The new Fleet-Farm in Cedar Falls opened the other day and I went to check it out. It’s impressive if just for the sheer size of it. I can’t say for sure if it has more of anything in particular than other such stores, but it certainly has broad shoulders. It did seem that the…
We Forgive You
There was an event recently in Waterloo, Iowa called “The Cedar Valley Pride Fest.” It was two days of fun activities and music for anyone who wished to participate to demonstrate that the LGBTQ community is a healthy and active part of our larger community. The message is one of inclusion and to celebrate diversity.…
James and the Giant Impeachment
Impeachment has never gotten past the Senate in its previous trials. William Jefferson Clinton’s approval rating actually rose 10 points after he was acquitted by the Senate. Andrew Johnson’s popularity didn’t benefit, but he continued to serve. Richard Nixon resigned before an impeachment hearing knowing it was likely that he would be found guilty of…
Dirty Words
I was told that my name came up once at a meeting of the local Republican Party and someone said, “He’s the biggest socialist in the Cedar Valley!” My reaction was an insincere (frustrated is a better word) chuckle. To call me (a confessed mixed market/capitalist) a “socialist” is an affirmation of the misunderstanding of…
What is Victory?
I wrote this article and posted it a year ago in 2018. I updated it to this year and reposted on September 11th, but then quickly took it down. It contains a critical question regarding 9/11 and it occurred to me the day is not suited for that. The day should be a day of…
Let’s Talk Health and Care
There are a lot of critical issues in America that we, as voters, have to consider. According to polls, Climate Change receives a significant ranking and is the issue that concerns younger Americans the most, but ranks lower as voters get older. The Economy ranks high with overall voters, but according to one survey the…
And that’s why I don’t like Donald Trump…
Recently, I posted on Facebook my disdain for “candidate bashing.” Every day I receive (and so do you) countless posts and articles about the dubious misgivings of so-and-so candidate and how activities or votes from their past indicate a sinister set of ideals. I have voiced my dislike for negative advertising and attack commercials for…
An Alien Invasion!
A commentator on Fox News while justifying the ICE raids, internment camps and border walls, said, “Illegal aliens are killing Americans.” Not one to take such a concern lightly, I locked all the doors and did a head count. My defenses were on alert and I went online (curtains drawn so the aliens wouldn’t see…
Life and Death
Gun Control was a very difficult subject when I was running for the Iowa House. Not because I was afraid of the subject, I wasn’t, but because the forces that disagree with anything short of the proliferation of firearms would rise in obstinate (and loud) opposition. Money gets thrown in to defeat you, and even a fearless candidate has…
Walls and Bridges
There are certain issues for which I cannot be silent. Civil and human rights are such issues. When people of any group, any nation, any persuasion, are marginalized in any way, I am called to emotional arms and I will be vocal. As a businessman I am more cautious today, politically speaking, than, perhaps, I…