What does it mean, specifically, to “support our troops”? Everybody says it, and I believe that everyone sincerely means it, but since every color on the political spectrum uses the phrase, even when foreign policy ideologies are diametrically opposed, I wonder what it really means. It was originally branded during the Gulf War to emphasize conservative…
“Press Two for Hmoob”
Several months ago I was traveling on business with an associate and we were in the Minneapolis airport looking for our terminal. We stood at a large sign that contained directions with instructions in Chinese, followed by Spanish, French, then Arabic and finally after, perhaps, even Serbian, was English. My friend was exasperated and turned to…
“A man hears what he wants to hear…”
Political arguments can get frustrating from time to time. Exchanges can get heated and I, a man who prides himself on civility, am sometimes tested. I contend, however, that I never draw first blood, even if my posts incite disharmony, and I never resort to personal insults. I, on the other hand, am called stupid and uninformed…
Sending My Son To College
I just did what many parents have done before me; I took my son off to college. Eventually the last hug comes and with tears welling in my eyes I looked back one more time at the young man whose own eyes were filled with optimism mixed with a dash of fear. I saw a…
The Emperor Has Designer Clothes
Disclaimer: Anything in this article pertaining to President Donald Trump has been written by someone who does not admire the aforementioned president. The views contained here are of a person pre-disposed to believe that Donald Trump is a malignant narcissist and devoid of empathy, and therefore Donald Trump’s motives are not in the best interests…
It ain’t the heat, it’s the Hume-idity
I just can’t get this series of statements from Brit Hume out of my head: http://politicer.com/brit-hume-giving-health-insurance-to-sick-people-defeats-the-core-ethic-values-of-this-country/ Hume’s comment: “Obamacare was designed to help the poorest and sickest citizens out there. However, as noble as that sounds, the consequence of such logic is the fact that it neglects the core ethic values that were embedded in…
Sullied by every breath
When I was 10 years old my family took a vacation to the east coast to visit Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello, Mount Vernon, and our nation’s capital. Like so many others of my generation, my consciousness was awakened 5 years earlier by the assassination of President John F Kennedy and I became obsessed with everything that…
“And freedom tastes of reality”
Do you know that I can find out what you’re driving, what you pay every month, and when your lease expires? Do you own your car? I knew that already and I know what your trade-in totaled and what bank you got a loan from and at what interest rate. I know your house payment…
In Public Education We Trust
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is expected to offer details about the Trump administration’s vision for a federal investment in school choice in a major policy speech. The School Choice and Charter School initiative she and the administration supports is based on the idea that they will create a competitive market and thereby improve all schools.…
What We Pray For
Two years ago I was in the Democratic primary to unseat Representative Rod Blum in Iowa’s 1st district. Along with businessman Ravi Patel and Cedar Rapids city council member Monica Vernon, I ran on progressive values and we strengthened each other’s resolve by engaging every single day with constituents and with each other. By late…