I think we will have really gotten over our discrimination practices in general when we present employees, academics, award recipients and others without any mention of those attributes which are not pertinent to the recognition being bestowed.

Only when we can remove ourselves from these despicable conditions will statespersons emerge as presidential candidates. As I have said before, the ideal situation would be two (or more) outstanding candidates, making it difficult to choose, but leaving us with either outcome being good for the country. I don’t think that has happened since Jefferson faced off against Adams in 1796.

Starting in Russia, this is the way these sorts of coups have taken place for the last 103 years. The average citizens continue to go about their business, rationalizing that the latest loss of freedom is insignificant and adaptable. Then one day, all awaken in a terrifying world of which they never dreamed. It not only can happen here; it is happening here while we attempt to go about our “normal” lives.

Let’s focus all of our energy in a direction that will really advance even the least advantaged among us. We are a team. Teams don’t fight among themselves; they focus on external goals that allow all members to work together for the common good. This has been the strength of America in the past and can be our strength going forward.

On the whole, we are deteriorating, folks. These are not problems to be blamed on big box stores, these are often problems of poor, corrupt or incompetent management. In the voting booth this fall, look askance at anyone claiming to have the solutions to our deteriorating cities. Nearly all politicians’ performance over the last 70 years has been dismal.

If you have not spent a lot of time digging into data or if you know math and science are not strengths for you, I have a recommendation, should you want to discern the truth for yourself. Gather as much information as you can. Then, seek out people you trust on both sides of whatever issue you are examining. Listen to them, roll it over in your mind, then decide for yourself, having gathered as much information as you can, what way to go. I also have a recommendation as to where not to gather information for your opinions. Television or social media. Both spew the emotional side only.

The acorn does not fall far from the tree, they say. There are some issues and personalities I deal with in a tough manner. For other situations, I am a softie. The example for my life was set in Highland County in the years on the farms by a conservationist.

These days, I dream a lot, and people from various times in my life show up in my dreams. Once in a while, SHE does, but now I have the nerve to wave at her across the room – and she smiles and waves back.

Thanksgiving weekend 1964 revolves around a hamburger, served to me about 7 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 28, in a small diner in Oolitic, Ind. I drank a glass of milk with it.

The means are easier and more economical to implement than ever before. The question is this: Do we have the will to explore other spaces, other ideas? I hope I do, and I hope you do. We are richer for the experience when we do.

The movie “My Cousin Vinny” is a great study in this sort of tribalism. New Yorkers thrust into southern Alabama. Both sides view the other with suspicion and doubt. Makes for a hilarious movie, but one that rings way too true. So, when you hear people talk about “tribalism” today, think about where you are and what your experiences have been.

Since 2016, especially since November of 2016, those of both parties, particularly the Democrat party members, who don’t like President Donald Trump, have thrown up one roadblock after another, attempting to destroy his presidency. Nothing has stuck to him. In fact, in all cases, the accusers have ended up looking petty, childish and in some cases, treasonous. Undeterred, they continue to attempt to derail him and his administration.

The operative word in anti-trust discussions is “collusion.” It is not only money, which is how the current laws are focused. Anti-trust language needs to be rewritten and codified as collusion centric, not money centric before our rights are completely abrogated by large private enterprises.

Large corporations are saying, “We value our time, we don’t value yours.” It is a tremendous insult and a tremendous cost to the consumer.

Never, ever, in the entire recorded or pre-recorded history, has nearly the whole planet been economically brought to a standstill. For all intents and purposes, the world has stopped. This has never happened before.