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
Life & Politics Blog
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
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
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
