The Concept of “Small Business” in 2009

When I was a child growing up in an Ozzie and Harriet neighborhood we had neighborhood grocery stores, hardware stores, gas stations with neighborhood mechanics, and a small bakery. All of these businesses were mom and pop operations. All were a joy to visit. There was always a friendly face and a genuine desire to help the customer. The environment of that time was one of mutual respect and support. As Joe DiMaggio might say, “Nostalgia is not what it used to be.” America has changed – and the mega corporations drive the economy.

Arlen Spector Switches Political Parties

Senator Arlen Spector, a long time Republican from Pennsylvania, is reported to be poised to switch political parties.  Senator Spector has always been his own man, not necessarily following party lines.  (Don’t we all wish there were more of these types of politicians).  The powerful punch of this news rests in the power structure of […]

John Denver on Global Warming

John Denver was one of the most popular folk singers of the late 20th Century. He had the capacity to resonate with each of us – even folks in the big cities loved his music. Denver spoke to a harmony with nature, to the love of nature, to respect for nature.  What would John Denver […]

When The Bully Runs The School

Abusive bureaucrats ultimately lead to an angry, embittered, skeptical, and frustrated populace.  The current issue hitting the Supreme Court is a case where a thirteen year old girl was strip-searched by school authorities.  This is exactly the sort of case that gets all of the attention – it is great headline news – and the […]

Obama and Nixon – Greeting Nasty People

President Barack Obama recently attended the Summit of the Americas. While there he met that Venezuela wacko President Chavez. President Obama has been criticized by the conservative media for his graciousness in the face of evil. We do not dispute the atrocious behavior of Chavez – but we would remind all that diplomacy is not always easy – and being gracious in the face of nasty people is difficult. Here are a few examples in recent history.

Feral Children – Raised by Republicans

New opportunities for scientific research into nature and nurture continue to present themselves. At issue today, after thirty years of degenerate evolution of the Republican Party, is the social and intellectual skills of feral children raised by Republicans.

There are common traits now understood by anthropologists. The commonality originates in a nurturing environment of isolation, confinement, and strict conformity toharsh rule.

Warning to Readers – this post shifts from humor to very serious and graphic depictions of human behavior.

Middle School Social Regulation, Part II

As noted in a previous post I have been assigned the job of head chauffeur for my grand daughter in middle school.   Her parents moved out of State and she stayed behind to finish the school year.  She lives with her grandmother.  Enough of that – I pick her up every day from school and […]

Indicting George Bush for War Crimes

This writer is convinced that our former President, George W. Bush, committed war crimes. Specifically, the President authorized torture by water boarding and other means of interrogation – in violation of the Geneva Convention. Our country is a country of law. Situational justifying the breaking of law is a common defense in the lower courts. It does not work there – and it should not work for the President. But our life is more complicated in 2009.

Kevin Spacey Impersonations

Every now and then a real talent comes along. Kevin Spacey is one such talent. Check out this video where Spacey spontaneously impersonates Jimmy Stewart, Johnny Carson, Katherine Hepburn, Clint Eastwood and several others… [wp_youtube]O8JmN_-oudY[/wp_youtube] This guy has phenomenal powers of observation – and is able to translate his observations into superb acting. But Spacey […]

The Road to Tyranny – and other ludicrous ideas

The correct place for Shawn Hannity and Michelle Bachman is on Comedy Central. These folks are breaking down with psychotic episodes of paranoia. Fortunately for people like me, Stewart and Colbert help keep this insanity in perspective. We have ranted and blustered at the conservative right wing. Particularly during the election cycle. I am afraid […]

Mr. Gates Goes to Washington (Again)

Yesterday, Secretary Gates took his place in the new administration as an agent for change and an advocate for a more responsible approach to our defense budget. Strangely enough, the supposed champions of fiscal responsibility have been the first to cry foul.

Sunday Is For Religion, Tuesday Is For Politics

We obviously have a system that promotes a separation of Church and State. The week begins with Sunday at Church – then we take a day to cool off and return to a mentality of sanity, so we can go vote. Most elections are held on the first Tuesday of November or April. Church is always on Sunday, no matter which month. And that is how America works – faithfully keeping religion separate from politics.

The Big Disconnect Between Haves and Have-Nots

A really fascinating dichotomy occurs when community leaders have to go to the public for support on tax initiatives.  Our example is of a microcosm of modern America – the town of St. Joseph, Missouri.  We live in rural northwest Missouri, just outside of Punkin Center, and we watch the local economy.  The St. Joseph […]