Seems A Good Time To Reflect On Karma

Some Things Seem to be Coming Due, or at Least to Turning Points

Big Brother Is Watching

U.S. Customs and Border Protection published a notice in the Federal Register of a proposed rule for foreign tourists from 42 countries, requiring them to provide their social media histories from the last five years to enter the United States. A Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman said the proposal is not final. 

Tourism to America is already crashing, as is student applications to study here. This will only increase, to our detriment. And it appears similar barriers are being put in front of international journalists who wish to report on and from the USA.

December 2, 2025

A Cold, Hard Month is Coming In Many Ways

In terms of the actual weather, it has been all over the scale of severity around the country. My neck of the woods has had a pretty mild, if brisk, winter approach, while much of the country has endured really cold, tough weather. But the weather provides a good metaphor for the “climate” we humans construct- lots of turbulence, many storms, some rays of hope. Let’s take a look at some of the current sightings on our “weather map.”

How Could the Shooting of Two National Guardsmen Be Made Worse?

Up and Coming Leaders

Trump’s Lame Duck Phase May Be Off To An Early Start. Who Is On The Rise?

Political Timing

A lot of people quite naturally are wondering who is most likely to be the Democratic candidate in 2028 and who will carry the Republican banner. The reality is that this sort of thing generally does not begin sorting itself out until the preceding midterms (2026 for this round) is complete.

But given all the turmoil and issues around Trump, positioning may start a bit early this time around. In fact, candidates for presidential nominations actually do,

Bill Clinton And James Talarico Said It Correctly

America’s Economic Divide Will Decide Our Future – Soon

First, A Note of Recognition

Today is Veterans Day. Take a moment to reflect on those who answered the call to serve and their families. We owe them more than could ever be measured. I look forward to the day when those who serve now have civilian leadership worthy of those responsibilities.

A Few Carefully Chosen Words Communicate Volumes

The most famous phrase to come out of Bill Clinton’s first and successful run for President was “It’s the economy, stupid.”  His colorful campaign manager James Carville is generally accredited with the phrase and the resulting campaign focus.

What A Week This Is

No Shortage Of Potential Big Deal Events In These Days

Are We A Day Late?

Yes, we are a day late. This blog normally posts on Tuesday, but we had some technical speed bumps and in any case, it seemed better to wait a day to see what the elections developed. Boy, did those elections have an impact! Glad we waited to communicate. We have a lot to reflect upon.

Elections

Three local elections took place this week that have national implications. They are the governorship of VA and of NJ, and the mayor’s race in New York City.

Why The Coming Midterm Elections Are More Important Than Ever

Think About A Dress Rehearsal For A Coup

Our Vocabulary Is Changing, As Is Our Reality

People tend to be a little loose in the definition of political and social terms, especially when in a fight over an important issue. Trump and friends are quick to call anyone they disagree with communists. In an earlier time, some leftists and progressives were quick to call opponents reactionaries or fascists. It is easy to go overboard in describing others.

But in following the text of Project 2025, statements from throughout the Trump administration, and watching what actions are being taken – with the full support of far too many Republican legislators and officials – times have changed.

October 7, 2025

 

A Happy Note, A Sad Note, A Cliffhanger – Three Unrelated Observations

A Happy Note

We had the great pleasure this past weekend of attending the International Storytelling Festival, in nearby Jonesborough, TN. This is a tradition with us since our first exposure years ago revealed a unique and marvelous experience. It is a happy experience and one with lessons for us all.

This small town, of about 4,000 people, hosts an international celebration of the great art of storytelling. About 14,000 of us show up every year to join the party.

Five Very Different Observations This Week

No Shortage of Things to Think About, Is There?

The Roll Up of Senior Military Leaders

This mysterious call up of all senior military commanders and their senior enlisted members, all for a mysterious meeting with the Secretary – and now including Trump – is a bad thing in about 9 different directions.

Of course, no one has a clue as to what this is all about. We will, likely, by the time many of you read this posting. Could be to announce firings, to demand loyalty, to call for the reapplication of a bunch of 1950s standards – no one knows except the perpetrator.

Hey, New Low Points

Just When You Think It All Could Not Get Worse or More Embarrassing….

Seven months into this term of Trump, we find new low points in more areas than one could have imagined. If nothing else, we are learning what a potent cocktail one has when mixing arrogance, cruelty, and intellectual laziness, wrapped in a mindset where character simply does not count – heck, character is seen as a flaw by this bunch..

Just look at the last few days….

North Korea Has Nothing On US

The North Korea syndrome has arrived.

One Thought, One Goal

There is a Lot Going On. Let’s Focus on Effects and Causes to Frame the Rest

And So It Continues

The chaos, cruelty, and destructiveness of the Trump administration continues. It is being blocked or tripping over its own feet in some areas and is being aggressive in others. As I heard someone say recently, we are in only the first quarter of a four quarter (four year) engagement. Not the time to get tired yet.

Part of the Plan 2025 modality is to overwhelm the opposition and to flood the media and public consciousness every day,