Tag Archives: news

Questions & Talking Points for Contractors, Small Businesses & those who complain about big government, taxation and regulations

Skepticism of big government, taxation and regulation is understandable but let’s drill down further on this conversation This blog is targeted to the following persons: Drivers of oversized pick-up trucks (which generally are in pristine condition and extremely expensive). This is an odd contradiction since the traditional American pick-up truck is a battered workhorse andContinue reading “Questions & Talking Points for Contractors, Small Businesses & those who complain about big government, taxation and regulations”

Boomers: The Twilight Generation

Christmas presents 1957 at age 3, good times & strong economy Kudos to Tom Brokaw and his book titled “The Greatest Generation”. Likewise, a shout-out of appreciation to my dad and all my uncles who served in the military during WW2. In fact, I extend a giant thank-you to EVERYONE from my parents’ generation who playedContinue reading “Boomers: The Twilight Generation”

The storm is inevitable but responses can be practical

First let’s set the stage and put all the cards on the table. The American empire and our capitalist American dream is in decline. Consider the following: USA lost every foreign engagement since WW2. Korea was at best a draw. Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, all lost military endeavors, all big mistakes. Vietnam and Iraq we shouldContinue reading “The storm is inevitable but responses can be practical”

Look upstream to the systemic sources of our angst to find the culprits

Don’t waste time/energy at the waterfall, look upstream to sources of problems As the fire hose of accusations, recriminations, distractions and chaos fills our consciousness, I think of the fable concerning the valiant but unsuccessful effort to prevent babies from cascading over the waterfall. The moral of the story is a plea to travel upstream toContinue reading “Look upstream to the systemic sources of our angst to find the culprits”

My Playlist In Troubled Times

Songs can unite, inspire and speak truth to power  Ironically the Emmy awards are scheduled tonight and it got me to thinking, we are way overdue for a 1960’s revival of the anti-war, anti-establishment, pro-civil rights songs. As a baby boomer, I’m finally gaining an appreciation for these songs with messages that were appropriate back thenContinue reading “My Playlist In Troubled Times”

Conversational Advice For Liberals & Conservatives

I describe myself as a tough-love, consequences-compassion oriented, progressive-conservative. The result is confusion by most and animosity from all sides. Despite this setback, I cling to the belief that this posture will enable me (and hopefully the majority of America) to thread the needle and avoid polarization. The following examples might clarify this situation: WhenContinue reading “Conversational Advice For Liberals & Conservatives”

3 words that will reunite America: Violence, Waste, Corruption

The 3 issues that MIGHT unite left & right, liberal & conservative There are plenty of non-starters which make collaboration and communication Dead On Arrival (DOA) in any conversation. For me, it’s when persons insist that the holocaust and mass shootings are fake, the 2020 presidential election was rigged and the January 6th insurrection atContinue reading “3 words that will reunite America: Violence, Waste, Corruption”

Did any president, political party or government policy ruin my life? No, but read on for the real causes.

What were life setbacks and who was responsible? Leading up to the presidential election there were all sorts of accusations that candidates and their parties irreparably harmed me. Since I’m retired, I have the luxury of reflecting and concluded that I made my own bed and only I am responsible for sleeping in it.  NoContinue reading “Did any president, political party or government policy ruin my life? No, but read on for the real causes.”

Garages to Studios: An invisible and practical solution to the affordable housing crisis

What if 1/3 of all garages were converted to studio apartments? During my evening walks thru my suburban neigborhood, I conducted an informal survey of garages and estimated that approximately 1 out of 3 are NOT storing vehicles. Telltail signs included: exercise equipment stationed in front of garage doors, vegitation, supplies or abandoned/unregistered vehicles inContinue reading “Garages to Studios: An invisible and practical solution to the affordable housing crisis”