A space for observation, discovery, and growth
Two M’s + one N Spell Some Interesting Conclusions
Today We Wander a Bit
Three unconnected thoughts seemed to fill my head over the last few days and so I thought I might share them with you. Let’s talk about Two M’s (Mechanics and Morality) and a single N (Nunes). Here we go.
M for Mechanics
Like much of America, I have been interested in the discussion about Senate mechanics, especially but not exclusively the filibuster. It seems pretty clear that throughout our history,
I Have Been Reading Some Great Stuff. Allow Me to Share.
The State of Writing in America
I am pleased to report that, at least from my perspective, there is some really fine writing going on in this country. I have a short list of recent work that I have been thoroughly enjoying.
Note I said enjoying, present tense. I find that I tend to slow up when I find exemplary writing. I like to kind of roll around in the luxury of stories well told or facts well analyzed.
Every New Administration Relooks the Defense Posture. This is Not Easy
What a New Administration Needs to Do, Up Front
Any new administration, but especially this one, post Trump, need to relook everything. It is all important and it is all seems time sensitive. But arguably, none is more complex, expensive, or high risk than the defense posture.
A long history and recent events both reinforce that dilemma. Much of what any administration has to work with is legacy, with long lead times and extensive logistics tails. New threats are constantly arising,
Join the discussion at: Thinking About Defense in the Biden Administration
This Time, It’s Personal
Once More, with Feeling
Well, here we are again. Didn’t we just do this, last year? Lots of speculation is abounding about the Senate trial that starts today. This may all seem depressingly familiar, but there are some important differences to point out. One or more of them could affect outcomes.
What is Different This Time?
But Serious Danger Runs Deep and Wide – This Will Not Go Away on Its Own
A Country Divided? It’s Worse Than We Feared
For a long time, many of us felt that the country was not as divided as many said. The problem was so-called leaders who thrived on conflict; beyond them, people agreed on more than was apparent. I count myself among that chorus. It appears we were wrong.
If this past election taught us anything, it is that not only is the divide real, it is based in alternate realities.
Join the discussion at: The Country is On a Hopeful New Path, But…
No, Actually Its Not
Instant Conversions
Striking how many Republicans who just last week were talking of massive voter fraud, civil war, etc. have suddenly become peaceniks. The ghost of Rodney King must be laughing at who is now asking “Can’t we all get along?”
There is a long list of enablers, in varying degrees of culpability, but all responsible for the situation that we find ourselves in. As information gets assembled, processed, and shared, the public will become even more aware of just how bad last week was.
Join the discussion at: “Isn’t It Time for Healing and Unity?”
From the Miracle in Georgia to the Travesty in the Capitol
Tuesday Night – Wednesday Night
Well, we certainly saw the best of America and the worst of it within 24 hours, didn’t we? It was a lot to absorb either event. Having both within about 24 hours induced political and emotional whip lash. So much to celebrate, so much to mourn. So much to learn.
Georgia
What a shame. This spectacular political wizardry was quickly eclipsed by the obscenity on the Capitol. For this trulywas a spectacular act of political will, skill, and determination.
Join the discussion at: It Was the Best of Days, It Was the Worst of Days
It All Comes Down to Today
Today is Election Day. Millions and millions of votes have already been cast. The last of them will be done early tonight. Then begins the count, the worries, the hopes. There is not much more to say at this point. Now we see what happens. More talk is wasted breath today.
Like you, I worry a lot about the machinations of the Trumpsters and their supporters. Between intimidation and administrative power or friendly judges, there are people intent on stealing this election. By this point, I expect most of them think they cannot win a fair election.
One Domestic, One International “Legacy” That We Will Cost Us for Many Years
In case you missed it yesterday, Happy Constitution Day. September 17 is the day we celebrate the ratification of our constitution by the delegates assembled in Philadelphia in 1782. A timely reminder, given what follows in this blog today. Would that more of us read the thing.
If We Were Making a List…
Were we to write out a list of everything Trump has done that has harmed this country, we would be here for a very long time.
Join the discussion at: Trump Damaged So Much. These May be the Two Worst
The First Words from Joe Biden as a Candidate Are at the Heart of This Election
Take Note
Political campaigns are full of forgettable phrases. They also can contain words for the ages. As it turns out, Joe Biden uttered two of the latter when he declared his candidacy. They proved to be the defining issues of this campaign and what we will be as a nation going forward.
History rarely puts that large a stamp on a few words, but it did this time. If Biden wins, it will be largely because most Americans came to agree with him.
