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…
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…
Trash Talk
This is a post where I am starting with no idea where I’m going. I’m not sure how I feel and I am hoping to discover my thoughts in an exploration of the issue. The issue is: Trash Talking. Actually, this goes deeper and much bigger than just that; it is the concept of engineering, rather…
North Dallas Fifty
Soon, the airwaves will be filled with images of Dallas, Texas, from November 22nd, 1963 as this year marks 50 solar revolutions since that fateful day. Americans love to re-visit events annually, but decades, semi-centennials and centennials make us agog with retrospectives. The Kennedy Assassination will perfectly fill the bill for melancholy remembrance in units of ten. I…
Summer’s Almost Gone
The other day I posted a comment on Facebook about the sadness I was feeling at the end of my summer visitation with my sons. I did so to open a forum with others who might understand this unique melancholy. The floodgates opened. Literally hundreds of people responded who knew exactly how I was feeling. Along with people who were…
“You like me! You really like me!”
I realized something. (Pause. Wait for fanfare to subside) Many of the arguments we are having over politics are not always about policy as much as they are about perceptions. My evidence is anecdotal, but my observations are pretty consistent. Both sides will admit that their side has done many of the things that they are up in arms…