“Democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts and murders itself. There was never a democracy that did not commit suicide.” John Adams April 15th, 1814. I awoke this morning to find the British have done just that. For a long time I have postulated the American Revolution was a mistake, we would have been … More Democratic Suicide
Two years ago my wife and I traveled to Normandy for the express purpose of visiting invasion beaches. As is the case with many such places, the experience cannot be adequately conveyed in photos. Most dramatic of all was Point Du Hoc. I share my pictures here from the top of the beach cliffs our … More Visiting Normandy Invasion Beaches
The Whole Foods checker and her bagging clerk talk to each other as if I am not standing there. One says to the other “When we get done with ‘this one’ ” referring to me. She then goes on to describe what task they have before them next. It was an existentialist experience. I am … More When We Get Done With This One
In the summer of 1986 a movie was released called “Top Gun” . It’s about naval aviators, staring Tom Cruise. It’s about testosterone. And it is about a time when my cohorts and I were still young men. And leaving the theater we all wished we had made other career choices. During this time I had client … More Top Gun Call Sign: Maddog
I grew up in a village called Immaculate Conception Parish in the 1960’s. We had a fundamental narrative about how life was supposed to be, where your place in the universe was, and a sense of right and wrong. Ultimately this was shattered by a remarkably critical world that tossed that narrative aside without much thought and … More But it is 1978!
I see there is another positive female role model making her way on to television this fall. The title “Supergirl” reflects a now tiresome formula of feminism in heroic poses. My question now is, is this really necessary? It has been nearly three decades since Sigourney Weaver saved another girl from the worst possible fate in a film which … More Do We Need Another Supergirl?
The American Revolution was a mistake. I mean, golly, George III just thought it right we ought to chip in for our own defense against the French and their Indians in the Seven Years War. Now, he went about it in a heavy handed way, violated principals set down in Magna Carta and the English law … More The American Revolution was a Mistake
AFP reported yesterday a lawyer in Kenya has offered 50 cows for the hand of the President’s oldest daughter in marriage. He sweetened the deal with 70 sheep and 30 goats, 150 head altogether. Think of what this can do for American-Kenyan relations! Clearly this would ensure peace between our nations for a generation. If called to … More 51 Cows
Last night I stopped by my grandparents home. I own it now, they passed decades ago now. I lived there for a great while, then married so stay there only sometimes. The home is a monument to their values; sturdy, simple, not a wall out of plumb, and the gutters are stainless steel. Outside in the … More Geese Mate For Life
