Search Results for: So, Where to Now, America

The United Auto Workers Strike

3 Comments on The United Auto Workers Strike

High Risks, Potential Value, and Important Issues Galore

A Little Long-Term History

This is as big a labor action as this country has seen in a very long time, with big stakes all around. The history of the UAW and auto strikes is, it seems to me, a mixed one. On the one hand, they led the way on much labor reform and empowerment. They helped at an important level to create much of the American middle class, based on good jobs for skilled employees.

They also can be said to have pushed too hard in some cases,

Join the discussion at: The United Auto Workers Strike

A Little Politics, A Little Pop Culture, A Little Charity

4 Comments on A Little Politics, A Little Pop Culture, A Little Charity

Looking Around Several Topics This Week

The Jimmy Buffet Phenomena

 I remember that years ago the Beach Boys were quite the national phenomena. Their music was everywhere, they were interviewed and written about – we even went to a Fourth of July concert in DC once at which they were the featured act. I never got the attraction. To me they lacked depth or focus. I thought their music was pretty shallow and none of them as individuals struck me as particularly talented or interesting. Looking back now – I still think I was right. Just no There there,

Join the discussion at: A Little Politics, A Little Pop Culture, A Little Charity

A Report Back – International Travel

4 Comments on A Report Back – International Travel

What We Found in Returning to Post Pandemic Travel

Time to Jump Back In

Like many people, we have been eager to resume travelling, but we also had concerns. What was the same and what has changed in the world of post-pandemic (Not really post, is it?) travel? Many of you have long since jumped back in, others still hesitate. We thought it might be fun to share impressions learned from our early excursions back into the world.

Pleasant Anticipations

We were eager to get back into exploration. To discover new things,

Join the discussion at: A Report Back – International Travel

A Perpetual Conundrum: Immigration & Migration

Leave a Comment on A Perpetual Conundrum: Immigration & Migration

How Solvable is This? Are There Wins to be Had, for Anyone?

The American Experience with Immigration

Historically and in modern times, America has been shaped in many ways by immigrants. Much of our progress, culture, and social construct comes from immigrants. After all, the ancestors of most of us were immigrants, too. I think one could make the case that so much that is good about this country comes from immigration. I acknowledge that Native Americans might take exception to that idea, and they surely have a point. But that is another conversation, for another time.

Join the discussion at: A Perpetual Conundrum: Immigration & Migration

Tuesday, July 25

Leave a Comment on Tuesday, July 25

Five Very Different Topics to Reflect Upon for This Round

Tony Bennett

We don’t do much on show business or entertainment in this blog. If you ever saw me dance or heard me sing, you would be grateful that the scant treatment of such things in this blog minimizes your risk of ever seeing a video of me doing such things. You are welcome.

But an exception for Tony Bennett. He was, quite simply, the best of his generation at what he did – maybe the best ever. Frank Sinatra once said Bennett was the best singer he ever heard.

Join the discussion at: Tuesday, July 25

Most Prominent Physical Feature of a Politician?

Leave a Comment on Most Prominent Physical Feature of a Politician?

No, Not That! No, Not Those Either! Shame on you.

Tis the Season

I know – sometimes it seems it is eternally the case, but in face we are about to enter another national election cycle. In a little more than a year, we will be voting for all sorts of offices, from President to Dog Cather, and about every office in between.

Among other things, this means that the media, in all its forms, will be focusing on politicians and would-be politicians. Unfortunately, much of that coverage looks likely to continue being focused on horse race status and some gotcha articles,

Join the discussion at: Most Prominent Physical Feature of a Politician?

Meet the Swiss Army Knife State Legislators

4 Comments on Meet the Swiss Army Knife State Legislators

They Think They Can Do Everything. It Would Be Hard To Be More Wrong

Swiss Army Knife?

You get the reference. This refers to legislators who think that, now they have power (more on that later), they can act with the force of law on all of their pet projects and biases. The list is quite long these days.

Have no background in education? No problem – just go right ahead and dictate curriculum content, often in very specific ways. Do what you think is right for everyone! Say you have no experience in literay matters or library management?

Join the discussion at: Meet the Swiss Army Knife State Legislators

June 6, 2023

Leave a Comment on June 6, 2023

A Mixed Collection Today: Celebrate Some, Worry Some

Today is D-Day

On this date in 1944, the Allies bet it all on an important event that could be the beginning of the end for the war in Europe. And so it was to be. A good date, perhaps, to reflect on what assaults and defenses we need to mount in the common interest. A few events and mindsets rise to the surface.

Some Good News to Share & Reflect Upon

How The Country is Doing: By almost any measure (economy, alliances and security,

Join the discussion at: June 6, 2023

Two Rather Different Thoughts on Memorial Day

3 Comments on Two Rather Different Thoughts on Memorial Day

How We View This Day Depends Greatly on What Experience We Bring To It

A Lot is Written and Spoken About Memorial Day

As well it should be. This is about as solemn a memorial service as we have for this country, and it deserves our attention. Still, as a veteran with more than a little bit of combat experience, I have always been a bit cautious about the day.

Seeing people who never served make pompous and bellicose speeches does not ring my bell. Neither do the machinations of those I think of as “professional veterans,” who seem unwilling to turn the page in life,

Join the discussion at: Two Rather Different Thoughts on Memorial Day

The “What Makes You Feel Good” Parade – Part II

6 Comments on The “What Makes You Feel Good” Parade – Part II

More of the Good Stuff – A Bit Deeper

Now, Where Were We?

We started this conversation back in March with a short list of things that make one feel good. The plan is to divide that list into three levels – the easy everyday stuff, which was titled The Light Stuff. You may recall that my Light Stuff list included an eclectic but not unusual mix. It included:

  • A perfect baguette
  • A walk in the woods
  • Time in a hardware store
  • A really good cheese platter
  • Being up early enough to wait for the sun
  • Serious red wine
  • Being in a baseball park before the game

Many of you wrote to concur with parts of that list,

Join the discussion at: The “What Makes You Feel Good” Parade – Part II