I’m finding myself deeply affected by the passing of Christopher Dennis, the Hollywood Superman. His story is a reflection of something we are missing. That is not a judgment of the man, himself, but of the malaise of apathy that is part of society. Maybe it has always been a societal norm to look 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…
Who’s on Second?
We have this tendency in America to fictionalize the stories of our founders in order to create a shorthand understanding of their great accomplishments. George Washington certainly told a lie, but it inspires us to believe that the Founding Fathers were cut from divine cloth. This has been on my mind as I read positions regarding gun control…
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…
Remembering Our Friend
Our community lost one of its greatest citizens. Known by many, but not by enough. Loved by all who knew him. Steve Mager was never the mayor, nor on city council. He never led Main Street, or chaired a major organization. He wasn’t elected or appointed to anything that I know of. Yet he…