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
Tagged: policy
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
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
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
