In March of 2015, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker finally addressed something that really needs national attention. Unions have overstayed their welcome in America, and especially within the public sector. Once upon a time, unions served a purpose. Between 1932 and 1954, union membership in America grew from serving 7.7% to nearly 35% of the workforce. Back in the … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Premiums cost Clinton election
Our 44th President of the United States of America said, early on, “If you like your plan, you can keep your plan.” Over-promised and under-delivered. I have watched and waited since November 9, 2016, when the world came to realize Donald J. Trump was elected to be the next President of the United States of America, before sharing my observations. If I had my … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Our worst day may be somebody’s best day
As we approach the holidays, it presents an opportunity for us to reflect on our past, present, and future. And, reflection can often help us revisit what is most important in our lifelong journey. About 20 years ago, when I was fresh in the newspaper business, I worked at a large daily newspaper with over 250 employees. One particularly memorable day, a sales manager … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Fake news legitimizes real news
Last week, we published a commentary by Lee Hamilton titled “Fake news is a danger to democracy”. Quoting Hamilton: “Our representative democracy depends on ordinary people making sound judgments about politicians and policy. This is hard to do at the best of times. Issues are complex. Being able to sort out what matters and what’s a diversion takes knowledge and … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Technology vs. Relationships
With accessibility to continuously evolving technology comes a responsibility for exercising good judgement. I believe parents or guardians are facing a bit of a quandary, and leading by example is always our best bet. What am I referring to, specifically? Tablets, cell phones, video games -- and all of the above. Too often, parents are using technology as a … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Our community, our youth, and our Veterans
This past week, on Veterans Day, my wife and I attended the Veterans Day program at 1 p.m. at the Fillmore Central Elementary School in Preston. We both had the honor of observing something special. As the Fillmore Central students from second grade through sixth grade gathered in the large gymnasium of the school, they were blessed with the presence of the color guard … [Read more...]
It’s over… the election, that is
On election eve, while typical liberal national media TV anchors abhorred the proposterous notion that Donald Trump could win the road to the White House, the U.S. map was painted with a broad brush of the color red. Pundits and pollsters didn’t see this coming. All analytics indicated Hillary would be heir to the thrown. In Minnesota, of the 4,120 precincts throughout … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… A credit card scam – that’s authorized!
Have you heard about the credit card scam that’s completely legal? In recent months, almost all consumers have been issued new credit and debit cards with a chip installed to prevent fraud. Well, quite frankly, this is just another scam introduced by merchant services companies to sell more new equipment to businesses to maintain compliance with a system that really isn’t … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Are doctors on commission?
“The reality is the Affordable Care Act is no longer affordable for an increasing number of people,” stated Governor Dayton on October 12, 2016. I keep hearing about how much more people in Southeast Minnesota are going to have to pay for health insurance premiums. A friend of mine in Fountain just told me that his premium is increasing to $3,000 per month ($36,000/yr) with … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Are doctors on commission?
“The reality is the Affordable Care Act is no longer affordable for an increasing number of people,” stated Governor Dayton on October 12, 2016. I keep hearing about how much more people in Southeast Minnesota are going to have to pay for health insurance premiums. A friend of mine in Fountain just told me that his premium is increasing to $3,000 per month ($36,000/yr) with … [Read more...]