Man does not seem to be any more intelligent today than he was at the start of recorded history thousands of years ago. Today we obviously understand our world better, and we have have much better stuff than our ancestors did, but the percentage of people in the world capable of writing great literature, creating … Continue reading 6.1 Technology and Risk
4.0 Civilization
Of all of the things civilized man has built I am the most impressed with our roads. They are used by everyone—for good and for ill. Roads connect all of us with nearly everyone in America. We take them for granted. Few of the people who use our roads work as hard as the people … Continue reading 4.0 Civilization
5.10 Government’s Job
Our government is supposed to be there to protect the people; to protect the family and the workings of our civilization. Our nation’s founders never intended for government to take on a life of its own or to replace the responsibilities of the family. The national government in America was and still should be a … Continue reading 5.10 Government’s Job
3.1 The War between the Sexes, 2017
Years ago my brother and I were intently playing with some of our toys. One of our sisters was in the same room doing whatever it was girls do. Suddenly she started loudly crying. We paid little attention to her, but our dad heard her and strode quickly into the room. Without slowing down or … Continue reading 3.1 The War between the Sexes, 2017
5.90 Solutions for Government
Some things that would put government back in its place: Whenever a government scandal pops up, the Administration should immediately freeze spending. If they do not, Congress should. This is sort of analogous to hitting the brakes when you see a deer in the road. Once a problem appears, slow down and see what what … Continue reading 5.90 Solutions for Government
5.91 VA Planning and Construction Program Reforms
I spent my career designing and planning Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) buildings and health care delivery strategies Here are some specific VA reforms needed. The principles underlining these could be also applied to other Departments. 1. Make requests for VA Construction Funding a part of each VA Administration’s budget request, not a part … Continue reading 5.91 VA Planning and Construction Program Reforms
ACA and Tax Reform
Some on the Left, and some on the Right, have said that the way tax reform was passed by Congress was wrong—too hasty, too little debate; no time was given for reading the final bill. Some on the Right also say that there is no difference between the way the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and … Continue reading ACA and Tax Reform
4.3 America’s Economic Foundation
Many people think that capitalism is America’s foundation, but, while it is true that America has a primarily capitalistic economy with a little socialism mixed in, America’s economic system rests on Christianity’s two greatest Commandments: Love God (that includes doing what is right and following the law), and the “Golden Rule” (treat others as you … Continue reading 4.3 America’s Economic Foundation
Draining the Swamp Looks Like the Reformation
Reform never is easy or neat. Martin Luther seems like the most unlikely person to have started a worldwide reformation, but he did by speaking plainly about things that many others felt. Donald Trump is no Martin Luther, but the things he talks about resonate with people in much the same way that Luther’s words … Continue reading Draining the Swamp Looks Like the Reformation
5.8 A Transparent Government is an Invisible Government
When I was working for the federal government, we often were told that government operations should be transparent. We knew that meant government operations should not be secret and that the public should know what we were doing. The problem is that words do mean things. Making government operations truly transparent actually makes them invisible. … Continue reading 5.8 A Transparent Government is an Invisible Government
