Can you imagine a written constitution with a bill of rights in 1776? Unheard of then and a rarity even today. That document, the Constitution of the United States of America, created one of the greatest, if not the greatest, society the world has known. Other factors in addition to our constitution made this possible … More The Rise of America
I grew up in a time when newspapers were abundant. We had morning and evening papers, community newspapers, and various periodicals. These newspapers cited good, sad, glad, and unwelcome news, humorous news, a society page and of course the funnies with Dick Tracy talking into his wristwatch. Today newspapers of all categories have diminished while … More Is Jounalism Really Dead?
As he sat in the restaurant eating breakfast with a Trump hat on, I wondered why. I understand many Trump supporters think that we non-trumpsters think they are stupid. I do wonder but I do not believe stupidity is the reason. A guy wears a Trump hat in a breakfast restaurant, appears not to have … More Old Men Dying Young
This article is based primarily on actions in Idaho a very “red” state but typical of other very conservative states across the US. Scapegoats tend to be people considered expendable. Are people who need Medicaid expendable? The word “scapegoating” originated from an ingenious ritual described in the Bible. According to Jewish law, the high priest laid … More Scapegoating Medicaid Recipients
Oftentimes one person has a lasting effect on our lives. A teacher who made a difference in us. As you entered your teens that person who treated you as an adult early on. Each of us has a story. Mine was not a teacher but a butcher in a small neighborhood grocery store with a … More Looking Back, Moving Forward
If we have learned anything, it should be to be a learner, not a scholar. I respect scholars and appreciate their writings. Those who help us to better understand our world are essential. It is understanding why things, good or bad, happen that enables us to become better citizens in our Democracy. Understanding why different … More Winning Without Money
Government agents cannot shoot citizens dead on our streets for taking an IPhone video of their actions. Peaceful protests are allowed in our country in fact throughout our history such protests have been encouraged. Has government decided that the solution is in the use of physical force? Are these tactics acceptable? Have we changed as … More Wisdom Is Lacking
How did our world, our country, get so crazy? So much turmoil and incivility finds its way to the front page of our local newspapers and TV station news daily. Is a return to “normalcy” on the horizon or just a headline or two away? Years ago, a popular song, titled “The Morning After” echoed … More The Morning After
Every 100 years or so we reclaim our decency and our constitution. Abolishing Slavery, keeping people down was most inhumane, followed by the Know Nothings dislike of Irish Catholics in the 1800’s. The 1860’s and a civil war had our government announcing that Slavery was over, all are emancipated. Stating all people are free did … More No Time To Rest, Be Wide Awake
Often, I hear or read of people moving to places like Idaho for Freedom. I have even heard some say to get away from the “occupied zone.” I assume that refers to our large urban areas with more traffic and higher costs. I understand the sentiments these attitudes convey. Idaho is a beautiful place with … More Freedom Is More Than A Word
Phil's Personal Perspectives 