Perhaps the most horrific time growing up in America and some other countries is being a teenager and particularly the junior high years. One may generalize and call it puberty. It is more than merely the recognition of one’s body and it’s functions. That alone clearly created growing pains. The academics and more difficult classes … More Once Upon A Time In America
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
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
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 language in the presidential election wreaks. The talk of the size of body parts and who wants to do whom is or should be beneath anyone over twelve never mind running for public office. Then there are the outright lies, not exaggerations just lies, totally made up nonsense. Add to this the media which … More Anger And Dignity
People talk of Mr. Trump as a Washington outsider. He is not a politician is how the story goes. Nothing could be further from being correct. A new highrise on the waterfront, a new Wal-Mart coming on the edge of town, a new giant shopping center are major issues at the local level of government. … More Outsider-In
September, 1967 I somewhat apprehensively boarded a plane which would deliver me and many others to Fort Jackson, South Carolina. My service with the US Army had just begun. Myself and so many others had and still make similar trips. The Vietnam War was raging, street protests were a daily occurrence and the military draft … More Coming Home
We all have preconceived notions and prejudices that we carry through life. These can be baggage that serves to weigh us down and in other instances be helpful and uplifting. Absence may make the heart grow fonder but distance, physical separation, can make a heart indifferent or harsher. This is not a love story or … More It’s Kind of Hard To Hate
I try to read as much as time allows, the local newspaper, national newspapers, material on the various web sites, some television and NPR on the radio. My attempt is to review each with a skeptic’s approach and not a cynical one. In this election year the Presidential election is in the forefront. Generally most … More My Opinion
Phil's Personal Perspectives 