A space for observation, discovery, and growth
A Brief Reflection on A Better Way to Think about the 4th
Every July 4 we have a replay of the same opposing dramas. Some of us celebrate everything American. Others find it a time of anger and frustration over how we fall short as a nation.
I would like to suggest that those two groups might have more in common than they realize.
A lot of us follow what could be considered a third choice, and in this choice, I think we have the makings of greater national unity.
History Called This Supreme Court Three Times: Three Times It Failed to Answer. The words at the front of this building are not ringing true.
A Unique Institution
The Supreme Court is a fascinating institution. Filled by people with lifetime appointments (more on that later), it represents the best and the worst of the American experiment. It has challenged us to be our best (Brown vs. Board of Education, for example). It has also reinforced the worst in us (Plessy vs. Ferguson, for example).
It has,
Sometimes Events Call Out Who We Are. This is One of Those.
Framing the Issue
Reasonable people can disagree on a lot of important issues. There are many components to what is happening on our Southern border. People can argue about them, with good points all around.
To be clear up front, I am not an open borders fan. The slogan “no person is illegal” has always struck me as naïve at best. I find it inaccurate from both a practical and moral perspective. Should we not be concerned about terrorists or criminals who wish to cross the border?
Join the discussion at: What Does the Immigration Fight Say About Us, America?
This Story is a Many-Layered Cautionary Tale
This past week was, to put it mildly, quite the week for the Trump administration and foreign affairs. It is, in all candor, difficult to sort out. Let’s take a look at what we are hearing and see what we can make of it all.
First, it appears that a military strike was decided upon, then cancelled at the last minute. The Administration says it was cancelled because the president learned at the last moment that the strike would result in about 150 casualties. That seemed to him to be excessive as a retaliation for shooting down a drone.
Join the discussion at: The Iran Almost-Strike – Good News, Bad News, Non-News
Look at this Through Three Lenses for a Clearer View
To Impeach or Not to Impeach?
You may have heard the occasional comment these days on the subject of impeach or don’t impeach. It is increasingly the topic du jour, and not only among political types.
It is useful to consider all this through three different, but interrelated, “lenses.” This analysis could work with either pro or anti Trump types, if they are willing to be honest about the process. I know, that is a dubious start point right there,
Join the discussion at: A Different Way to Look at Impeachment
Two Very Different Models are in Play. The Differences in Effects are Overwhelming
A Tale of Two Taxes
No one especially likes to talk about taxes. Politicians really, really don’t like to talk about them. Only if it is to say they think they can reduce them or make them fairer are they willing to talk. But taxes are a necessary reality, and how they are devised is important. We have two models under national discussion that could not be more different. We should take note.
Tariffs are Taxes
First,
Join the discussion at: Two Tax Proposals Lead to Very Different Visions of America- Pay Attention
Few Events in Human History Call Out to Us with Such Clarity as What is Important
The 70th anniversary of D Day is almost upon us. The celebration that occurs every five years will take place this Thursday in France. I cringe at what Donald Trump may do or fail to do at this most sacred of human consecrations. I take comfort knowing the examples of D Day will long outlive this human aberration in our history.
D Day has a special meaning for me. I was the coordinator for airborne operations at the 40th anniversary of D Day.
Join the discussion at: D Day – The Power of Planning, Commitment, and Courage
There Are A Lot of Good Causes Out There. How Best to Support Them?
The Good News
I have the good fortune to live in a community that places a premium on charity and on paying it forward.
The expectation is that anyone who owns a business will sponsor fund raising events. They will also likely donate a percentage of sales to a good cause. Individuals are also called upon to donate time, talent, and treasure on a regular basis. This is closer to a universal norm here than anywhere I have known.
Join the discussion at: Consolidation? Diversity? How Shall We Tilt at Our Windmills?
What to Do with Trump is Not an Easy Question. But the Path is Getting Clearer.
Democrats are working toward consensus on how to proceed on Trump’s transgressions. For some time now, the further left and recently elected were hot for impeachment.
Old hands cautioned on that course, warning correctly about pursuing it too quickly. The Speaker of the House has made it clear she wanted nothing to do with impeachment.
Things are Moving
Then the last couple of weeks things changed. I suspect that years from now we will look at the period around this week as the turning of a corner.
Join the discussion at: Investigation? Six Investigations? Impeachment? Time to Choose.
What Happens Next? How Might NOV 4 Look Different from NOV 3?
Let’s Think Ahead
November 2020 is right around the corner to those preparing for the elections, but it is also a long way away. It is a long way away in the sense that a LOT can happen between now and then. If the Democrats win most or all the contests, they need serious thought about the opposition.
Such a win is by no means a done deal. Some outcomes could have the Democrats winning the presidency and holding the House. They might take the Senate (that is a stretch,
