The Unites States government lacks functionality. There is minimal bi-partisan legislature. Democrats attempted a war powers resolution today, mandating the Trump Administration stop the Iran War because it is illegal. (The President should have received congressional approval before attacking Iran.) The vote failed along party lines - surprise, surprise, surprise as Gomer Pyle would say, and at this point, I'd vote for Gomer Pyle! Wait - whether you agree or disagree on

Iran is problematic. Iran has a million man force of ruthless killers who hate everyone. They have restarted their nuclear development efforts and refuse to concede. Is Mr. Trump doing the right thing? Why are we starting a war with Iran? He's doing what perhaps, his predecessors should have done? At least Mr. Trump hasn't referred to the conflict as the "Big Beautiful War!" Say prayers for our troops and all the innocent.

Yesterday, I attended an ICE protest in Indianapolis, IN., at the Governor's mansion. This was an organized peaceful protest. I estimated 400 peaceful protesters. Prior to the start, there was an organized gathering with speakers who educated protesters on ICE procedures and ramifications. There were two testimonials which created a genuine understanding of ICE's negative influences against honest immigrants. Also, local immigration lawyers described the lengthy and expe

If you live in a community with a HOA, you likely need approval before installing a pool, or building an addition to your home. It's the right and legal thing to do. Perhaps the Trump Administration should have checked with their HOA (Congress, Supreme Court, World Economic Forum, UN, NATO, etc.) prior to implementing global tariffs. Recall the Liberation Day disaster - limited strategic planning was used to choose tariffs and consquentially, the world panicked. Change, as

Below is a section of Jesse Jackson's speech from the 1988 Democratic Convention. It appears as if all he is addressing remains as relevant social issues today, with a reverse movement in many social concerns. "We meet tonight at the crossroads, a point of decision. Shall we expand, be inclusive, find unity and power; or suffer division and impotence? We’ve come to Atlanta, the cradle of the old South, the crucible of the new South. Tonight, there is a sense of celebration,

If Mr. Trump suddenly became compassionate, empathetic, humble and dignified, would that be considered a "miracle"? Given his previous/current history of bigotry, immaturity, greed, indifference and incompetence, I would consider it a "miracle" if Mr. Trump changed. We can only hope and pray for "miracles". And, then, others from all political parties would change their behaviors. That's a "super miracle"!

If you voted Republican because Pro-Life and anti-LGBQT are deal breakers, then is that really how God would want you to vote? Voting Republican moves away from LBGQT and inclusion. The MAGA movement is exclusive - is that what Jesus would do? I thought Jesus' focus was accepting others, helping the needy, love thy neighbor, anti-racism and healing income gaps. Would Jesus vote for Republicans?

THE PRESIDENCY (SIGH): A Call for Moderation Mr. Trump is arguably the most controversial president in modern history. His bullying, insulting, and childish demeanor has quickly lowered the bar of presidential dignity. He publicly expresses disdain for his opponents, which only fuels the fire of division. On the other hand, Mr. Biden has been an absent enigma. His actions have embarrassed the Democratic Party, strained family ties, and damaged the economy. The MAGA Movement:

Turning Point USA is gradually infiltrating their white conservative anti-inclusive beliefs into public schools. Remember, Mr. Kirk was quoted in December, 2023, that "passing the Civil Rights Act was a huge mistake." Currently, Turning Point has partnerships with public schools in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Montana - Indiana is next. So, these states are removing books and teachings on slavery, Civil Rights, and native Americans, and replacing them with whi

I will not be attending Melanie. Thus far, I have seen few surprises in reviews. Below is Robert Reich's pungent summary of the history behing the movie, and his comments regarding how CEO's are placating Mr. Trump to avoid his immature rath. (Not sure I can strongly disagree with the CEO's - they are held accountable to their shareholders.) https://open.substack.com/pub/robertreich/p/melania-the-film-the-shame?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

Recent ICE events in Minnesota and elsewhere in the U.S. are similar to the 1960's Civil Rights Movement efforts of Martin Luther King. Instead of men wearing white sheets over their heads and representing the KKK, we have men in camoflauge, with guns, masks and tear gas representing ICE. But Dr. MLK only promoted non-violence, where some immigration protestors are aggressive, spilling hate and anger in large portions onto peaceful streets. That is the wrong approach. Pro

Read the above titled article in the Feb. 1, WSJ Opinion section. Written by the incredible Joseph Epstein, it thoughtfully briefs how the role of Presidential Press Secretary has been demonized by Karoline Leavitt, who appears to have an unlevelled infatuation with her boss. Hate is rampant in politics, and Press Briefings are now Hate Briefings. Civility is not a common trait any longer.

The current political structure is no longer efficient in the U.S. There are 435 Congress members, 100 Senators, the President and Vice-President (and an abundance of PAC's and rich people). Over the past 10-15 years, extremists have increased and become powerful. We need extreme views, but we need moderation more. Congress is passing fewer laws - 2024-2025 there were 274 laws passed, far less than the average of 350-400 laws annually. (I can only imagine what laws these

A rambling barrage of often heard words from Mr. Trump during his Davos speech. Some say the speech embarrassed the U.S., others applauded. Dignity certainly was lacking, but at least Mr. Trump changed course on invading Greenland and levying tariffs against NATO countries.

Apparently, Mr. Trump forgot what today is - MLK Day. That's expected, but we all know who is "King". Also, unfortunately, the Trump Administration removed MLK Day as a "free" day to visit U.S. National Parks. Maybe when we are "free at last"......