“The buck stops here” is a phrase popularized by U.S. President Harry S. Truman, who kept a sign with that phrase on his desk in the Oval Office. The phrase refers to the notion that the President must make the decisions and accept the ultimate responsibility for those decisions. The expression is used today but certainly … More The Solitude of the Presidency
The princes are prancing but diplomacy must be more than a Deal. If the dying and suffering end that is a victory. The negotiators knew an agreement focused on the narrower issues of a cease-fire, hostage and prisoner exchange may be achievable. However, dealing with the tougher questions around Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza and … More Diplomacy vs Cutting A Deal
Much is written about election integrity. Since 2015 we have been advised that our election system is rigged. This is despite many court cases, reviews by Republicans and Democrats, attorneys, and judges, etc., all attesting to the integrity of our election process. If we do not accept that, then that is our problem and may not be a problem with … More An Expandable Table
Get the wall finished, more storage containers and buses headed North. Some leaders yell people illegally crossing our Southern border are headed for a dramatic increase if Title 42 is ended. Republican attorneys general in 15 states have argued that ending Title 42 will increase the flow of migrants into the U.S. What is Title … More Title 42 for Who(m)?
Recently the CDA Press ran an informative five part series on social media. The writer asked if we should be concerned that we are viewing inaccurate information if not outright lies on social media? He states “We humans, as verified by research on cognitive bias, stay with what we believe and trust; with what makes … More Social Media And Dumbing Down
No time for anger was a blog posted on December 16, 2016. The attitude conveyed was that maximum engagement in the political process should be the course for people to pursue in objecting to Mr. Trump’s policies. This is a time for active participation but not anger. Working to inform people and help all to … More How Wrong Was I?
Three people, one appointed and two elected, are running the show in Washington. First we have Steve Bannon, the puppeteer, who works the Donald like Howdy Doody. He pulls the strings and the arms and the mouth move. Some may say that’s not true President Trump makes his own decisions, creates his own executive orders … More All For Whom!?
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
Phil's Personal Perspectives 