Opinion

Finally Mueller time has come, but no time to relax

The Mueller Report has been released and it leads to anything but relaxation. Every American who cares about the truth and the future of the republic should be on their representatives in congress to investigate the President, and any enablers or accomplices to his lawless actions. Just because Mr. Mueller could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a conspiracy existed between the Trump campaign and Russia does not mean that nothing took place. An attack on our elections is an attack on the country – even if the president does not want to discuss it. We do not elect Presidents to get rich and personalize the power of the United States of America. All who pay attention and care about the truth are highly concerned. I am hopeful that there will be enough pressure from the public to hold the president accountable, and make any future president think twice before trying to undermine the rule of law in our country.

Opinion, Self improvement

How hard is it to get to Mueller Time?

We will get a redacted report tomorrow, but what will it say, and what will be left out? Only time will tell. We know that the USA was attacked by Russia and the President does not seem concerned. His campaign made efforts to get information from Russian sources. Many of us have seen what look like efforts to block the truth from coming out in our media. We live in interesting times. Let’s hope the truth comes out and ultimately makes free citizens stronger in America.

Opinion

Beautiful Paris

As a two time visitor to Paris, France I came to feel that the greatness of the city lay in it’s people and their love of freedom. The magnificent cathedrals, castles, and museums were a manifestation of the people and their spirit. Norte Dame may have suffered fire today, but it will rise from the ashes and exemplify the triumph of the spirit. Paris was a major site of the great debate over the meaning of life in the Catholic Church centuries ago. Before there was a renaissance this debate between future Saints like Thomas Aquinas, Francis of Assisi, and Bonaventure was over the question of why we exist. The result was a generally accepted belief that we live to enjoy this life, and not suffer as we wait for a better existence after death (see the book “Aristotle’s Children by Richard E. Rubinstein for more information). Paris and Norte Dame represent the ideas that human love, creativity, and freedom are to be cherished as we strive to be worthy of our creator.

Opinion

Guarding the economy

Today it seems that the creep of politics and greater corruption is targeting the Fed, stock markets, and potentially the world economy. Citizens must press our representatives to defend the truth and our institutions. Political hacks, and alternative reality types cannot be allowed on the Federal Reserve Board, and tax breaks should not continue to be used to pump up stock values. We must demand honesty, expertise, and truth from our officials and leaders.

Opinion, Words to ponder

What is the Attorney General’s job?

Is the Attorney General of the United States supposed to uphold our laws through the use of facts, or is he supposed to protect his boss the president? The President is the head of the executive branch or our government, and the Department of Justice is a part of the executive branch. Traditionally Attorneys General have been the lawyer for the citizens and constitution of the United States. Under Donald Trump there has been a clear push to change the office into a subordinate tool of the President to do whatever he or she feels needs to legally be done. The result is that the law would mean whatever the President says it means. This would put the president above the law, and make our republic more of a dictatorship. Is this what we want?

Self improvement, Words to ponder

Words to Ponder

“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.” – Scott Hamilton

This quote provokes a lot of thought. Everyone finds things to feel bad about, and constantly feeling bad can be considered disabling. Questions: Is our attitude totally a choice? How do we teach attitude? What factors determine attitude? When is our attitude aptitude most in development? What can we all do to help create more positive attitudes?

Opinion, Self improvement

The Stock Market keeps climbing

We are all happy that our economy continues to be strong. People are finding jobs, careers, funding retirements, and hopefully enjoying life. Many have claimed a recession is coming, but fortunately we are not in one. Analysts are concerned that more individual investors have pulled out of equities than put funds into them, and wonder if the market can continue to climb. Many of us look at what is going on and say that markets cannot continue an upward trend with so much apparent political and economic chaos. We all should remember that markets reflect more than Main Street or the typical person’s views. I have heard (and believe) that we should; stay positive, maintain a diverse portfolio, avoid debt, and keep a liquid emergency fund.

Opinion

Time for Taxes

It is time for President Trump to reveal his tax returns for the last several years. Presidential candidates have been sharing this data for over 40 years without having to be forced to do so. Trump has suffered from many accusations of being bought by both foreign entities, and committing crimes for money. He has not directly addressed the issues, but has put up a lot of excuses and misinformation. America continues to be a great country in large part because our systems adhere to the truth more than other societies. It is time for more facts and truth when it comes to president #45.

Self improvement, Words to ponder

Words to ponder

Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better take things as they come along with patience and equanimity. – Carl Jung

This quote raises many interesting questions. Do we have to know pain to appreciate happiness? How do we learn to have patience and balance in the face of threatening events? What causes some people to be very emotional and others more reserved; are these inherited traits? Do we have to balance happiness with sadness; can’t we just move from the ground floor to the upper floors without a journey to the basement?