to successfully remove a public official from office.
- Procedure: The House impeachment managers and the President’s team each have three days to make their trial arguments. They have 24 hours to argue cases for and against the articles of impeachment. Senators have 16 hours to ask questions that are submitted in writing.
- Resources: Records from the White House, testimonies from administrative officials
- Conflict: Trump is accused of criminal bribery and wire fraud charges as part of the abuse of power charge but he does not recognize any wrongdoing.
- Skills: social media management, effective communication, the politics of impeachment
Uber in Vancouver, not Surrey
- Rules: You can get a ride-hail/share in Vancouver, can be dropped off in Surrey, cannot be picked up in Surrey. Operators must have Class 4 license.
- Procedure: Use Uber or Lyft app to call a ride or get riders. Pass a Class 4 driver’s test. Drive from pick up point to drop off point safely and timely.
- Resources: Taxis are no longer the only option to “catch a ride,” lawyers for the impending lawsuits and injunctions, increase in people with Class 4 licenses. Cars and other passengers could also be resources.
- Conflict: 9 taxis companies are concerned with unfair competition because they have stricter regulations/restrictions and has filed for an injunction to the Supreme Court. Surrey is fining any ride-hailing operators. Uber to respond with legal action.
- Skills: Strategy – who to pick, and how to avoid Surrey bylaw officers. Geographic mapping skills to get riders where they want to go. Basic budget skills – cost of car operation vs. how much to charge rider vs. charging less than a taxi.