President-Elect Trump will soon be sworn in as President. My political, economic, environmental and labor positions are the polar opposite of his. His views about democracy, peace, people and even the media raise serious concerns. My first inclination on November 8th was to be angry. This was and probably still is a feeling held by … More No Time For Anger
This is a tale, a fiction, but one I could imagine happening. Ibrahim, who has lived in the United States for 6 years wrote a letter to his friend in Iraq. Ibrahim emigrated to the US with help from the US Army after working with US soldiers as an interpreter in southern Iraq for five … More So This Is Christmas?
Dear President-Elect Trump, Your campaign promised working people jobs, good jobs. This was your commitment to them. It is the main campaign pledge to these working Americans. Unfortunately these people overlooked the worst in you but this is the line you drew in the sand. The Rubicon was Caesar’s line to be crossed, an actual … More The Line Not To Cross
Relax this is not a journey to Jerusalem or Rome for those so inclined. There are many portraits of Jesus laughing but I haven’t seen any actual photos. There is a famous artist rendering of the face of Jesus smiling on one side but sad on the opposite side. I have often wondered what the … More Did Jesus Ever Laugh?
The President-Elect is a businessman. In fact he and his family have business interests the world over. This is great for a businessman but not so much for an elected official. This situation leads to the appearance of and actual conflicts of interest. I won’t waste your time reiterating the obvious. This potential for conflicts … More Just A Matter Of Trust
My wife and I were seated in the hotel lounge when four older gentlemen dressed in tuxedos with top hats approached and asked if we wanted to hear a Christmas carol. Naturally we replied yes and the quartet proceeded to sing. We along with others in the lounge area thanked them and applauded. Still early … More Silent Night
The election is done and life does go on. Make no mistake there will be changes but probably not the changes anticipated by many in the polling booth on November 8th. Many claimed to be seeking better jobs or perhaps their lost jobs back. We heard the promise of great jobs. Each defined what that … More America’s House
I turned on the national news on television today. This is something that has been difficult to do for some time. Today has changed somewhat but Mr. Trump is still the headliner which is appropriate now. How he and we got to this point is a road other nations have taken, generally to their disadvantage … More When The Dust Settles
Those of us either approaching or recently having slipped past our seventh decade can readily recall the sixties. This was an era in conflict with one that had preceded it. It was a rejection of the accepted norms. Young people were motivated by the times as much as trying to create the times. Our hair … More Our American Odyssey
My recent visit to New York City was both an enjoyable and enlightening experience. NYC has always been a great city to visit. It has life and culture and vitality. The sidewalks don’t roll up at 8:30 – 9:00 o’clock and it’s like the lights are always on. There are restaurants and theaters and people … More New York, New York
Phil's Personal Perspectives 