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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
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Chicago Marathon Turned Fearful Due To ICE
This past week while listening to WGN radio I heard a side of the Chicago Marathon that I had not considered. Upon hearing it, I wished to somehow have missed the story. It was just so dispiriting. Another example of what is so wrong in our country today. Sunday, it was reported that more than… Continue reading
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Local Teenager Facing Financial Nightmare Of Gun Violence
Gut-wrenching is the best word I can find to describe what it felt like to read the Wisconsin State Journal story about Samuel “Samy” Garduno-Martinez. He was one of six students shot at Abundant Life Christian School in December of 2024. Today, that young man has been hospitalized for over nine months, requiring ongoing specialized… Continue reading
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Trump Needs To Understand Noncitizens Have “Same Free Speech Rights As The Rest Of Us”
This past week was like every other one since Inauguration Day, in that the most absurd actions and dangerous attacks on democracy continued from the Donald Trump Administration. In the midst of headlines about the ludicrous gathering of our top military brass for a dressings down by clown-like figures behind a podium at Marine Corps… Continue reading
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Farmers Finding Out About Tariffs The Hard Way
Farmers were duped in the 2024 presidential election. They gave away their votes for Republican promises and culture war talking points only to end up paying the price for their short-sightedness with economic losses. As it was reported last week, those rural voters who fawned over Donald Trump now will be hit by the administration’s… Continue reading
Caffeinated Politics 