WHETSTONE - Sharp Commentary on Today's Topics

Ceasefire Need in Ferguson, Missouri

2014-08-16T15:45:00.000-05:00

It was a sad day when police shot 18 year old, Michael Brown. Apparently the Ferguson, MO, police officer fired his gun nearly 7 times, most of those striking Brown. What we don’t know yet is what happened right before those fatal shots were fired. So far there is only speculation and the word of a few spectators and their stories do not all jibe.

The police department, or the state, has decided to release video footage from a convenience store where just before the shooting, a black male, acknowledged to be Brown, stole a box of $50 cigars. The man is then seen pushing the clerk. The video might be important later but I question its release while the pot was still boiling over. The police were trying to keep the lid on, and bringing in a Trooper Captain to monitor the protests was a good idea, taking the local cops out of the picture at the protest sites. And it probably didn’t hurt that Captain Johnson was a black man and from the Ferguson area.

The first night after Johnson walked in solidarity with the protestors, was relatively quiet and everyone took a big sigh of relief. But it did not last through the next night, where looters and thugs decided they wanted more stuff they did not pay for, and for good measure those people tried to destroy the very convenience store where the video was shot. Think about that – punishing the victim of the theft for being the victim of the theft.

History has shown that when the “mob mentality” reaches fever pitch, there is little that can stop it. When those few (and is was just a few in the crowd) decides to incite a riot, weak thinkers jump in to take part and shroud themselves in the anonymity of the crowd. To look the part, most also wore masks to conceal their identity. Brave people, aren’t they?

To their credit, many of the protestors railed against the looters and a group tried to protect the store. Some people who were there for the real reason of protesting police actions they see as excessive, know that their objectives are diluted by the actions of a few scofflaws.

This whole thing is a “wicked” problem – one that would not be easily or quickly resolved. Justice for anyone takes time. The rabble-rousers, some coming in from outside to ostensibly right the wrong, and some ad hoc, need to work to quiet the constant beat of the drum. Captain Johnson’s goals are being overrun by others who apparently don’t believe his comments about “not tearing down our own house.”

The Brown family lawyers and “new” friends from the national black community could do much more to help stop the violence. The Brown family itself is calling for peace, but others are not joining in as they should. The police, whether that be the locals, the state, or the FBI needs to coordinate the investigation, not create “silos” where each runs off and does its thing. And information, once confirmed, and with a constructive purpose should be released in a press conference open to the media, as tough as that would be.

Ferguson will get through this crisis, but unless someone starts to work on what caused the firestorm, it will occur again. No doubt. The Ferguson Police Department needs to work on recruitment of people of color. Out of the 54 sworn officers, only 3 are reported to be African-American. In a community that is over 60% black, this small number can make the PD seem like an occupying force. There are many other ways to bring together the community. The officials, in concert with representatives of the community, should convene to work on that now. Or there will be many more "Sad Days."

Let's say "No Thanks" to Another Iraq War Invitation

2014-06-13T13:40:00.003-05:00

I suppose smarter people than I will make some decision on what the U.S. should do in the current crisis in Iraq. Still, it would take lots of convincing for me to believe that we, as a country, should enter into IRAQ WAR, Part II. The Middle East is a mess, not likely to change anytime soon; the tribal and religious warfare has been going on for centuries. Why do we think we can fix that?

The Israel-Palestine conflict has only been going on since 1948 (well, earlier in some form) and we cannot seem to get that one closer to the finish line. What, with our collective hubris, do we think we can reasonably do?

True, a stronger Al Qaeda faction, or whatever the terrorist flavor of the day is, is a threat to our country and other interests. But if there was an answer, should we not have already reached the solution? All those years of expending our blood and treasure has now come to naught? Should we throw more good treasure after bad?

It seems the Iraqi army/police force has decided to drop their weapons and flee. They blame it on their incompetent leaders, but who trained those leaders? I thought the U.S did, and if so, what did we get out of it?

I say NO to more aid to this truly “god-forsaken” patch of earth. We have spent billions so far and have not met the goal. Why do some people insist that the next time will be better?

Let’s, instead, bolster our own borders and our spy craft using just a portion of those billions and let those “lost” countries deal with their own issues. Let them implode on themselves. Let the Middle East fix itself. We have tried and apparently failed. Time’s up.

Street-Legal Weed: Another Social Experiment?

2014-01-25T13:50:00.002-06:00

Not to judge too harshly, but the news stories showing the lines at recreational pot shops in Colorado lately might say volumes about whether this great experiment will work. I’m sorry, but I didn’t see too many executive types in those long lines, nor did I see what I might describe as geeks (meaning those techies who create new and exciting things for us).

Instead, I saw what I would have stereotypically expected to see: old hippie types, tatted up and ratty haired stoners, and a general bunch of those on the lower end of the socio-economic scale. Of course, there are executives, et al, who smoke the devil weed but I really doubt they would be interviewed on national TV to say they couldn’t wait to get home, lay on the couch, and light up.

While I clearly am generalizing, I don’t think I am too far off the mark to say that this experiment may show its downside way before we can see some socially redeeming value. No doubt there was lots of pot out there before legalization, and ironically it probably cost less than what the new shops are charging now.

I have seen many teen stoners online praising the legalization, and also saying they want to move to Colorado as if their whole life now revolves around smoking and getting high. Wow! And do they know that the legal age is 21 and that it cannot be smoked in public? Getting together with a few buds (and “buds”) at the playground to take a toke or two would still be illegal. And the fines would likely be higher than before.

But who knows, maybe it will make our country a little mellower. Maybe we will generate more intellectuals, more creative geniuses finding the cures for cancer, or more literary giants. Or maybe, just maybe, we will have more unemployed, more traffic accidents, more neglected kids, and less incentive to make a better life. Just as long as they have weed to take away the sharp edges of life, who cares about college, career advancement, and role modeling. I think this experiment is going to stink up the lab.

Let's Dig Deeper Into Poverty

2014-01-07T18:05:00.001-06:00

The current buzz in Washington is about income inequality. It is clear that the gap has widened between the top 10% to the bottom 10%. The hot issue about to be addressed in Congress is the extension of unemployment benefits. As of this writing it is not clear how that will go.

But maybe we should dig deeper into the reasons for poverty and attack some of those reasons before we just handout more taxpayer money. It may feel good to help others this way, but in some cases --not all -- we are enhancing this cycle of dependency. Or at least decreasing the sense of urgency to get a job and be self-sufficient.

There many reasons people may be below the poverty level. Here are just a few ideas to consider working on at a more basic level. The "teach a man to fish" philosophy is in play here.

1. Continue to fund Head Start. This program has shown its worth in preparing very young children for social interaction and learning, and helps to ensure success in school.

2. Institute a nationwide "gatekeeper" system where each government aid applicant provides his or her background regarding education, health issues, children (which may include going after child support), and other issues of daily living. Once this information is known, targeted aid, called "wrap-around" can be tailored to the individual or family. Just throwing money at people and expecting them to make all the right choices is folly.

3. Consider a work program, or at least a standardized work training program for those who are able. Preparing people to work will increase their success at getting and holding jobs.

4. Provide adequate childcare for those willing to work, but only after assessing if there are appropriate family members who could provide care. Offer parenting classes where indicated with other incentives if needed. Parental involvement is crucial in any children's plan.

5. When indicated, provide an incentive to staying off illegal and harmful drugs, through treatment, increased personal funding, or a deferred prosecution if the person has violated the law. These incentives can help whole families by giving them choices to make.

This plan would not be any less expensive than the current welfare/food stamp/housing programs, but the infrastructure is already in place in nearly every county in the country. Funds would be needed to add or expand those "best-practice" programs using existing social agencies. The results could be fantastic.

Are We Watering Down the Importance of Graduation?

2013-06-16T15:46:00.000-05:00

At the end of the school year, one of our granddaughters was finishing 8th grade, moving on up to the high school in the fall. The middle school, in a very good public school system, was holding a graduation ceremony for the 8th graders. I wondered at the time if having an 8th grade graduation (complete with caps and gowns), was diluting the recognition of those who made it through 12 or 13 years of education when they graduate from high school (yes, one does graduate FROM high school, not "graduate high school").

I remember my high school graduation very well. I ordered my cap and gown, complete with tassel, and tried it on at least twice before the big day. I was conservative so did not partake in the silliness of wearing shorts (or nothing) under the gown. Others were less conservative and could not wait to moon the audience at the right time. Personally, I was offended that this rite of passage could be taken so lightly.

When I graduated from the university at age 47 (long story), I was not going to be denied my chance to walk across the stage to receive my diploma. I ordered the cap and gown and tried it on at least twice before the ceremony. My wife, my mother, and my sisters were in the audience and I wanted to look great. I did, of course, gray beard and all.

Then finally, I went on for my Master's degree, and through much hard work, I finished in a year and at age 48, I again was not going to forgo the walk across the stage, so once again ordered my cap and gown. Only this time, I got a Master's hood. Cool. It was a big deal, and truth be told, I tried it all on about 4 or 5 times, constantly adjusting the hood that always seemed twisted.

I found, as most do I believe, that graduation from high school and college is a big deal -- a recognition of major accomplishments.

Because it was my lovely granddaughter, I came around to seeing this 8th grade "graduation" in a less cynical light. It was cute and she was moving on to the Big House populated by grades with names and not just numbers. She would be a freshman, the lowliest being in the high school. That would be a change for sure.

I still decided to draw the line at 8th grade. In the last few weeks, I read about graduations from Kindergarten, and can you believe, from pre-school? What's next? Graduation from potty training?

Well, that is a major milestone, so maybe another exception is in order.

Traitor or Hero? Are You Really Asking That?

2013-06-13T15:43:00.000-05:00

I am still thinking about the ramifications of the NSA and other leaks perpetrated by Edward Snowden. I am puzzled how a person without a high school education gets such a sensitive job. I am amazed that there are so many non-governmental employees with top-secret security clearances. Clearly, there needs to be a review of all this deep, dark world of espionage.

I do not believe that we, as Americans, should be told everything about what the country is doing to thwart terrorist activity. That would certainly be counter-productive. My ideas are evolving about some of the things the government has done in our name to protect us (e.g., phone records). Part of me wants to be incensed at the intrusion in our free society. Part of me, probably the cop part, says that if you aren't doing anything illegal, who cares if they collect this data? I have not resolved that yet.

What I have resolved, however, is the Mr. Snowden is not a hero. He certainly swore an oath when he got his security clearance to hold the secrets of the USA close to his chest. He could have left his employment, not deigning to stick with such a horrific job if he was upset at what he was learning. But no, he kept his (high-paying) job, in Hawaii I might add, until he seemed to have come to the conclusion that he should be the savior of the nation and let fly with all sorts of classified information.

He has done real harm to our security - that is clear to anyone watching the news. He has put our clandestine services in harm's way needlessly. Mr. Snowden is nothing but a traitor to his country and to the pledge that he took before he worked for our spy network. He needs to be caught, charged, tried, and dealt with...severely.

Where Will it End? Some Suggestions

2012-12-15T14:03:00.000-06:00

The Sandy Hook School tragedy is beyond comprehension, let alone words. It is, of course, made all the worse by the thought that most of the victims were not just innocent, but were very young children. So first, we must all keep those affected families in our prayers. That may seem trite to say because we are saying it so much these days, with all the carnage left by shooters in Oregon, Aurora, Oak Creek, and unfortunately, on and on.

We ask over and over how this could keep happening in our country and the answer is not simple.   It is not just a matter of more gun control. It is not just a better handle on those with mental health issues. It is not just a matter of increased security. The answer, as so many are, is complex and needs a multi-faceted focus. I offer a few humble suggestions here for anyone to ponder.

1. We need to assess why the U.S. has so many of these kinds of shootings. Do other countries have fewer per capita killings such as these? If so, what is the difference? Is it our culture, our level of freedom, our wild west heritage, our 2nd Amendment?
2. We need to look at our mental health system and put in place an "early warning" system where patient confidentiality (or the protection of the confessional) is trumped by real concerns for the safety of the person and others. I know it is easy to second guess after the fact; it is easy to point out the "signs" of problems before these horrific acts. Yet, we must have some sort of screening system, that professionals as well as friends and relatives can access to report their concerns.
3. We need to assess our security, particularly in schools. Locked outside doors, cameras, and even security guards might deter a potential shooter. Of course, with those things in place, we will never know what didn't happen.
4. Finally, but surely not the last idea, is that the U.S. must address reasonable gun control. We will never be able to ban ownership of all guns as is the case in many countries. We are too far beyond that, with our constitutional freedoms, or self-sufficiency heritage, and many other reasons. However, there can be some compromises made that still allow for the "right to bear arms." Every answer had its pitfalls, but surely someone can craft a series of compromises that gives us room on both sides. I suggest a few here; there are surely many more that can be generated in a good discussion.
A. Ban all assault weapons for civilian ownership, the same with high capacity clips. There is no legitimate reason for these other than for killing people in great numbers. These are tools of war or law enforcement.
B. Require all guns be registered in a national database (or shared state databases). This still allows for hunting weapons, handguns for personal protection or sport, and nearly anything else you need a gun for. Limit gun ownership to a reasonable number, say 12 guns per person. This, of course, allows the determined gun buyer to purchase guns in the names of his or her spouse, children, cousins, etc, but still requires all gun to be registered.   Concealed carry is now allowed in 49 states, so continue to refine the training requirements with a minimum standard set by the federal government.
C. Require a comprehensive background check for all gun owners and set parameters for denial of registration (e.g., mental illness, criminal background, and the like).

With a combination of good policy in all of the suggestions above, we will never stop everyone who is set on horrific massacres, but will save untold numbers from the possible threat of maiming or killing.

We have to start somewhere. We have to have this discussion now. We have to agree that we do not want to see more tragedies like Sandy Hook, Aurora, Columbine, Virginia Tech, and on and on.

Besides Congress, We the People Need to Compromise

2012-11-08T14:38:00.000-06:00

The Presidential Election brought out more comments about the people's desire for bipartisanship between the parties in Congress and the White House. Most read the election as keeping Obama to work on bridging the divide. At least the majority wanted to not "change horses in the middle of the stream." There are many other interpretations as well; just read some of the nasty Twitter comments (Trump needs to get a hobby).

I believe, however, that we got what we got - that's how democracy works. But in addition to writing, emailing, and calling our representatives to do their jobs, we also can be mindful of how we treat our fellow citizens. At the grocery the other days, I notice some of the bumper stickers on cars in the lot.

I was unhappy to see a Romney-Ryan sticker which had been defaced with an "F-you" in black marker across the sticker. Deriding others legitimate choices, even those opposite of your own, is not democratic and certainly adds nothing to the discussion. Spirited debate is good, but it should be out in the open and not a cowardly defacement of a sign.

My hopes were buoyed as I saw another another car with a couple of interesting bumper stickers. On one side was the usual Obama-Biden sticker (not defaced), but on the other side was an NRA sticker. So it seems that one can have differing views on topics and not just entertain an all-or-nothing dogma.

Youth is Wasted on the Young

2012-09-27T20:00:00.001-05:00

George Bernard Shaw’s little quip was cute when I was younger but now hits closer to home as one ages. The meaning, of course, is that young folk don’t use their youthful vigor to do the things they may not be able to do later in life.

TO WIT: Diana and I decided to leave for our winter home in Mesa early this year and check off one more thing on our bucket list: See Yellowstone National Park. Notice I said “See”, not “Visit.” Doing some quick research, I found that the temperatures in the high country of Yellowstone begin to drop to below freezing in September, with a touch of snow possible. Diana hates anything below 60° Fahrenheit, so we had to hustle to get to Wyoming before the white stuff.

On the road we stayed in Lincoln, NE and Cheyenne, WY, before we found our B & B in Jackson Hole. The Bentwood Inn is an eight bedroom classic log home, with all the amenities including two gracious Innkeepers, Scott and Susie. They do not allow pets, which we knew, so our 19-year-old cat, Toddy, had to make do with her suite in the car.

On the first full day we had scheduled a wildlife tour at sunset, so took off in the morning for a little sightseeing on our own. We entered Grand Teton National Park, stopped at the Visitor Center, and then may a half-day tour of the area, profoundly amazed at the beauty of the mountains. Unfortunately, the wildfires in the area left the mountains in a purple haze denying us and others the crisp views we had hoped for. The park maps showed us a driving route with many trailheads from which to park and hike to see even more of nature close up. Here is where we wished we could have used a little of our wasted youth.

Now of Medicare age, we find we cannot hike the 10 mile loops around the many lakes and pine woods (oh, let’s be honest – anything over a mile is a challenge). We no longer could climb the rolling hills without gasping for air while trying to keep a lookout for bear or moose. We managed a few strolls to the shore of Jenny Lake, but envied the Birkenstock crowd who foraged off into parts unknown with their hiking boots, granola, and a do-rag. Our meager attempts to commune with nature did not get us into the interior where, surely, we would have met a Grizzly on the trail, or seen a moose in rut. It is this kind of trek we were too late for, except in Discovery Channel documentaries.

So the lesson, if I may, is to tell the younger folk to make these fantastic trips earlier. Take your children to see not only Old Faithful, but to see what lies over the next hill, without wheezing and attracting a crowd of wolves, who are hoping to thin the herd of its weakest members. Leave the museums and car tours for later in life and make the more athletic choices while you still can. “See,” not just “Visit.”

However, do not dismay if you already passed the point of climbing even small hills, because these National Parks are breathtaking from any vantage point. The roads twist and turn to take you to scenic overlooks that do not leave you disappointed. It’s just that the young are already so lost in electronics that maybe a hike in the mountains does not appeal to them, at least not without a cell signal.

Beyond the Expiration Date....Don't Take a Chance!

2012-09-11T08:39:00.000-05:00

I pay close attention to food expiration dates, especially for meat and milk, recalling even 50 years later that I once took a swig from the milk carton only to have sour and solid material flow into my mouth. For drugs I pay less attention, but still occasionally check to see if the Aleve has gone too far past.

The other day I had another experience burned into my mind when I pulled a new tube of toothpaste from below the bathroom sink. It was some special “whiteness” brand in a stand-up tube that I like because it looks (and works) better than a crinkly tube that I squeeze from the middle.

I proceeded to open the cap, squeeze out a smidgen to see what I was getting, and a clear gel emerged onto my toothbrush. Looks good, I thought, and started my brushing routine. Barely started, I mean. I could not get the nasty stuff out of my mouth fast enough, slurping copious glasses of water to rinse and expectorate.

The taste was something between used motor oil and saccharine sweetener. Once I recovered and felt my mouth would survive the ordeal, I picked up the white tube and searched for an expiration date. I found it; stamped on the crimped edge of the tube was Sept3X1982. Yup, thirty year old toothpaste.

I stifled my gag reflex and to get rid of the lingering taste, I swiped my wife’s personal toothpaste tube (I don’t know why we just don’t share) and brushed vigorously enough to make my dentist smile. Finally, the minty freshness took over the oily sweetness.

I marveled at how we could have 30 year old toothpaste, especially since we had moved about four times over that time. My wife came home and when I told her the story, and asked how this could have happened, she replied, “I think we got that at the swap meet in Arizona last year.”

Now I love the swap meet in Mesa – it’s not really a swap meet, but more of a discounted overstock meet. Most items are new and we never leave spending less than $100. But why we would buy toothpaste, or anything else that might be ingested for that matter, is a puzzlement.

Never again. Thirty year old toothpaste is bad enough, but those cookies I was eyeing at the swap meet last time didn’t even have an expiration date. I wonder that those ladies are trying to hide?

They Are Not Listening to "We the People..."

2012-08-14T17:56:00.000-05:00

I keep talking, along with many others, and no one is listening. Seriously, the editorial pages of all the major newspapers are touting the same message. Essentially, in many ways, those op-editors along with zillions of citizens are pushing, cajoling, shaming, and threatening our Senators and Representatives in Congress to work together and get something done. The product of the current Congress is shameful in its dearth. The old joke about the less Congress does, the better off we are, is not funny anymore.

We are fast approaching the so-called “fiscal cliff” which means that unless Congress does something to fund the government beyond the short term, cut the budget and the debt, plan for the future, and solve our many other problems, the outlook is bleak.

We have been bleak before I suppose, but this picture is one of the most portentous we have ever known. After dithering last year, the USA took a hit in our credit rating costing untold billions of dollars. I doubt we can take another such hit, yet no one seems to want to work together. The constant drivel pouring from the mouths of both sides would be comical if not so deadly serious.

John Boehner and Harry Reid are some of the worst, and they are the leaders, for God’s sake. They are no longer doing the people’s business. We know that there are many different views among the electorate. We depend on these “representatives” of the people to take in all the information and then put it all together with some obvious compromise. No one gets all they want except in dictatorships and other tyrannical governments. Truly, half a loaf is better than none, especially since no one is like to bring home the whole loaf.

When reading the US Constitution on archives.gov, I noticed a line worth quoting in the commentary. Speaking of creating the Constitution, a colossal task, it was finally crafted with many competing constituencies. “The work of many minds, the Constitution stands as a model of cooperative statesmanship and the art of compromise.” Oh, for the good old days.

The US Postal Service - Can We Save It?

2012-07-31T09:19:00.001-05:00

It seems that the United State Postal Service (USPS) is about to default on its loans from the federal government. I know they attempted many years ago to make this quasi-governmental unit function independently as a self-funding enterprise, but it clearly is not working.

From the Pony Express forward, we have depended on the USPS to move our mail quickly and cheaply (Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of

their appointed rounds). I always marveled at how I could mail a letter to say, California, and then expect it to be there in two days for a mere pittance. Even at today’s rates of $0.45 cents for a letter seems a deal to me. Ask someone if they would take your missive in hand and get it to Cali in a few days for less than fifty-cents.

Here is the dilemma, or dilemmas. First-class mail has taken a dive for a number of years with email and texting taking over most of the communications between friends and businesses. Even greeting cards, though still popular because many contain moolah, cannot take up the slack. Business shipping is good but the competition is tough, with UPS and FedEx making a big dent in what once was effectively a monopoly.

In addition, when the USPS tries to cut costs (closing some very small offices and eliminating Saturday delivery) the citizenry, by way of the Congress, wails and wrings their collective hands to protest. They like their walkable post office where they can meet friends and have a chat with the not-very-busy postmaster or mistress. It is quaint and very Norman Rockwell. And it is a piece of Americana that I personally would hate to see go away. But it really doesn’t have to, you know.

Let’s be real and know that the status quo is not sustainable. The quickest answer is to raise rates to a level unheard of, but in the big picture, very reasonable. How about a $1.00 charge for a letter? Sounds exorbitant at first, but on thinking about it, how many letters are each of us mailing these days? I pay all my bills online and I email my relatives and friends. I do send greeting cards (most with that moolah to grandkids) and will continue to do so. But for those few envelopes I send, let’s keep the USPS solvent with a higher first class rate. Of course, other rates would have to go up as well, and maybe we can have a postage “holiday” in December and January (covers most card-sending times) where a special stamp can be used for all those Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa heavy mailings.

Or the Congress can just have the USPS revert to being a regular government agency that runs on tax money and goes over budget each year like all the other agencies. Then we’d hardly notice, right?

Mitt the Twit? - That's Just Not Nice

2012-07-28T16:37:00.002-05:00

It seems that Vice-President Biden's title of "gaffer-in-chief" is being sorely challenged by Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney. He made few friends in London with his mild criticism of the Olympic organizers and the tabloid reaction was over the top. But then, that is what they do best, isn't it?

Still, it is an embarrassment to our country to have a presidential contender the butt of many jokes this week. I keep looking for Romney to pull away from the nastiness and faux pas, and become more "presidential." I may have voted for Mr. Obama last time, out of desperation for some new changes. However, I have been disappointed with the Obama team's performance in many areas. They can't seem to move their agenda forward, and may have taken the country a little closer to insolvency. I supported the auto bailouts as a necessary evil and that has proven to be successful. Other "investments" have not worked as well.

We cannot continue to be the "nanny state" President Obama seems to want. We must place more responsibility on the people to help themselves. As a slightly right-leaning independent, I cringe at some of the President's ideas of how to spend our money. Safety nets are good, and must be there for those who truly need them. But we are enabling so many people to remain reliant on Uncle Sam. The usual line is that "no one wants to be on the dole" but I am not so sure anymore.

So back to Mr. Romney. If he is the only choice for those who cannot see another Obama term as productive for the U.S., then I think we may be in trouble as well. Mitt is hard to like, seems unapproachable, and just doesn't quite get it. I suppose he could be helped by the right VP choice, but maybe we ought to urge delegates to change their votes to "undecided" and let the Republicans have another go at it at the convention. It would not be pretty, but it would be worth watching and worth doing. There has to be a better way.

Voter ID - a Valuable Safeguard for Our Sacred Right

2012-07-26T18:32:00.001-05:00

Thirty-three, or 66%, of the states in the U.S. require some sort of ID at the polling place. Voters must present some form of official ID (government issued, usually) to be able to prove that they are legitimate electors. The strictness of the laws varies considerably but it is clear that two-thirds of the state legislatures felt it was enough of an issue to enact laws.

Proponents argue that it helps to prevent voter fraud of all kinds. Opponents, at least in some states, point to a lack of actual fraud reports. They go on to oppose voter ID by saying it would disenfranchise many people. They often name those groups such as the poor, minorities, and the elderly. They assume these groups are not smart enough to get the required ID card. Wisconsin’s strict law was put on hold after a circuit court judge ruled the law was unconstitutional, so that challenge will move through the judicial system, or the law will be modified to stand up to constitutional tests.

Voting for our representatives in government is an unchallenged right. The actual vote has become increasingly important in so many close cases that the system must get it right the first time with adequate proof of legitimate electors. To have voters show a Driver’s License, or a non-driver official state ID (provided at no cost to those who need it), does not seem like an unreasonable burden. Photo ID is required to fly, get a hotel room, obtain a passport, purchase pseudoephedrine, and myriad other things. No one seems to protest those ID requirements, yet voting is something sacred in a free society, and although it cannot be unduly restricted, as with a poll tax, asking you to prove who you are before you cast that vote protects the very essence of representative democracy.

Food Stamps - Not Stamps Anymore!

2012-07-24T17:12:00.000-05:00

There should be no one who begrudges giving food benefits to those who are in financial situations for which they had no control. With high unemployment hitting the middle class, single parents with no choice but to stay home with their children, and people too ill to work, our government must provide a food safety net. No one, especially children should go hungry or be forced to beg for food. What many still refer to as Food Stamps is now a benefit in the form of a credit card or sorts, called EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer. This allows the beneficiaries to use their card in much the same way others use credit cards at the grocery store. Unless you are behind the person in line, and happen to see the card, you would not know they were getting food assistance, which is as it should be. No need for public shaming for those in need of food basics.

But with the plastic card comes abuse as reported in the news lately. Some of those less fortunate have been using their food benefit cards for such things as liquor, tattoos, tobacco products, and cruises. Even more bizarre are the reported uses for strip clubs, body piercings, and, yes, even guns. So now many states have had to put limits on the EBT cards to help stem the abuse (more are considering those ideas). They are trying to limit the EBT benefits to food and clothing, while making ATMs in strip clubs, casinos, and other such places off limits. ATMs you might ask? Yes, the EBT cards apparently can be used to withdraw cash, which we have to assume can be used for nearly anything -- Cigarettes, big screen TVs, drugs, or a bet with your bookie.

Those opposed to more rigid controls on EBT state that by restricting the uses, the government is contributing to the stereotype of the welfare cheat. Well, if there are abuses as stated above, then it is those people themselves who contribute to the stereotype. I suspect abuse is not rampant; most EBT recipients really do need food and not tattoos, but any abuse that can be prevented, should be. The government should share is largesse with those less fortunate, but asking that EBT be used only for food and clothing is hardly an imposition. Restricting cash withdrawals to smaller amounts, maybe once a day, should provide the legitimate user with funds for those places that do not take EBT, such as some Farmers’ Markets. Even the most fervent conservative taxpayer should be able to embrace a needed program with proper limits. It is the “outliers” that get the news and get the “bootstrappers” up in arms about the welfare state. The government should not give them even more ammunition.

The Rest of Your Life...How Long Might That Be?

2012-07-17T18:01:00.002-05:00

I just returned from my hometown of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where I spent five days, along with my wife, helping my mother and two sisters plan for my brother’s funeral and going through his property. I might add that I am the oldest of the four, so it was my younger brother who died.
This gives me a perspective on mortality that I was not quite ready to address. My father died in 1984 when I was still in my thirties so had no qualms about living forever at the time. Until Jeff died last week (on my sister’s birthday) I was safe and feeling invincible knowing that my mother was still alive. I didn’t think much about mortality and end-of-life issues with her still living. Now that my younger brother has passed on, it has come to the fore.

If I am truly honest, I have been thinking about “the rest of my life” for some time now. I recently hit Medicare age, and my wife is five years older. When we talk of plans to do something (a cruise to Alaska, a return to London) and mention that we might be able to do it in a couple of years, I add those couple years to my age and start to be concerned. I salve my fears but noting that my 56 year old brother had diabetes and heart disease, both chronic conditions, but that was what ultimately took him from us. I have some chronic health issues, none as bad as Jeff’s, but still of concern. Or am I in denial? My doc says I am “pre-diabetic.” I have an occasional heart arrhythmia mostly controlled by medicines. But the wrong beat on the wrong cycle and I could go down like a ton of whale blubber. OK, that’s too graphic, even for me. But you get the picture.

I am one to approach problems and challenges with a plan. I like to control my destiny, not be controlled by the whims of nature. I am not one to ignore serious issues -- well, maybe for a while, but I usually take care of business. I need to make a plan to live better and control my weight and my fat intake. And my carb intake. And my sugar intake. Good grief, what is left? I will get to that later this week.

Maybe the greatest lesson I can learn from Jeff’s death is that we all need to talk to each other. Family needs to get together and appreciate every other person, even those who are prickly at times. Say those nice things, give genuine compliments where due, rather than saying “I will do that later.” Write that little note to a friend or relative telling them something you’ve meant to say for some time. Email is OK but still a poor substitute for a hand-written note. A lost art, I suppose.

What brought this to my head was that our family had just enjoyed a birthday dinner for my sister and her husband at a Fond du Lac steakhouse just two days before Jeff died coming home from the grocery. The family had a great time and Jeff looked better than he had in the year before. We laughed, told stories, and enjoyed each other’s company. Jeff even picked up the tab for all eight of us. Two days later he was dead. For us, the family dinner was a blessing, allowing us a recent and pleasant time with our son and brother.

Remember that. We never know what might come our way – a heart attack, or an errant texting driver. Keep your relationships up to date. Say the good things you need to say. There really is no downside, is there?

Northern Wisconsin - One of God's Miracles

2012-07-09T17:09:00.000-05:00

We just returned from four days in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. If you have ever been north of Minocqua, you know the feeling of relaxation and peace that settles in as you drive up the state. If you have never been north, it is way past time. This trip we stayed at the Carlin Club Lodge in Presque Isle, overlooking Carlin Lake. We visited friends who live on Rainbow Lake and enjoyed the approaching dusk looking over the mirror-glass water, and then as if on cue, we heard the call of the resident loon. Each lake is said to have its own loon pair and we managed to see the red-eyed couple for this lake. Deer and bear, and sometimes even wolves cross the back highways and come to the houses looking for food. You just have to make sure you have some!

Beyond the pine forests and abundance of waterways, the next best thing is the dining experience in the northwoods. Classic supper clubs abound as do the more frequent pub food bars. Some are better than others, but the northern crowd is discriminating, so bad food will shutter the place faster than the mortgage company.

Friday fish frys vary as well, but most withstand the taste test and you should always leave full. Battered cod or haddock, pan-fried walleye, and lake perch are the mainstays. Even those who are not fish fans will partake, at least for a bite. The standard drink, the Old Fashioned, is crafted by good bartenders who muddle the cherry, orange, sugar and bitters, before splashing in the brandy (or if you prefer, whiskey), and top it with 7-up. That is the experience that makes the trip worthwhile. Sure, you can boat, ski, tube, camp, golf, and many other things, but finding a quiet spot on the lakeshore, seeing a loon dive for food, with a cool drink in hand is, indeed, heaven. Thank you Lord for the exquisite beauty of the Wisconsin Northwoods.

Happy 236th Birthday, America!

2012-07-04T12:13:00.000-05:00

It took about 677 years for the Roman Empire to rise and fall. Let's hope America can withstand the pressures to pursue mediocrity, and last for at least that long. It is good to be proud to be an American, where we are free, but it is best if we all contributed to our community by helping others, and letting Washington know what we need to make this experiment in democracy an even better place.

Now go enjoy the fireworks, have a brat, and hum America the Beautiful.

Praise the Congress? Well, maybe...a little

2012-07-04T11:57:00.001-05:00

I suppose we should be happy that the Congress somehow came together and passed the Transportation bill. The bill also included allowing student loans to remain at the lower interest rate, rather than the automatic doubling that would have happened.

It is interesting to read that some compromises were made to get this all passed. Can you believe that some on the right had to give up their “wish list” as did those on the left? This is called working together for the good of the country, or as it used to be known -- COMPROMISE.

So while I continue to berate my Congresspeople to get to work on the budget, deficit, the wars, and so much more, I should at least give them some props for getting the road bill done. This will not only help to update our country’s infrastructure, it will provide many good jobs for some time to come. So I have to admit, I sent an email to my representatives in Washington praising them for their actions.

Just like with a little child who is prone to misbehavior, we must use incremental “praisings” when they do something good.

I probably should have left it at that, but I could not resist prodding with a hot stick, my reps who are so recalcitrant on the weightier issues. I included a few lines, oh heck a paragraph, on how they could do more for the country if they weren’t so partisan and worried about being painted with the Letter C on their frocks. Compromise is really the only way for a nearly evenly divided Congress to move forward.

Maybe this was a first step. See! You can do it! Just one more step….

The "B" Word - Is This Just a Phase?

2012-06-28T12:24:00.000-05:00

It seems that lately - well, the past couple of years – that I have been hearing the “B” word more and more. First, I heard it among groups of women referring to themselves, as in “How ya doin’ b*itches?” Then, as a real epithet from others trying to put women down. “You bleeping b*tch!” or “Don’t be such a b*tch!” Today it is gender-neutral, but I’d have a hard time calling a dude a “b*tch.”

There was some attempt initially to soften the word by the bizarre pronunciation, something like “Bee-Otch.” Lame. Then it became a word in the casual vernacular of the young and the restless. And now it even comes in title of movies, books, TV shows (“Good Christian B*tches). What a slap to Christians everywhere. Or would that be a “b*tch slap” to Christians? Seems offensive to me.

As kids, as we became more worldly (and could cross the street on our own), we snickered as we used bawdy language. I, myself, started with hell and damn, righteously defending their use by saying, “It’s in the Bible, so how bad can it be?” Same with ass. Let’s see, something like, “Mary was riding Joseph’s ass as they entered Bethlehem.” I am not sure which Bible version that is from – you get the picture.

Then when we really wanted to be bad, (not in today’s sense of “good”) we might call someone a “b*itch” as a gross putdown. If an adult happened to hear us, we would meekly say we were talking about female dogs. Likely story.

So even though it has been present for some time, that word still slams into my eardrums and is not pleasant. There are so many better words to use when using “b*tch” in a nice way, like “How ya doin’ guys?” Of course, (can you believe it), there are women who are offended by being called “guys” but not by being called “b*tches.”

I continue to hope it is a phase. Like cursing your mother when you were really mad, just to get a reaction. We grew up and out of that (if we lived). Maybe we need to find a replacement, something a little softer and less hard on the ears. Let’s keep to the dog theme, so “How ya doin’ puppies?”

Striving For Mediocrity?

2012-06-27T14:05:00.001-05:00

I once wrote about the “Rise and Fall of the American Empire,” at the time more tongue-in-cheek, but as we slog through campaigns and elections I begin to worry that something in the American Enterprise isn’t working.

Some like to say that America is “exceptional” and while that may be true, it is certainly not demonstrated in our seats of government. Despite the pleas from the citizens, the pundits, and even the media, politicians seem willing to ignore the pitfalls of doing nothing.

Doing nothing with the budget, doing nothing about the deficit, doing nothing about serious healthcare issues, and doing nothing about the unsustainable growth of Social Security and Medicare, all seems to be OK. Just push it down the road. Instead the Congress and the President try to one-up each other with cute sayings and epithets that add nothing to the solution. The old adage, “If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem” is even more true today.

I have written to my senators and representatives begging them to propose some compromise, to be true statesman, and not just partisans who tear asunder our American fabric. Discussion is good, lively discussion is better, but in the end it probably takes a compromise, a bargain, a deal. We used to denounce such back room dealings where senators would make an agreement to vote for one of the opposition’s pet projects in return for support for another on the other side. Oh, I long for those days of “sausage making.” At least there was a product, a movement forward. Today we are stuck; no, we are in reverse, and if something doesn’t happen soon, it will be irreversible.

The Shooting in Tucson

2011-01-27T18:09:00.008-06:00

Although not as timely as some of my posts, the wanton killing of six people along with the wounding of 13 others still merits coverage. The act was so heinous it may be one of the events I will remember where I was at the time I heard of it. And that was about 100 miles away in Mesa at our winter home.

I got a text message from my old boss and current friend, Chief Sue Riseling, of the University of Wisconsin Police Department. My wife and I were watching something on our TIVO when the text said that a Congresswoman had been shot in Tucson. We turned on CNN and the story played out as most are now aware.

After seeing nearly back-to-back coverage, we became enmeshed in the stories of the people involved, even the shooter's. Learning that he may be mentally ill was of little consequence to those who lost so much, but it provided a "reason" of sorts for those looking for the "why" of it all. No reason is sufficient or ever justified, but there was at least something to grab onto.

Last Friday, January 21, we took a drive to Tucson to see for ourselves the ever-growing memorials at various sites in the city. My wife had received her first ICU nursing experience at the very same University of Arizona Hospital (now Medical Center) where the victims, including Congresswoman Giffords, were taken.

It was apparent as we drove up to the Medical Center that the idea to visit was not ours alone. Even 13 days later, there were large groups of people wending their ways through the flowers, posters, candles, and other tributes to those killed and injured. We spent time walking the grassy front lawn, taking some pictures, and saying silent prayers as we read as much as we could.

I noticed a young woman who seemed to be organizing some sort of display and I quietly asked her if the Safeway Store, where the massacre took place, was close. It was not, but she offered to sketch a quick map. I found a piece of cardboard and a pen for her. She asked if we wanted to see all of the "Migils." I said, "pardon me?", not sure what she had said.

"Do you want to see all of the 'migils'?" Again, I looked puzzled and she then explained that some of the displays were memorials to those who lost their lives, and some were vigils for the wounded; both words now truncated, apparently, into "migils."

With the aid of her map we made our way to Representative Giffords' Tucson office, and then to the Safeway store on Oracle Road. Both were moving memorials, uh, "migils" as we spent time again reading, thinking, and praying as we walked.

The Safeway Store, now open for business, had condensed the migil area to one that was on the exact spot of the congresswoman's neighborhood meeting, hence the site of the horrendous killings. Being in this spot just 13 days post tragedy was unsettling at worst, but at the same time, comforting at best. The cop in me scanned the people around the area, looking for who knows what, but looking still. It is not always obvious who may be there to hurt people. It likely was not obvious on January 8.

Visiting the area was helpful in a way. The word "closure" is maybe too heavy for someone who had not suffered a personal loss. But we felt better somehow as we drove back to Mesa.

Maybe closure is the right word, because in the greater family we are all a part of, it was personal.

Tucson: Let It Be a Catalyst, Not More Fodder for Blame

2011-01-12T11:31:00.010-06:00

Living in Arizona for the winter, only 100+ miles from Tucson, brings home to me the devastation of the senseless murders and wounding done by one sick individual. His time will come to be dealt with fairly and justly. The time for something else may have already come.

The noise from this tragedy has included the "blame game," both from the left and the right. Some would lay this man's rampage on the steps of the political scene over the past few years, which has been undeniably vitriolic. Yet to keep up this blaming is really fruitless, and actually may be non-productive. Instead of working to tamp down the rhetoric, the sides instead ramp it up by saying it was not their fault.

Let's take the Tucson Tragedy out of the mix and just admit that the political atmosphere has been poisonous of late, and not state as fact who may have been poisoned, so to speak. If this massacre is the catalyst for productive discourse in the political arena, then let it be one where we can move positively toward increased civility.

No one expects the left and the right to now come together holding hands around the campfire. There are deep policy differences and there still should be rigorous and occasionaly loud debate on the issues. Let's urge our politicos to just tone down the personal attacks and rank sarcasm that has become de rigueur over the past few campaigns.

Unless you really believe your colleague is a traitor to the USA, thus possibly deserving the death penalty, then don't toss out those bombs hoping to get something positive from the attacks. Unless you truly believe your colleague does not love America or does not want to do what is best for Americans, then tone it down a bit and make your best case for your side using cold, hard facts.

Eschew the hyperbole, the sarcastic vitriol, and baseless personal attacks. Most intelligent Americans see through that babble anyway, so it does little to promote the cause.

I finally have some hope that maybe the vituperative remarks may lessen, perhaps helped by the shocking attack in Tucson. Whatever the impetus, let's contact our Senators and Representatives and tell them to work hard for us in a civil way. And when they do that, as evidenced in the news or press releases, let's write them to just say, "Good work!" They like to get the good comments too. Maybe there is still hope for America.

Many Make the Supreme Sacrifice. What About the Rest of Us?

2010-11-12T12:07:00.008-06:00

On a shadow box shelf in our guest bathroom is displayed a paper booklet from the U.S. Office of Price Administration, a World War II agency formed to help the war effort. It is my father’s War Ration Book containing stamps of apparently various values. These stamps were to be used for goods that were being rationed so that enough materiel was available to our troops. Gasoline, tires, meat, sugar, nylon, and silk were some of the many items subject to rationing. Even bicycles were on the list.

On the back of the ration stamp booklet was the following: IMPORTANT: When you have used your ration, salvage the TIN CANS, and WASTE FATS. They are needed to make munitions for our fighting men. Cooperate with your local Salvage Committee.

We ask our volunteer military to fight for us, and they know that there is a possibility that they may have to make the supreme sacrifice. They do so willingly. The current recession notwithstanding, we as U.S. citizens are asked to sacrifice little for this war effort. Instead of a tax increase or a temporary war surcharge, we cry for our taxes to be even lower. We do not need to sacrifice to buy sugar and meat anymore – production is apparently plentiful. Yet the real costs in billions of tax dollars are flowing into the war theatre using borrowing to fund the whole shebang. It is de rigueur to say that we are borrowing from China for our day-to-day expenses so we are financing our war with bonds sold to foreign investors. Not necessarily a bad thing in moderation, but lately we would be in a world of hurt should all those bonds be called.

Raising taxes is anathema to politicians no matter the need. But a war surcharge, with total transparency of the money raised and spent, might actually get widespread approval from the citizens. At least we could see where that money was going.

Of course, the cost of the currents wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are far less costly than WW II, when war costs were almost 40% of (then) GNP. Today, the war costs are about 1.2% (2008) of GDP, actually a minor number. Yet few Americans other than military families feel that they are doing anything directly to help with the war effort. Even those opposed to the wars are quick to say they still support our troops. So maybe we should all put a little of our money where our collective mouths are and support our country’s efforts at fighting terrorism abroad. It would be a lot less messy than collecting used bacon grease.

Attention Must Be Paid

2010-11-07T14:11:00.005-06:00

Did anyone notice the latest mid-term campaign ads? Did anyone see what the issues were, besides the variety of nastiness used to impugn one another? We heard about health care, good and bad. We heard more about earmarks, the crushing deficit and national debt.

But did anyone hear a political ad mentioning, even in passing, that we are engaged in the draw down from one war in Iraq, and the ramping up of another war in Afghanistan? Did anyone mention the sacrifices that are being made by the men and woman in the Armed Services? We have dedicated volunteers who have joined a branch of the U.S. military who were not even mentioned in this very important election.

The cost of those wars has driven up the deficit sharply and will continue to do so for at least the next four years, if not more. No mention of the brave work our people in uniform do to keep the terrorists on the run.

Ben Stein, the noted columnist, said last week, using his often-used line, that Attention Must Be Paid to these increasingly hard slogs of war creating a huge money pit from which we may not be able to climb out of. He was appalled that no one mentioned the soldiers, marines, and others fighting for their lives. The pols were too busy thinking of winning, and then becoming a thorn in the sides of the other party; maybe even their own party, openly stating that they would not compromise to get anything done for the country.