Author Archives: dunnwriteswell

Technology, Logic, Info/Evidence Based Society Rather Than Politics/Emotions Driven

Some years ago my sons suggested that government and society should be driven by science, technology and fact-based decision making. They are physics and computer science majors coming from the world of STEM (science, tech, engineneerig, math). As a political science major and history buff, I chaffed at this sterile notion of deciding everything freeContinue reading “Technology, Logic, Info/Evidence Based Society Rather Than Politics/Emotions Driven”

Replace Mascots with Lower Tuition

With football season wrapping up, basketball season underway, and mascots dancing/prancing on sidelines and college tuitions keep going up. It got me to proposing that we ditch mascot hoopla and ditch tuition increases. I got nothing specific against mascots, it’s more about what they represent: It will take time for this sea change to takeContinue reading “Replace Mascots with Lower Tuition”

Time for a 3-way political intersection to unclog the traffic jam

So who are the players in this intersection and what’s in it for each of them? Fiscal Conservatives: Want limited spending. Emphasize ROI (return on investments). Focus upon practicality Liberals & Progressives: Want a robust social safety net. Want government to lead the charge in public policies. Focus upon promise and potential. Libertarians: Want limitedContinue reading “Time for a 3-way political intersection to unclog the traffic jam”

Live Free Or Die….Evolve or Die

We’re all familiar with the New Hampshire motto, very straightforward. With my kids now living/working in the unaffordable greater Boston area, we’ve been looking at southern NH for housing opportunnities….if such opportunities exist. We’re open to any suggestions or leads among readers. As for the NH motto, we suggest expanding it to EVOLVE OR DIEContinue reading “Live Free Or Die….Evolve or Die”

Odd but necessary bedfellows: Economic Engines & Neighborhood Empowerment

Definitions are in order: What’s an ecomomic engine? What’s Neighborhood Empowerment? So who are the “odd bedfellows” and how might there be a copasetic relationship? So that’s my suggestion after 30+ years working in the community development, economic development, community organizing, and afforable housing fields seeing what works and what does not. As always, letContinue reading “Odd but necessary bedfellows: Economic Engines & Neighborhood Empowerment”

The Sweet Spot

With the mid-term elections now behind us and the presidential election looming within 2 years, I’ve been fixated on finding the political/cultural Sweet Spot where some sense of unity can pull us out of this morass of polarization. When my candidate for state representative came up short on the election tally for the 3rd timeContinue reading “The Sweet Spot”

Is it time for a national college strike?

I’m referring to current and prospective students going on strike, not the employees of the colleges. Before going on strike, it’s essential that you have a Plan-B in place. Here is my proposed Plan-B: Build upon the existing system of open-source data (i.e., You Tube, MOOGS, massive online free data sources, podcasts, Khan Academy, GCFContinue reading “Is it time for a national college strike?”

Reflections on Life in general and Partners in particular

As the seasons change and the days get shorter, time marches on. I’m not getting any younger, in fact none of us are. So, on this meloncoly note, I offer the following reflections (to everyone in general and my kids in particular): Life in general: With regard to marriage, life partners, soul mates or whateverContinue reading “Reflections on Life in general and Partners in particular”

MAKER SPACE as Economic Development Tool

Malls are in decline. They decimated downtowns which lost their luster to the suburban lure of convenient parking and the perception of low crime. Now the malls have become victims of changing consumer habits (i.e, e-commerce, Amazon, etc.), changing perceptions (concerns about crime) and lifestyle changes. In sum, the hunter has become the hunted. YetContinue reading “MAKER SPACE as Economic Development Tool”