Latin was taught in high school not so many years ago. In fact two years of such study was standard. What did we learn and who cares? The study of Latin was in fact helpful throughout my life from language studies to the history of World War II and how the Roman legions provided a … More Remind Me Again, How Did Rome Fall?
The Stars and Stripes is a symbol of our country. This symbol is affixed to many things, flagpoles, ship’s masts, sides of boxes carrying goods to the needy and even the not so needy and on our government buildings. The flag as a lapel pin is very popular particularly among politicians. Being an elected official … More Who’s Holding The Flag High?
Labels are almost a national sport. Some of us are baby boomers, others millennials, etc. The labels then become a means to pigeon-hole groups. Almost an explanation or justification for a behavior by people. He or she did this or do that because their gen X’s or whatever. Some of these categories refer to persons … More Is Anyone Hearing The Millennials?
Our unbiased opinions aren’t. We try many of us but it is a difficult needle to thread. We may verbalize our beliefs and truly believe what we said on Monday. When the test of our beliefs pops up on Friday, we may not recollect what we said so clearly. Perhaps our human nature or simply … More Deafening Silence
What course should we, America, be following? Mr. Trump attacks various trade agreements. He states that these have given an unfair advantage to foreign countries and competitors. Traditionally the Republican Party has supported such agreements as beneficial to business. The Democratic Party has been less inclined to support them as harmful to labor. I want … More The Leadership Vacuum
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
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
Phil's Personal Perspectives 