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In Cold Blood: Truman Capote’s Book Viewed 60 Years Later
The main news over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend was shameful. The collective retaliation by the Trump Administration against people from nations around the world who are now part of our national family, as he desires to halt all asylum decisions and remove millions who call this place home. It was chilling to learn that Defense Continue reading
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Fallout From Government Shutdown: Justified Democratic Anger, GOP’s Unhappy Marriage To Trump
The messy ending to the nation’s longest government shutdown was not to the liking of most Democrats, but it was probably inevitable given the state of play in Washington. The issue that propelled Democrats to take a stand is the dramatic premium increases for the ACA and the real threat that some in the nation Continue reading
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Another Trump Gift to Big Business, Blow To Ordinary Americans
One of the many reasons people approved of President Joe Biden was due to the much-needed Direct File program run by the IRS. It was a free online program that allowed taxpayers to submit federal returns directly without paying for commercial software or tax preparation businesses to do the work. I thought the program was Continue reading
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The Old Farmer’s Almanac Still Shapes Us
For all the chaos and turbulence that blast their way into our lives, some constant mainstays continually comfort us and remind us that not everything needs to be upended. A few weeks ago, James and I bought the latest edition of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, that humble, yellow-jacketed companion of what is described as a Continue reading
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The Penny Is Proof Process Of Governing Matters
Be it how your local neighborhood association conducts its business or how the federal government operates for all, one thing links them both. An upfront process must be undertaken that brings together facts and data through the input of diverse perspectives so to shape a desired policy goal. Readers to this blog know that I Continue reading
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Profiles In Courage As Americans Stand Up For Constitutional Norms
Yesterday, I wrote feeling quite sad about the upending of a Halloween parade for children in some Chicago neighborhoods. I find that each day there are increasing reasons to be troubled and deeply concerned over the actions of the Donald Trump Administration. Today, however, in my news feed I read a story that lifted my Continue reading
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Local Newspapers Need Our Support
There are a few constant themes that resonate in my writings about politics and society. Strongly encouraging process-driven governing, advocating gun control, standing alongside the Fourth Estate, promoting democracy, and pressing for newspapers to remain a part of a citizens daily routine. It is that last point that I wish to deal with today. This Continue reading
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Children’s Public School Lunches Should Be Free
I stumbled upon a news story from WFHR, Wisconsin Rapids. (A radio station that was often heard in our home during my growing up years.) On one hand, it is an uplifting story of humanity reaching out to assist others. On the other hand, it underscores why there is a need for a statewide policy Continue reading
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Todd Eugene Wilson Leaves Us With Reasons To Smile
“What’s up, Captain?” That was Todd Eugene Wilson’s signature greeting whenever he called me. Over the years, it never changed. The first time we spoke—about 24 years ago—I was struck by the unmistakable Maine accent that colored every syllable. Even after living in Florida for a time and then settling in Tennessee, Todd never lost Continue reading
Caffeinated Politics 