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
Sitting in the restaurant there was music playing ever so low in the background. It wouldn’t interfere with normal conversation nor was it in any way disruptive. This one song sounded vaguely familiar. I could hear the melody and a few words as we ate and talked. Slowly I recognized the song playing in the … More Big Iron On His Hip
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
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
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
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
Phil's Personal Perspectives 