So, I’m granted a space here on a semi-regular basis to give commentary, because apparently someone thinks my words are worth reading... or at least that they needed some soft-headed Lefty to point and laugh at. I do my best to present my side of the story in a way that’s entertaining and tries not to wag a finger too much, even if I often feel like I’m watching the guy from … [Read more...]

One of the quirks of life in Washington, D.C., is that pretty much the only people who don’t refer to lobbyists by that name are, well, lobbyists. They’re “policy advisors,” or “strategic counsel,” or “public relations advisors,” or lawyers, or even just “consultants.” Whatever they’re called, though, they play a huge role in making policy. For the most part, they are able, … [Read more...]

I wasn’t the fastest runner in high school cross-country. On a really good day, I would place in the upper echelons of the pack, but generally, I was one of those kids who got a participation ribbon. I accepted the ribbon and quickly moved on to whatever drinks or goodies were standing at attention on the nearby table. Nowadays, I haven’t any idea where these ribbons are; … [Read more...]

As Republicans in Congress move forward on their tax plan, it’s worth remembering one thing: whatever the legislative particulars, keep your eye on the plan’s impact on the federal debt. Our debt load is already worrisome. It’s almost certainly going to get worse. There are a lot of different ways to characterize our fiscal situation at the federal level. We spend too much. … [Read more...]

The recent terror attack in Manhattan has once again reminded us that the fight against evil remains with us.  While globalization and the advancement in technology has been a blessing in many ways, it has also been a curse.  Fear and anxiety have become ever more prevalent in our lives. We are being challenged today with increasing intensity to find courage and the wisdom to … [Read more...]

According to polls, the vast majority of Americans recognize the need for: aggressive action on anthropogenic climate change, everyone to be treated equal under the law, minimum wage of $15 per hour, medicare for all, spending on infrastructure renewal, public education that keeps up with other progressive countries, immigrants to have a path to citizenship, and wealthy donors … [Read more...]

That has become the age old question. As a board member of the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce, I recently had someone ask me what the Chamber was doing about stimulating the downtown business community. Before I tell you how I responded, I’ll give you a little background. Over the past 40 years, many downtown communities have lost something they will never regain.  … [Read more...]