Can you imagine a written constitution with a bill of rights in 1776? Unheard of then and a rarity even today. That document, the Constitution of the United States of America, created one of the greatest, if not the greatest, society the world has known. Other factors in addition to our constitution made this possible … More The Rise of America
I grew up in a time when newspapers were abundant. We had morning and evening papers, community newspapers, and various periodicals. These newspapers cited good, sad, glad, and unwelcome news, humorous news, a society page and of course the funnies with Dick Tracy talking into his wristwatch. Today newspapers of all categories have diminished while … More Is Jounalism Really Dead?
Oftentimes one person has a lasting effect on our lives. A teacher who made a difference in us. As you entered your teens that person who treated you as an adult early on. Each of us has a story. Mine was not a teacher but a butcher in a small neighborhood grocery store with a … More Looking Back, Moving Forward
If we have learned anything, it should be to be a learner, not a scholar. I respect scholars and appreciate their writings. Those who help us to better understand our world are essential. It is understanding why things, good or bad, happen that enables us to become better citizens in our Democracy. Understanding why different … More Winning Without Money
The age of Trump if there is such a time has passed him and his followers by. He is all over the media reports doing this and that with this executive order or another. Any President issuing an executive order draws attention and calls for a response. Better orders result from discussing proposals with Congress, … More The Age of Trump
Is the world changing or is it just us? Thinking back to the 1970’s I fondly recollect viewing “All in the Family” with everyone’s favorite conservative, Archie Bunker. The show would open with the song “Those were the Days.” The voices of Archie and Edith kind of singing “Girls were girls and men were men, Mister … More The Country That Never Was
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
Are people with moderate views an endangered species? Does our entrenched two-party system block new competitors, restrict voter choice and ensure their near-total domination of our elected leaders? Does it even matter, does anyone really care? People are disgusted and concerned about the dysfunction we see our our election process. Can we change the system … More Open Primaries/Ranked Choice Voting
America as a democracy struggles intensely. Elected members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives have created an allegiance to a extremist group still claiming the Republican label but essentially a political party divided within itself. The dominant remnant of this group proclaims an extreme right agenda and follows a leader with no … More Life isn’t what it used to be
Driving along a major interstate highway I could not help but see the super size American flag waving on a extra high pole needed to accommodate its height and width. I never saw such flags while in the military or on government buildings. As I drove past where the flag was located I saw it … More Raising Old Glory
Phil's Personal Perspectives 