In August of 2011 my family met in the Rockies to spread my Dad’s ashes in the mountains he loved. He had passed away 10 years earlier but it took that long for my brothers and our mother to coordinate schedules with our own children, work, and all that comes with adult lives. And, truth be told,…
Author: gary1164
I'm an advertising executive and former actor/producer
Ethics, Morality, Ducks and Doves
Because I am fairly vocal, people often ask me to participate in debates at the drop of a hat. Sometimes, I find myself in an area where I am woefully unqualified or not really prepared, but I often have a gut feeling that provides some indication to feel a certain way, and I’ll weigh in. Such was the case when the opening…
Twas the day after Christmas and all thru the house…
I’m always a little sad by Christmas afternoon. The tree will stay up another week, the same with the lights outside, but I have to be honest; rather than serve as low wattage, multi-colored beacons for the hope that Christmas brings, they become reminders that the day has passed and won’t be around again for another year.…
The Intention of Good Intentions
We, humans (at least the ones in Western Civilization) have a tendency to take a good idea, implement it, then forget its purpose and finally betray its intention. One of those good ideas was brought forth by the American Disabilities Act of 1990. ADA is a wide-ranging civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disabilities and it also…
When in the Course of Human Events…
Economics The collapse of 2008 was the result of legislation from neoliberal economic theory (not to be confused with social liberalism) and those policies have controlled the argument for over 30 years. It favors the well-to-do by creating tax loopholes along with too much de-regulation, and that allowed for toxic assets in a volatile subprime market. I support regulations to…
I Wish You Well
Sometimes it is easy to write these posts. In fact, I usually find it fairly simple because I write about political issues where I already have some knowledge and a feeling about my position and the words come out rather quickly. When matters are of a more personal nature, it is more difficult. Partly because there is a…
Faux Quo
I’m a little skeptical by nature. Whenever someone’s argument seems too perfect, filled with too perfect evidence with too perfect quotes, I tend to become perfectly suspicious. If I am in their presence in a face to face discussion, I will politely smile and say, “Well, that does seem rather compelling” and slowly back away. …
Rome is burning!
I’m confused….What are we trying to accomplish? Does either side of the political fence think that total annihilation of the other side is plausible? Is that the goal? If it isn’t then why aren’t we working together or even listening to each other? Why are the arguments so extreme? Does anyone really think either party is going to…
If Pigovians Could Fly!
I heard a radio ad the other day that chastised Congressman Bruce Braley (currently running to replace Tom Harkin in the Senate) for supporting a Carbon Tax. The woman in the ad said, “Call Congressman Bruce Braley now and tell him that you think that a Carbon Tax is a bad idea.” I was…
The Golden Door of Freedom
I went to “Orientation” with my 14 year old son who is attending Washington High School in Cedar Rapids. The evening was an introduction to the philosophy, achievements and curriculum of the school, hosted by the principal, Dr. Ralph Plagman, and several department heads. It was followed by break out sessions in 14 different classes. The teachers…