news & Commentary
Common Good's Society Watch is a collection of recent news and commentary illustrating how law is undermining
our common institutions and our freedom to use common sense.
CG in the News is your source for recent news about Common Good and our efforts to restore
common sense to American law.
The most recent articles from each section appear below. SocietyWatch Neighbor Says Golf Is a Sport Too Close
Corey Kilgannon, New York Times, October 15, 2008
A New York State Supreme Court judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the famed Winged Foot Golf Club in
Westchester, preventing play on its East Course’s sixth hole. The order – which the New York Times writes makes the East Course “the most famous 17-hole championship golf course in the country” – was sought by a restaurateur unhappy with the number of errant golf balls landing on his property, which borders the hole. The man has also filed suit against the club. One dissenting club member argues: “‘If you buy a house on a golf course, you have to assume there may be a couple of errant shots that are going to land in your yard. It’s part of the charm of living on one of the most famous golf courses in the world’ ….” » article
Neighbor Says Golf Is a Sport Too Close
Corey Kilgannon, New York Times, October 15, 2008
A New York State Supreme Court judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the famed Winged Foot Golf Club in
Westchester, preventing play on its East Course’s sixth hole. The order – which the New York Times writes makes the East Course “the most famous 17-hole championship golf course in the country” – was sought by a restaurateur unhappy with the number of errant golf balls landing on his property, which borders the hole. The man has also filed suit against the club. One dissenting club member argues: “‘If you buy a house on a golf course, you have to assume there may be a couple of errant shots that are going to land in your yard. It’s part of the charm of living on one of the most famous golf courses in the world’ ….” » article
Where Did Childhood in Britain Go Wrong?
Sue Palmer, Telegraph (UK), October 3, 2008
Writing for the Telegraph, British author and former teacher Sue Palmer argues: “Something is mightily wrong with childhood in
Britain, and after 30 years working with children and teachers … I reckon our risk aversion – not just in schools but in every area of life – is a major part of the problem.” She relates that when asked by a recent survey “what age children should be allowed out alone,” many parents answered 14 – and that even those who would like to give children more freedom are prevented from doing so by public opinion. “Just as health and safety regulations have stifled the excitement of learning at school,” Palmer writes, “preoccupation with public safety, endless regulation and adults’ desire for tidy, orderly communities have helped stifle children’s leisure time.” As does Common Good, she argues that parents’ desire to shield their children from risk can pose risks itself. Palmer explains: “All the most essential lessons of life – the personal, social and emotional lessons that make us functioning human beings – are caught rather than taught. Social competence, self-confidence and resilience, commonsense understanding of the world – not to mention physical health and fitness – all come from being out there in the real world. If children don’t get these vital first-hand experiences, we can’t be surprised that many end up as fragile or anti-social teenagers, either risk-averse themselves, or ready to take excessive risks, because they’re unable to make sensible judgments.” » article
CG in the news Rescue Recess
Letter to the Editor, New York Times, December 21, 2007
Common Good President Janet Corcoran responds to an article in the New York Times on the growing trend to ban recess, "School Recess Gets Gentler, and the Adults Are Dismayed."
Will the Net Prevent the Collapse of the Common Good?
Digital Age, December 2007
Digital Age asks Philip K. Howard how the Internet has helped spread Common Good's message. Howard highlights the work Common Good is doing in health care, education, and civil justice.
Man Sues McDonald's for $10 Million
Interview with ABC Radio, August 12, 2007
ABC asked Common Good Chair Philip K. Howard to comment on another frivolous lawsuit, in which a man is suing McDonald's for $10 million.
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