Happy 4th of July!
The 4th of July weekend brought much of my family together. It reminded me of the comment on a playbill for a show at the Barter Theater I had seen a while back. “Sometimes… Read More
Life & Politics Blog
Friendship, what does it mean?
I’m admittedly on the downward slope of my life and I find that one grows more sentimental with time. I have met a lot of people along the way and friendships become more salient… Read More
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
A morning ritual of brushing my teeth takes a philosophical turn as I look into the mirror. I know what I want to see…mostly that guy I knew in the past: a college athlete;… Read More
What size should I wear?
Recently, I received an order by FedEx. It was a ‘cashmere’ sweater. Only, it wasn’t cashmere. It wasn’t the right color and it sure wasn’t the right size. I had fallen prey to the… Read More
Where do our dreams go?
I recently had a revelatory experience. We have long desired a place at the beach. But not just any place: Old Florida feel; close to the water; easy access. A pipe dream. We were… Read More
Home is where your heart is
I have been a traveler. Although I have lived in East Tennessee for over thirty years, I am not “from here.” In some respects, I will always be from somewhere else. But where? When… Read More
Why is balance so hard to achieve?
We seek it, yet it often seems elusive: “balance.” A state of equilibrium. Like a law of thermodynamics, it is cancellation of one set of influences by equal opposing forces. Sorry, but life just… Read More
What does it mean to be a “citizen?”
As we enter the Presidential election cycle, the issue of voting and citizenship rears its head once again. Section 1 of the 14th Amendment states that “all persons born or naturalized in the United… Read More
Who will watch the watchers?
The debate about Artificial Intelligence (AI)and how it should be used and allowed to develop came to a head recently when OpenAI (the parent of ChatGPT) cofounder Sam Bankman was fired by the company’s… Read More
Regret and Gratitude-two sides of the same coin
There are many powerful forces at work in the world. Natural drives like gravity and magnetism impact our physical being. Other influences are more subtle. Economic forces (e.g., inflation) drive human conduct. Social imperatives,… Read More
Falling Apart but Falling Forward
Well, it is happening again. Another system failure. The red lights and sirens don’t sound, but the warning signs flare. I have become more aware of my body (and not in a good way).… Read More
Things can always get worse, but the generally work out in the end
We humans are strange creatures, are we not. We never quite seem to stay on a constant trajectory. Rather we undulate between ups and downs, highs and lows. The trivial and overwhelming events of… Read More
Left Behind
Life is full of vagaries, the twists and turns that make life both interesting and difficult. Often these are the result of outside forces that bombard us. However, sometimes they are circumstances of our… Read More
End of a Season
I awoke the other morning to something new (for this summer). It was crisp, a coolness that portended more than just another moderate summer day, one effected by the approach of storm front (we… Read More
Are you a Picker or a Chooser?
Life is nothing if not a series of branches on a “decision tree.” We make thousands of choices in our lifetimes. These decisions can vary in magnitude, ranging from the trivial to the profound.… Read More
Life is soup, and I am a fork!
Prompt to ChatGPT: “Write a humorous 800 word essay around the idea. “Life is soup and I am a fork.” Life is soup, and I am a fork. Now, before you roll your eyes… Read More
Life after Affirmative Action
Since the Johnson Administration in the 1960s, programs that collectively have come to be known as “Affirmative Action” have come into effect. These policies were thought to improve the employment and educational opportunities for… Read More
Everybody has a chapter they don’t read out loud
We all have a “story” of our life. It is full of the things we have done (and not done). Some lead to wonderful outcomes, the stories we love to tell. We build our… Read More
We are not Master of the Universe
In my younger years, I might have been termed an “angry young man.” I was not always mad or unhappy, I just got (extremely) frustrated when things got out of “my control.” This was… Read More
Personal Branding vs Security in the Online World
We all “build” ourselves a place in the world, our outward reflection. Previously, we defined it as your character, reputation, or status. Today, this would be termed a Personal Brand, “a widely-recognized perception or… Read More
So, what is “Retirement?”
I just completed another trip around the sun. I am “of that age” (now defined by Medicare and Social Security}. I am also experiencing all the maladies of old age: bad knees, bad shoulder,… Read More
The “R’s” of the New Economy
There has been a significant discontinuity in the economic environment centered on the COVID Pandemic. Its effects took hold in the US in early 2020 and began to fade by mid-2021. However, the lingering… Read More
What is “fair?”
We want a just and fair world. Whether it is a child who’s sibling got a better toy or an adult who feels that someone cheated them in a transaction, we all seem to… Read More
It’s a Brave New World…again!
My father’s generation witnessed an amazing technological transformation. In his lifetime, the world went from flimsy bi-planes (at barely over 100 mph) to the SR-71 that set a speed record over 2,100 mph. Man… Read More
Walk a Mile in your Shoes
There is much talk about “Woke-ism.” However, there is not even a consensus about what it means. The “popular” notion as defined In the Webster dictionary means being “aware of and actively attentive to… Read More
Second Thoughts and Second Chances
Another New Year. Along with birthdays, rolling over the date is how we keep score. It is a time to take stock of one’s life. In reality, the 1st of January is no different… Read More
Holiday rituals change, but Faith remains
Christmas has changed dramatically over the years. The wonder and excitement of waiting sleeplessly for Santa is a thing of the past. It is perhaps a child’s saddest moment to find out that Santa… Read More
Family is the Worst…and the Best!
We recently saw a show at the Barter Theater, “Over the River and Through the Woods.” It was funny. It was reflective. It was a story of family. “Sometimes they are related to us… Read More
The loss of a companion
Grief is a complicated emotion. It is triggered by many different types of events, and it does not follow a consistent path. Our ability to express it is wound up in an intricate interplay… Read More
The Day after Veteran’s Day
It seems apropos that I should be writing a column after Veteran’s Day because this is a discussion of the “after” (military service) that many military servicemembers face. To this end, we ought to… Read More
What type of “freedom” do we want today?
Our society is an evolving entity. It grows. It changes composition. It’s values and mores morph over time. Within this structure, the role of government has reflected this process. A fundamental question is whether… Read More
First Grandchild – a world transformed
We all face numerous life-changing experiences in our journey. Some of those events are the result of conscious decisions. At other times, the transition is unexpected. Certain situations seem to spring up of their… Read More
Putting the Student Loan Program into Perspective
For the past several years, there have been programs in place to mitigate the financial burden of student loan repayments. President Trump initially suspended student loan repayments during COVID-19 pandemic and that policy has… Read More
The Forgotten Man
The Forgotten Man Human history is replete with stories of those who have been left behind. It was not always the case, but today we strive to make life better for the “forgotten… Read More
What happened to our Grace?
In a recent discussion with my wife, the topic of Grace arose. We grant it to people when we first meet them, but over time, our ability to do so seems to fade, particularly… Read More
Life sometimes needs a “reboot”
This morning my computer did it again. Some of the programs went wonky. Between a hung “update” and too much junk in the cache, things slowed down (to the point of absolute frustration) or… Read More
Where is the economy headed?
The litany of risks to the global economy are manyfold: Federal Reserve tightening of the money supply, ongoing supply chain disruptions, persistent inflation, the lingering effects of the pandemic and a war in Ukraine. In… Read More
Can we solve our labor problems?
Can we solve our labor problems? Our region, despite some outward appearances, has some very troubling employment statistics The unemployment rate is modest (2.9%). The number of unfilled positions is relatively high (10,000 openings).… Read More
We constantly “remake” ourselves
I am in my mid-sixties (well past the halfway point). The most difficult task today is to try to figure out “what I want to do when I grow up.” This has been a… Read More
Who exactly was my First Boss?
Not long ago I was asked, “Who was my first boss?” It felt like a trick question, like when someone asks where I’m from. My flippant response is, “Yes.” I was an Army Brat… Read More
Bringing back the Past
Nostalgia is a funny thing. Originally it was considered a disease, “a morbid homesickness producing derangement of mental and physical functions.” Today, it is more placid, “a bittersweet longing for things, persons, or situations… Read More
We all need affirmation
Like many Baby Boomer’s, I grew up in the shadow of an imposing father. His was of a very different generation: no-nonsense, tough and distinctly unaffectionate. Or so it seemed at the time. I… Read More
Is Legal Immigration a Key to Solving our Labor Problems?
Perhaps it is time to talk about immigration … again. Set against the backdrop of an ever-decreasing supply of labor to meet the demands of our economy and the often-extremist views on both sides… Read More
Are we less virtuous than we used to be?
I frequently hear comments about the shifting societal morals. Typically, it is in a negative sense. “We have lost the important values.” The America I grew up in (the 50s and 60s) were halcyon… Read More
Change makes life worth living
Spring has sprung and with it the change of time. I have to say that I am pretty happy about that. I will miss neither the cold nor the darkness. There is nothing particularly… Read More
Wars and Rumors of Wars
We live in turbulent times. With Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine, Europe is now embroiled in the most significant armed conflict since World War II. It is being fought in Eastern Europe but threatens… Read More
Who says old dogs can’t be taught?
We have an old girl. Barb rescues “Doodles” (a dog breed of just about anything crossed with a poodle). They are beautiful, sweet creatures. She has gotten them from some pretty horrible conditions, including… Read More
Are we still the people we once imagined ourselves to be?
America was founded on a belief in freedom and individualism. Many of immigrants came here to escape persecution. Sadly, concurrently many people were also brought here under compulsion (African slaves) or treated with treachery… Read More
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.
We live in a dichotomous world. It is a place of contrast and contradiction, one in which the trends and direction forward are not clear. Yet, we must act. Our lives continue regardless of… Read More
Who wrote the Software Running in your Head?
Recently, Tesla founder and often outspoken entrepreneur, Elon Musk ended a Tweet with “Who wrote the software running in your head?” The analogy is prescient and the implications lead to a number of fundamental… Read More
What is the true purpose of our lives?
I recently penned a piece about what it means to “grow up.” It never really got to a fundamental question of life, one that starts early on and is likely never loses its relevance.… Read More
Remembrance Day for our Veterans
Veterans’ Day originally started as a commemoration of the Armistice that ended World War One on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. We have expanded that remembrance… Read More
Don’t leave home without it (a plan)
We all start things with optimism. Our expectation of the future is colored with what we wish things to be, often the “best case” scenario. But life is…well, life. It throws us lots of… Read More
Weddings bind generations and families in celebration
Our lives are paced by milestones that define each age: birth, graduations, weddings, children and death. We experience a cascade of beginnings and ends, of starts, stops and continuances. “Every new beginning comes from… Read More
Don’t see the world as it is not
The world seems to be “going to Hell in a handbasket,” a phrase my mom would occasionally use to describe the steady slide into chaos (or worse). The laws of thermodynamics apply: Life moves… Read More
I am a Stranger in a Strange Land
I sometimes feel “lost in space” (and time), a sentiment that seems to assault my being on a more frequent basis every year. Perhaps this is the inevitable consequence of growing old. Now that… Read More
The Government is here to help…or is it?
Over the course of the past twenty years, there has been a significant shift in our relationship with government. In part, this is the result of exogenous factors: the financial meltdown, the bursting of… Read More
A Beautiful Place to Live, if we Live up to our Potential
It sauntered over at a lackadaisical pace, its head down rooting around for something to eat. When it looked up, we were able to snap several great pictures. It was a black bear strolling… Read More
COVID can’t dampen the Human Spirit
We recently celebrated a significant, and joyous, occasion for our family. My daughter graduated from medical school and is off to start the next phase of her life’s great adventure. With the bestowing of… Read More
Where did the employees go?
There is a growing problem in our country. The economy is now recovering from the government-imposed mandates which effectively shut down the national economy. However, employment has not matched that growth. Employers are now… Read More
Is the government ban on menthol cigarettes racist?
The government has become ever more vociferous in its efforts to safeguard us (from ourselves). This approach to dealing with its citizens as a guardian is reminiscent of “big brother” in George Orwell’s novel,… Read More
The Era of Big Government (spending) is back
For much of my early adult life, I witnessed the struggle between fiscal responsibility and the reach of government, particularly at the Federal level. Without a statutory requirement to balance the budget, the temptation… Read More
Rebuilding the American Dream requires more than conflict
Lieutenant Clark “never hesitates to offer well-reasoned, if sometimes unpopular views.” Those words adorned the comment block of my first Officer Efficiency Report. This column offers both; a “well-reasoned” argument but some in this… Read More
We must look at economic development in a new light
“Everyone wants things to be different, but no one wants anything to change.” That could be the mantra of our region. Yet changes, in technology, culture, business activity, as a result of the Pandemic… Read More
We can be World Class
It pains me to watch us flog ourselves like some medieval flagellants. Certainly, our region is far from perfect; we suffer from many of the same ills as other rural areas. Yet, despite significant… Read More
We all must find purpose in our lives
I don’t quite know what I am. I turn 65 next month and just registered for Medicare. Social Security looms on the horizon. I am putting it off and justify it with the notion… Read More
Faith without a Strategy is just Hope
Life seems in flux. There are so many forces acting on us these days: the Pandemic; stresses on the economy; and change of administration after a brutal bloody campaign. These produce points of conflict… Read More
Is Anarchy our Future?
A New Year. Time to shed off the old and start anew. But sometimes, the baggage of the past comes back to haunt us. The weight of events gone by seem to overwhelm the… Read More
How many “next times” do we have?
When I was young, the world seemed endless. Youth gives you a type of serenity knowing there was always “next time” (another Spring Break, another football game, or another Christmas to celebrate). When an… Read More
It will be a different Christmas this year
I have struggled to find my voice this week, emotions and feelings are mixed. Every time I start to write, I end up down the rabbit hole of COVID. Like some toxic vapor, it… Read More
Life in the time of COVID
“May you live in interesting times.” Today seems the epitome of this Chinese curse. Ours is the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The world we live in is partially like the old days and… Read More
We need an alternative approach to regional economic development
Regardless of the name (Tri-Cities, Upper East Tennessee or Appalachian Highlands), we live or die as one region. However, we have been unable to formulate a coherent story that incorporates and mutually benefits the… Read More
What happened to the “Big Tent?”
I grew of age (politically speaking) in the Reagan era. I watched the economic and social malaise of the 1970s recede before a message of hope and optimism. A renewed American spirit took hold.… Read More
Will our Electoral System withstand the assault?
America is unique in many ways. Perhaps the most remarkable feature of our country is the fact that for over 230 years we have had a peaceful transition of power and leadership. Even during… Read More
Our National Mythology – the “American Dream” – is under assault
There is growing momentum to rethink the saga of our country. This “Revisionist History” is the reinterpretation of orthodox views on evidence, motivations, and actions surrounding past events. This development has both ardent proponents… Read More
A Weekend to Remember
I sit on the porch and look across the ever-growing grass at the hills beyond. The sun is warming the cool late summer morning. Labor Day has broken. It used to be the last… Read More
Be thankful even in this time of adversity
Our world seems to be coming apart at the seams. A pandemic has swept the globe infecting millions and killing thousands. The government’s response to shut down the economy has created unprecedented personal hardships.… Read More
What are we fighting about?
Our country seems to be at war with itself. Peaceful protests over the specific cases of police abuse have devolved into a broader, more violent protest against government institutions and actions. These issues have… Read More
FAITH, HOPE & STRATEGY
An entrepreneur’s favorite word is “yes.” We are perpetual optimists. Success is always possible. If you ever stop believing that, shut your operation down immediately and find something else to do that will make… Read More
How do we Change the Narrative of our History
It is difficult to discuss issues of prejudice and race, particularly in these emotionally charged times. All too quickly we find ourselves jammed into a corner somehow defending a more extreme position than you… Read More
We must rebuild the legitimacy of our government institutions
Legitimacy and moral authority. These are glue that binds government and its institutions like police, the courts, and the military to the citizens. When such institutions lose their legitimacy, they lose the moral authority… Read More
The Space Launch reveals the Better Side of our Society
“Three…two…one…Liftoff.” Those are words that have not been heard for many years. On Saturday afternoon, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule with two U.S. astronauts aboard from Cape Canaveral. It was… Read More
We Need a Balanced Approach to the Pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic is a tragedy in two parts. It has affected our health and our economy. Policy seems to be driven by the former and the government shutdown of business and unprecedented stimulus… Read More
The Pandemic has hit a “Reset Switch”
It is a bit unnerving to see the world in which you grew up come unhinged. This is what it must have been like to watch the Great Depression roll over the country, tearing… Read More
What will our post-Apocalyptic World look like?
What will our post-Apocalyptic World look like? The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions in the entire fabric of modern life. We avoid contact with people (even friends and family) and sequester in our… Read More
Who should get the Bailout?
During the financial crisis of 2008, Wall Street banks received massive taxpayer subsidies to stay afloat. They were “too big to fail,” a policy based on the belief that these companies, if they folded,… Read More
Did Bernie Sanders Win the Debate?
At the South Carolina Democratic Presidential Debate, most of the candidates attacked Bernie Sanders, in an attempt to forestall his momentum going into the Super Tuesday primary elections. They appeared to have been successful.… Read More
Our Lives are full of Decisions
There it sits, huge, bright and shining, consuming the landscape like the sun rising over a distant horizon. It glares at me, a decision to be made, one too long deferred. The familiarity of… Read More
The Bright Side of Bernie Sanders or Why Socialism will Fail
It now looks like the neo-socialists, in particular Bernie Sanders, are making a strong showing in the early Democratic Party primaries. The “moderate” candidate, Joe Biden, has slipped from the clear front-runner to a… Read More
Whom shall we mourn?
There was recently a tragic event that took the life of a venerable citizen of our country. Kobe Bryant, a beloved basketball icon and an individual who tried to give back to his community.… Read More
Why ya gotta love (and hate) Trump
Trump is a horrible guy. Arrogant. Narcissistic. Crass. Really, just not much to like about the guy….except, he is what America needed at a particular moment in time and space. Let’s be honest, America… Read More
Musings on a year gone by
I suppose it is inevitable that as a new year approaches, we would undertake a retrospective of the one gone by. However, in reality the difference between January 1st and any other day of… Read More
What are the limits of Free Speech?
There has recently been some controversy in Kingsport, which has centered on the trade-off between good order and safety versus the exercise of free speech and freedom to assemble. One effort has been focused… Read More
New Family Traditions
Our Thanksgivings have been changing. This year was a milestone. My parents are deceased, as are Barb’s. Neither of us is from this area. We have a blended family with five kids. They are… Read More
Will Regionalism Succeed this Time?
Here we go again. There is yet another attempt to pull the Tri-Cities region together. At last there is movement towards the consolidation of the external industrial recruiting programs. We have even re-named ourselves… Read More
Do We have a Mental Health Crisis?
I have recently watched an email thread among my West Point classmates discussing the suicide epidemic among veterans, particularly combat vets. Why do so many people appear to have mental impairments? Moreover, why do current conditions seem… Read More
Is Trump wrong for pulling out of Syria?
There has been much hue and cry about the recent decision to remove American forces from Syria. The Kurds were stalwart allies in the fight against ISIS. It appears that we abandoned a valuable… Read More
What is more important, the Message or the Messenger?
Our understanding of politics is muddled by confusion between policy and image, between the message and the messenger. In today’s debates, one side despises the President because he is a repugnant human being and… Read More
What do we do with the Homeless
Several weeks ago, while sitting outside at a local downtown restaurant, we observed a man stumbling down the street. His course veered off towards the benches in the median and with a blood-curdling “thump”… Read More
Stupidity has its own rewards
“Could-a. Should-a. Would-a.” The mantra of someone who just screwed-up. My mantra over the weekend. I could have worn a pair of hiking shorts with deeper pockets. I should have left the other keys… Read More
So similar, yet so very unalike
I have just returned from a trip out west to Rocky Mountain National Park. Like the Smokey Mountains of our region, the vistas are awe-inspiring. Likewise, Estes Park is not dissimilar to Gatlinburg, lots… Read More
Why don’t we use what we have?
Sunday night I attended a concert at the back portico of the MeadowView Conference Center. It was affiliated with the Tennessee Big Shots, the regional World Long Drive golf championships, which was a magnificent… Read More
Who should pay the bill for bad decisions?
It is time for a serious discussion about personal responsibility. At this point, I will warn the reader that some of my commentary may seem insensitive, but we need to to address the problem.… Read More
There is more to a handshake than you think
President Trump is well-known for his unique handshake, for better or worse. To say the least, it is firm. He also has a habit of patting the other shaker’s hand, a gesture that is… Read More
Perhaps the “Greatest Generation” still lives on today
A quite afternoon on Boone Lake was interrupted by an unmistakable sound, the roar of four huge radial engines clawing an ancient bird of war through the air. As I looked up into a… Read More
We Find Happiness in the Simple Things
What is happiness? In definition, it is a state of pleasure or contentment. The former is an active state, the latter passive. Yet, either seems difficult to achieve or, more definitively, to maintain. Life… Read More
Will it make the boat go faster?
I recently read an insightful article about the British rowing team training for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. They developed a very simple approach. Before they did anything, they asked one question: “Will it make… Read More
The modern world makes me better informed, but not a better person
Atop of the line Apple iPhone costs $1,500; a new Google Pixel 3XL will set you back almost a thousand bucks. “Absolutely outrageous!” Well, maybe. When you think of what a mobile device (it’s… Read More
We are in the midst of another “Me too” movement
There is another “me too” movement and our region is squarely in the middle of it. This is not about sexual harassment, it is about continuously being a follower. We always seem to be… Read More
Will 2024 look like 1984
I have watched the rapid “progress” of our society over the past fifty years and I am concerned. I have witnessed the evil of repressive regimes. I fear that what once seemed to have… Read More
We get the Leadership we deserve
It is appalling to garner information about our national politics from virtually any agency these days. Sources like the New York Times and NPR that I once admired for their in-depth, if left-leaning analysis,… Read More
Don’t let the Old Man in?
I recently read an interesting email exchange between several of my West Point classmates. The topic was aging. We are approaching our fortieth reunion; we are no longer young men. One quoted Clint Eastwood.… Read More
It is time for a real change in leadership in Kingsport
Kingsport’s current mayor John Clark recently announced that he won’t seek another term. In the recent Times News interview, he was asked whether he planned to stay in Kingsport. His answer was both genuine… Read More
Found, but never lost
Whoosh! As the garage door came up, out they blew in a whirlwind like a Haboob off the Sahara. I knew it was coming. They had been in the pen all day; they needed… Read More
Your presence is the best present
We are now in the throes of the holiday season. In fact, due to an early Thanksgiving, we get an extra week and weekend to revel this year (and to shop). I have a… Read More
What am I truly thankful for?
Today is Thanksgiving, a day of giving thanks. But what am I truly thankful for? In the grand scheme of things, I must admit that it has been an above average year…in a pretty… Read More
We must infuse Rational Behavior into our Immigration Policy
A “caravan” of migrants is slowly winding its way towards the US border. If it is allowed to enter the country illegally and without consequence, we can expect the flood gates to swing open… Read More
Perhaps it is Time to Stop “civilizing” our Society
Over my lifetime, I have seen a constant impetus to further “civilize” our society. This is widely perceived as a “good” thing and to question the validity of such an assumption sets one outside… Read More
Is there a statute of limitations on political correctness?
I have now lived long enough to be a fundamental part of two different centuries. I have witnessed multiple generations: my parents (the Greatest Generation), my own (Baby Boomers), my children (the tail end… Read More
The Greatness of a Nation is Measured not by Rhetoric but by its Values
The new Nike commercial featuring Colin Kaepernick, with the tag line, “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything,” has caused significant controversy. He chose to take a knee during the playing of the… Read More
We all need colleagues, family, friends and mentors
“No man is an island, entire of itself…” John Done wrote those words 400 years ago and they have remained true over the centuries. Our journey through this world is a tough one, the… Read More
What is so bloody hard about “regionalism.”
The idea that we would act in a concerted fashion for the betterment of the entire area just makes sense. Or, does it? To the participants (government, businesses and individuals) cooperation is rational only… Read More
There is not always a tomorrow
I recently had a sad revelation that time slips away faster than we imagine. It is easy to convince yourself that what you didn’t get done today can be done tomorrow. And, there is… Read More
Lies we have been told (and how they affect policy)
What is a lie? One meaning is, “a statement that creates a false or misleading impression.” By this definition it is fair to say that our government “lies” to us all of the time.… Read More
We need to be realistic about regionalism if it is to succeed
There is another fledgling push towards regionalism. I applaud the concept. It is too long in coming even if the forces of inertia mitigate against what is undoubtedly the tide of the future. It… Read More
America is being ruled by Executive Order and Judicial Decree
Recently, I had a discussion with a colleague about the American landscape. In this I do not mean the “purple mountain’s majesty” and “amber waves of grain.” Rather, the political and policy environment and… Read More
We find happiness when we least expect it
There is growing momentum to rethink the saga of our country. This “Revisionist History” is the reinterpretation of orthodox views on evidence, motivations, and actions surrounding past events. This development has both ardent proponents… Read More
I’m an Analog Guy in a Digital World
I am an analog guy in a digital world. The simpler things become, the more complex it seems to be. I am surrounded by technology more sophisticated than me: a phone the size of… Read More
Healthcare has become a game with few winners
I am about to dip my toe into some very murky water indeed. It is deeply influenced by the government and manipulated by major corporations. It is required by virtually every person (citizen or… Read More
Foreign Influence in Domestic Affairs is part of the Game
The Russians are trying to influence American elections. What? No way! How dare they do such a dastardly thing. Apparently, the fact that one nation would try to influence the leadership and character of… Read More
Should Immigration Policy be based on Quantity or Quality?
For the most part, the immigration debate in America is predicated on different fundamental assumptions. Because the start-points are starkly different, coherent discussion seems impossible. One side, call them the pro-immigration group, appears to… Read More
It is hard to live an examined life
Life is never stable. If things went according to plan, in line with our desires, we would rarely feel the need to make New Year’s resolutions. Yet, here it is, the beginning of another… Read More
What has happened to the American Dream?
The American Dream is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and… Read More
America’s Social Contract has broken down
Currently, America is marred by deep divisions and political conflict. This is largely the result of the breakdown of the Social Contract between the government and the people. The legitimacy of governmental authority rests… Read More
Give thought to what you give thanks to
Today is Thanksgiving. But, for what are we to be thankful for? And to whom? How should we view the “good” things and people that enter our lives? Are these just random occurrences, the… Read More
The constant expansion of Kingsport’s government must be restrained
I recently read with incredulity about the City of Kingsport’s potential purchase of the Regents Bank building in downtown Kingsport. To paraphrase Ronald Reagan, “Here they go again…” The city’s bureaucracy is on the… Read More
Who built modern Kingsport?
Much of Kingsport’s centennial celebration seems to be focused on its founding. Far less emphasis has been placed on the past few decades. This is in part understandable, since much of its character and… Read More
Is it unpatriotic to kneel during the National Anthem
What is patriotism? It seems fairly simple and straightforward…”the love for or devotion to one’s country.” I think we often confuse patriotism with nationalism. That is, we implicitly align allegiance to country with loyalty… Read More
Confederate Statues are but a symbol of our social divide
I have watched the mounting political divide in our country with growing unease. The rhetoric and actions have become more and more extreme, hostile and divisive. I fear that without some substantive reconciliation, we… Read More
What will they think of us at Kingsport’s Bicentennial?
Kingsport is in the process of celebrating its centennial birthday. Congratulations to us! And, more important, a hearty “thank you” to all those who, over the past century, have believed in, worked for and… Read More
Ten Phrases to Live by
We are faced with twists and turns in life. There are always forks in the road. Some are the easy ones: the most direct route between two points is a straight line. That works… Read More
Let’s forget about “fake news” and search for the truth
We are at yet another gridlock on Capitol Hill. Unilateral healthcare reform won’t be passed and it is unlikely repeal (actually only partial repeal) will succeed as well. Why is it so difficult for… Read More
Making America great again, means including us all
Independence Day, is the celebration the July 4th, 1776 declaration of the American Colonies’ right to be free from tyranny. Perhaps the most poignant line in that seminal document is that … “all men… Read More
Father’s Day matters because Fathers matter
This past Sunday was the official Father’s Day, a celebration honoring fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. Father’s Day started as a Catholic tradition as the Feast of Saint Joseph,… Read More
The Paris Climate Change Accord is a Flawed Agreement
There are a couple of ways to look at the Paris Climate Accord. First, it is a mechanism to get the entire world to focus on and take action to lessen the impact of… Read More
It is time for business leaders to step up to the plate
In a recent sermon, Dr Tim Elmore spoke about leadership and a quotation he used from Chronicles seems appropriate not just to the past, but to the issues our community faces today. Their leaders… Read More
Failed leadership to blame for Kingsport’s problems
What is happening in Kingsport? In a nutshell, we are not growing, and the attempts to “prime the pump” have been largely unsuccessful. We must alter course. First, a sobering dose of reality. We… Read More
To get anything done, it’s all about the votes
When I served on the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen, my mantra was “It’s all about four votes.” With seven members, you had to have four votes to pass any item. It didn’t… Read More
Trade Policy is not as Simple as we Think
There has been much debate about the benefits or costs associated with “free trade.” To some, foreign trade is the devil incarnate-it has cost America jobs and negatively impacted our economy. To others, it… Read More
Compassion and Logic clash in our Immigration Policy
I recently heard a sermon preaching on the virtue of compassion, “concern for the misfortune of others accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate that suffering.” Truly that seems a worthy human emotion and… Read More
A strategic business mindset can turn Kingsport around
Kingsport seems to be in a perpetual state of flux. As we face our pains, perhaps an interesting question to ask might be, “How would Kingsport act if they were a business in similar… Read More
New Year’s Day gives us an opportunity to start anew
If the end of the year is about forgiveness, then the beginning of the year must be about starting anew. In that respect, perhaps there is a reason for the week lag between Christmas… Read More
There is Clash of National Vision occurring in our Country
We are witnessing a truly important event in American history. It amounts to a clash of culture or perhaps more appropriately stated, a confrontation of two diverging visions of our country. On one side… Read More
Sometimes we forget the real Good News of the season
This is not the column I set out to write, but it is the one I needed to write. I was gearing up for another political rant…once again railing against the established political order… Read More
Beauty that gives us insight into a better world
Today started like most others, my phone alarm going off. Sleepily, I put it on snooze, only to be awakened ten minutes later with the same cobwebs in my brain. Then, I roll over… Read More
A Tribute to our Veterans
Veterans’ Day originally started as a commemoration of the Armistice that ended World War One on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. We have expanded that remembrance… Read More
Now that the Election is over, Empathy is the key to moving our country forward
President Donald Trump! A year ago, such an outcome would have seemed incredibly farfetched. His victory flew in the face of the polling and the prognostication of the pundits. It has likely panicked the… Read More
Has the Media Stolen the Election?
There have been many accusations, particularly by the Trump camp, that the media is biased and stealing the election. I find his commentary ironic in that the media both made and is in the… Read More
Government seems to distain those it governs
As we approach the Presidential election, it might be useful to step back a bit and ponder the real impact of the election. To be sure, basic philosophy and policy stances matter. However, we… Read More
Our Presidential Choice is between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Well, the first presidential debate is over and the candidates did nothing that fundamentally changed my perspective. We have a couple of very bad contenders from which to choose. Hillary Clinton is the product… Read More
Accepting our circumstances is key to real change
There are some very smart people in this world. I have been the recipient of some extremely thoughtful commentary over the past week. These seem particularly relevant to the struggles our community faces. I… Read More
The Olympic Spirit can help Make America Great
I love to watch the Olympics. In addition to a display of unabashed Nationalism (a feeling often lost in the environment of globalism), it is a period when competition rules the day. We are… Read More
Perhaps it is time to start the search for new ideas and new leadership
I guess I don’t understand government because it sure looks like we are headed in the wrong direction. In business, when times get challenging, you learn to become more efficient. Recently, an industry executive… Read More
Kingsport’s Leaders must start looking to the Future
There is a significant public dialog (nay, debate) ongoing in our community about the future. This is magnificent! It is the logical follow-on discussion that should occur. We should not only accept it; we… Read More
Kingsport has become a “Progressive” Community
I would like to a thank our current elected City officials for their service and their willingness to grapple with some very difficult questions. When we criticize them, we should remember the words of… Read More
Our future demands a more considered approach
I am growing weary and angry with our government’s continued demand for ever increasing tax revenue and the endless march of regulations that stifle business activity. So much for our Federal government. Sadly, the… Read More
Personal Responsibility is Key to a Less Intrusive Government
I have written before of my concern about the degradation of our government’s functioning and the apparent growing unwillingness of individuals to take responsibility for their lives. I believe there is a causal connection… Read More
We have forgotten Common Sense in our Social Policy
At the risk of being “politically incorrect,” I think It is time to have a frank talk about “political correctness.” I fully appreciate the idea behind the term, defined as “the avoidance of expression… Read More
The American Political System is in Chaos
I am concerned because we are witnessing an unprecedented decline in the way our country is governed. The problem starts with our form of government. Winston Churchill once said, “Democracy is the worst form… Read More
The American Political System is in Chaos
As we stand on the eve of another presidential election, we are witnessing an unprecedented decline in the way our country is governed. The problem starts with our form of government. Winston Churchill once… Read More
Growing older does not put your obligations aside
Today, I turn sixty. I am officially “old.” I know, people are always saying, “You’re only as old as you feel.” Well, somedays I feel really old. A bad back, two bad knees… Read More
We are headed for an appalling Presidential Race
As I follow the evolution of the Presidential campaign, one word best seems to describe my feelings, “Appalling!” I am not necessarily surprised that the specific candidates that have emerged, but I am appalled… Read More
Yes, there is truly Christmas and it still means something
Tomorrow is Christmas. It has become a huge secular celebration of giving, but seemingly more and more simply an anachronism for much of the American populous. I suppose it is both. Then again, perhaps… Read More
Radical Islam is a threat to the Civilized World
Dear Senator Clinton and President Obama, “There is Radical Islam!” Both senior elected officials refuse to use the term and they are dead wrong. To deny that such a concept is to fundamentally misunderstand… Read More
One Question that Could Change Your Life Forever
I recently saw an article in Entrepreneur Magazine entitled, “The One Question that Could Change Your Life Forever.” Now that is a very powerful statement, one that evoked a strong desire to read the… Read More
The United States is Losing Influence in the World
President Obama recently gave a speech at the United Nations. The principal topic was the war against the “so called” Islamic State. (As an aside, I resent our policy makers leaving out the modifier… Read More
The house is empty; the chicks have flown the coop
September is the last hurrah. Well, at least it marks another significant milestone in life. My kids are off the payroll (well-mostly). Last week, my last child moved away to start his great adventure… Read More
When it comes to spending, we are starting to look like Washington
“Tax and Spend!” That is the derisive slogan often used to unflatteringly describe the current liberal-dominated Federal Executive. In our region, we are generally skeptical of government’s constant call for tax payers to “give… Read More
Activist government policy is undermining the economy
There are a number of governmental proposals floating around that purport to create jobs and enhance the flagging middle class. Sadly, they will likely come to naught for there is precious little any… Read More
Even in loss, our pets can bring us joy
We lost a family member a few weeks ago. I say this with the emotion that only a “pet person” can feel. We buried my little cat. He was a stray found down at… Read More
Understanding and Tolerance is the appropriate response to the Confederate Flag
For all of our celebrations of unity during the 4th of July, there is still much that divides our country. Of course, this should be expected from a country that is often described… Read More
We need to build the “New Kingsport Experience”
As I have grown older, I find that I am less interested in “things” and more interested in “experiences.” I have become practical with the things that don’t really matter and prefer to… Read More
Generational change creates both challenges and opportunities for Kingsport
I visited Nashville this week. I attended an entrepreneurial conference and combined a short weekend vacation with my wife. What a vibrant town! It is loaded with young people, a term that for… Read More
It is time for a(nother) dialogue on racial issues in America
The recent civil unrest in Cleveland, Baltimore, and previously in Ferguson, Missouri, once again dredge up some of the lingering deep social divisions in our country. At the outset, we ought to acknowledge that… Read More
Kingsport can “draft” off the successes of our neighbors
So often life seems like a “zero-sum” game. If one person wins another, by definition, must lose. This condition assumes not only that the size of the pie is constant, you either get… Read More
Kingsport’s Strategy – Similarities with 1997
What Kingsport is missing is a coherent strategic plan. More important, as a community we do not think strategically. Perhaps this sounds like pedantic nonsense, but I would argue differently. Strategy First, remember what… Read More
Kingsport needs to develop a Competitive Strategy
Kingsport stands at the edge of precipice. We must make a choice. This will occur either by contentious decision or it will happen as momentum randomly drives us off the edge. But make… Read More
Kingsport must embrace change and harness it to build our future
We are facing a brave new world. Within our region there are great shifts afoot. For Kingsport, not all of those are positive. It is time for us to change. Like it or… Read More
Kingsport is in the midst of a profound generational shift
Life in a community like Kingsport moves at its own placid pace. We don’t boom. We don’t bust. And we change at a glacial speed. But, change we do. I first noticed that something… Read More
Some advice for our candidates for local office
Over the past several months, I have been approached by a number of potential candidates for local office. On the one hand, I am flattered that some would seek my counsel about a task… Read More
The Super Bowl reminds us that sports mirror life
Super Bowl XLIX is now in the record books. By the way, it is probably time to stop using Roman Numerals now that the number is beyond anyone but Caesar’s ability to decipher… Read More
The road not taken simply leads to other roads to take
It is a beautiful sunny day today. You could almost be forgiven for believing that Spring is just around the corner. Of course it is not, but it is not hard to buoy… Read More
The Laws of Physics apply to all of Life
We often think of human interactions, the social and economic systems we establish, as a special. In reality, they operate in much the same way normal things around us do. In fact, the concepts… Read More
Thankfully we still have brave few to man the ramparts against evil
Thirty years ago, I commanded an Armored Cavalry Troop in Europe. We patrolled the border with East Germany. It was a sobering experience and it brought me face to face with evil. … Read More
Without Personal Responsibility, no great society can long survive
I was five years old and it is one of the most memorable experiences of my childhood. I “sneaked” several pieces of candy before dinner and was caught. My mother asked if I had… Read More
Ebola presents a new National Security Threat to America
The current Ebola outbreak in West Africa is rapidly becoming a security threat to the United States. While the developed world is probably capable of handling a small-scale outbreak internally, the incident in Texas… Read More
It is time to take the gloves off in the Middle East
The recent emergence of a terrorist group in Syria and Iraq has created a dilemma for U.S. policy (I think we should refuse to give that group any legitimacy by either calling them a… Read More
Reunions remind us of both who we were and who we would want to become
I recently returned from my 35th Reunion at West Point. Sadly, I had lost touch with many of my classmates over the intervening years since graduation. Yet, I walked away from the weekend with… Read More
Leaders must accept responsibility for their actions
“What is wrong with Kingsport?” It is absolute heresy to even utter those words. If you do, you are a nay-sayer who will not see the good, a “glass half empty kind of… Read More
Perhaps it is time to rethink the “indirect approach” to growth of our community
Much has happened over the past twenty years in Kingsport. The community is much improved. Despite the difficult choices that our leaders must make when it comes to taxes and expenditures, we have much… Read More
Social evolution is trying to keep pace with technological change
Recently, I was contemplating the nature of relationships. I have also found that the character of interpersonal relationships seems to morph over time. Specifically, over the course of the past two decades I… Read More
The Future Demands a Response
This time of year is one of celebration and optimism. Last weekend, I attended my daughter, Katie’s graduation from Duke. It is always a bit melancholy to have such a milestone pass. Inevitably,… Read More
The problems with VA’s Healthcare System are a harbinger of things to come with ObamaCare
I have followed the difficulties the Department of Veterans Affairs has been going through with sadness. It is hard to listen to stories about deferred care for those who have made sacrifices for their… Read More
Each day is an opportunity to make the world a better place
As I opened my eyes one morning last week, I looked out over a beautiful landscape: snow falling, a white cap on the railing, misty ponds in the background; a sky that was gray,… Read More
The Holidays give us Hope for the Future – Christmas 2008
Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! The ubiquitous greetings of the season. Late Autumn, with Thanksgiving and Christmas is a time to enjoy the family and give thanks for the blessings of this life. The Norman… Read More
Sometimes the way forward requires a leap of faith
I awoke early one morning. As I tried to go back to sleep, I began to think of my father. He died early, at age 72. I came to the stark realization that… Read More
Live each day to the fullest because time catches up to you
Sadly, I have reached that age! The result of this onset of “old-timers disease” has been two-fold. First, I have become more aware of my body and not in a good way. When… Read More
Instead of fearing our future, Kingsport should work to shape it
I have often said that Kingsport needs a new strategy for the future. Unfortunately, after teaching strategy at West Point, I have come to understand that strategic thought is not intuitive to many people.… Read More
It is time for Kingsport to abandon the ‘Cult of Growth’
Economic growth has become a very important topic of late. Growth implies jobs, more goods and services, improved choices for consumers and more tax revenue for government. All of that sounds great. However, growth… Read More
The citizenry must take action to reclaim Kingsport’s future
I am deeply concerned with the direction our community is headed. For all of our efforts at visioning and strategizing, we still lack a coherent view of what our community should be in the… Read More
Strategy – an idea that works
Strategy: The efficient allocation of Limited Resources to accomplish Prioritized Objectives in a Competitive Environment. Strategy is the process of matching of means (resources) to ends (objectives) in a competitive environment. To do this… Read More
