A space for observation, discovery, and growth
I mentioned in an earlier post that we might want to take a look at time. A recent birthday and the impending end of the calendar year both put me in a frame of mind to think about time. So, today is that day.
What Is Time?
Time itself may not influence much in our lives, but it certainly provides the benchmarks along the way,
A Time for Reflection, Recalibration, and Assessment
Happy Whatever
To say that we are in the holiday season would be an understatement. I read that from 1 November – 15 January 7 major religions celebrate 25 holidays. Tis the season. This is, of course, part of the continuing dialogue over the made-up war on Christmas. Acknowledging that this season has meaning to beliefs other than yours hardly seems to be naked aggression. But I digress.
Not One Special Day, but a Season of Thoughtfulness
I would like to suggest that we think about this season not as a string of holidays and events.
Join the discussion at: What Connects Thanksgiving, Christmas, Solstice, and New Year’s Day?
How Impeachment Goes Depends to Some Degree on the Number of Charges
Where Are We?
Anyone involved in prosecutions – or impeachments – can tell you. A critical decision is determining how many charges to file and for what offenses. There are a lot of factors to consider. It is not simply a question of what offenses have been committed.
I recognize that some people are still undecided about impeaching Donald Trump. Still others are determined that it is God’s Will that he not be impeached, ever, for anything. For the rest of us,
Join the discussion at: Impeachment? Sure. How Many Counts? Ah, Well, Let’s See…
As Democrats Move Toward Presidential Primary Season, Watch These Three Indicators
1 – Number of Candidates
Many of us have long said that the large number of candidates is not a bad thing – up to a point. We are approaching that point and still have, by my count, 18 (!!) candidates in the field. The first round of primaries and caucuses will thin that out quite a bit. For the good of all, it would be better if most of these candidates dropped out right about now.
At this point, for many to stay in the race is a waste of effort and a distraction for the electorate.
Join the discussion at: Three Numbers Will Decide Who Is the Democratic Nominee
An Assortment of Odds and Ends for Your Weekend Reflections
Let’s Rummage Around a Bit
I am calling this post a Free-Range exercise, in part because that sounds better than the Messy Drawer Day. I have several short items for your review today.
Pretty well all of us have “that drawer.” You know, the one that seems to collect everything. For some reason, it seems to be a kitchen drawer most often. It has odds and ends from all over the house. You can never seem to find what you are looking for in that drawer.
No President in History Has Done So Much to Harm the Military. And Trump is Just Beginning.
Our Military
The American military is an amazing institution. It’s ability to adapt, persevere, and win is nothing short of awesome. The people who are the armed forces and their families are among the best our nation has ever been privileged to have protecting us. If you watched the impeachment hearings last week, you got a taste of the ethos. The military and civil servants who testified made us all proud to be Americans.
But a military is always a force at risk.
Join the discussion at: Think Trump Respects the Military? Think Again
We are Linked in Ways That Make Us Count on Others to Do the Right Thing
Clever folks, Those Founding Fathers
They gave us a republic. That republic operates, for the most part, as a representative democracy. And that is where things get tricky.
Under our system, we all get to elect our own senators and representatives. They, hopefully, go to represent us and are accountable to us. In theory, at least. To make the point a bit more clearly, they are electorally responsible only to us. People in other states don’t get a vote on their continuing in office.
There are life lessons and humbling experiences to be found at homeless facilities
Like many of you, I spend some time at homeless shelters, food banks, and feeding facilities. A lot of people do not do so, but they think about such places at this time of year. Kitchens that feed the needy and shelters that house them can go all year hurting for volunteers. Then, they are inundated with offers to serve on Thanksgiving or around Christmas.
I confess to my own biases about such places.
I am grateful for those that open their doors to all – men,
Take a Deep Breath, Democrats. Time to Settle In
Hark! Who Is That Yonder?
Michael Bloomberg and Duvall Patrick find the current Democratic field lacking. But fortunately, they are willing to come to the rescue. I think not, but thanks for the offer. Oh, and former Attorney General Eric Holder is also resurrecting his potential campaign. At least this last one is more rumor than fact – for now. So, no further discussion here of Holder today.
Let me say at the outset that there is a lot to like about both of these other gentlemen.
Join the discussion at: Wait! How Many Candidates are Running for President?
Occasions Like Veterans Day Offer a Much Needed Opportunity to Reflect
I had the good fortune to participate yesterday in a Veterans Day commemoration in our community. I don’t often attend or provide part of the program at such gatherings. Yesterday reminded me why that is an error on my part. These are important reaffirmations of community on a very fundamental level.
I’d like to share with you a few observations that came out of the day for me that reflect the value of such gatherings. I hope they will encourage you to seek out such opportunities,
Join the discussion at: Reflections on Veterans Day – For Vets and Non-Vets Alike
