A Socio-Political Blog
In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln gave an address at the dedication of the Gettysburg battlefield in order to reframe the cause of the Civil War. Of course, we all know of the eloquent 272-word Gettysburg Address that deserves its place as perhaps the most inspirational call to unite under a national purpose ever conceived. He…
It’s easy to attach an “ism” to any obstacle we come across in our lives where we perceive something inherent to our being as a factor used against us. It’s easy, and very likely, correct. Not always, but when it comes to our own lives we take our advantages and disadvantages quite seriously. We are naturally inclined to see what obstacles lie before…
As I have recently posted, I’ve been working, in retirement, at a Tropical Smoothie for several weeks. My early impressions are a melding of delight and holy-mother-of-God-what-have-I-gotten-into? Breezy mornings of prep are sometimes disrupted by 10 cars anxiously waiting on their morning smoothie fix and a breakfast item that comes with a zillion options made…
There is a video circulating of angry Springfield, Ohio residents at a city council meeting. The video shows residents complaining about homeless Haitian encampments and of the habits of the immigrants. Citizens are frightened by the situation and they are angry that the city is allowing this. This issue is a perfect example of the…
If you are over 60 you are either thinking about retirement or you are already retired. Outliers aside, who retire earlier or are on the other end of the spectrum and work into their 70’s, being in your 60’s in the transitional decade from your meat and potatoes career to whatever it is you are…
The founding of America and the creation of a charter by which to ensure the rights of humans to live free and to establish domestic tranquility through laws prescribed by justice, changed the world. A country was defined by a constitution that protected every individual from religious persecution, from authoritarian tyranny, and from taxation without…
So many of us talk about patriotism and our belief in the principles of America, yet many of those principles seem to be diametrically opposed. In fact, some people who love America believe others who love America must really hate America, at least the America they love. What? Many arguments bring up the Constitution and…
We hear more and more debate about the size of federal government and what powers have been drained from the states in contrast. The argument from Republicans and Libertarians, in particular, is that the powers of the federal government have expanded beyond its constitutionally outlined parameters and that state governmental authority has been diminished. Their…
Kansas City Chiefs kicker, Harrison Butker, gave a college commencement address where he said: “I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you. Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you…
CEDAR FALLS — Gary Kroeger has a mind for murder. The veteran performer has created several original murder mystery events and one set in the 1920s will unfold Saturday at the Black Hawk Hotel, 115 Main St. “I’m a huge mystery fan and I’ve attended a few murder mystery evenings in recent years. I’ve thought…