When I was a kid (I’m pushing 40, so that’s a not insignificant time ago) my Dad could do business on the honor system. A handshake, you give your word, the deal was done. We copied that on the playground. Handshakes, spit on it, etc. We were bound by our honor. We meant it, we…
To the Iowa Democratic Party: Do Better
Hello, As a civic-minded Iowan, I have contacted my representatives at the state and federal level on multiple occasions. Apparently, you took that to mean that I am a Democrat and that I want to be added to all of your mailing lists. You were incorrect. I am an unaffiliated voter. In case you hadn’t…
What we have wrought.
Politicians have been fanning these flames for years and now they’ve gotten burned. Democrats vs. Republicans. “Conservatives” vs. “Liberals”. These artificial divisions have been used to manipulate us, make us hate each other, to make us easier to control. Is it any surprise that yet another person has succumbed to this toxic mentality and taken…
Financial Democracy: What No One Else is Saying
There is a lot of talk lately about how or why we got into our current political predicament. Many seem to link members of the majority party’s “need” to be re-elected with their permissive behavior toward the President. I’d agree. Personal ambition tied with party politics and tribalism is a big reason why our nation…
Don’t Read the Comments
Don’t read the comments. You hear that a lot these days on social media, forums, probably Reddit (though I don’t touch that festering pile of internet STDs). People post a link to an article, and then implore you not to read the comments because they are too toxic. I always read the comments. I want…
What makes a legitimate news source? One man’s informed opinion.
I was recently asked by someone whose opinion I value deeply, why I give credence to one news source and not another. I realized this was a very valid question that I hadn’t probed too deeply , so let the probing begin! I did some research. Nothing too strenuous. I added both to my daily…
I shouldn’t love this commercial…
But of course I do. Why “shouldn’t” I like it, you might ask. Because I should watch it and say “yes, and…?” Because its images should be so commonplace that they evince no emotion, only boredom. Because it should be assumed that a priest and imam can be great friends who buy thoughtful gifts for…
The Duel
There was a popping sound as his sword went through the front of my stomach. It happened before my blade even hit the ground following his flamboyant disarming maneuver. My hands reflexively jerked up and grabbed his hand on the hilt. I never was much with a sword. Always did my best work with my…
Rigged is the wrong word…
So I have been amused lately by talk of grand conspiracies that have “rigged” our election process. Note, this is amused in a dark humor way and not in a genuinely mirthful one. I’m not a monster. You see, there doesn’t need to be complicated conspiracies or shadow governments to invalidate our election process. Heck no! The…
Trump: A Product of the Two-Party System
This joke of a creature has a shot at becoming president because we have all, for far too long, believed the lie that is the Two Party System. We’ve allowed bought-and-paid-for politicians to convince us that there is no other option than to vote for one of these corrupt “Major Parties”. We celebrate when a…