Democracy Made America Great

No matter the heights one has climbed or occupation; from working in a factory to a supervisory role to a teacher or politician...trust is not granted because of title it's earned.    Asked anyone who is truly 'made it' and they are likely to tell you the same thing. In today's political climate and discourse there seems to be too little adherence to this time tested principle of 'earning' ones trust.    It is through hard work, honesty, candor, involving other in decision making, transparency (I'm getting so I'm tired of this term) and adherence to the value of those around you that leads to 'earning' the trust of others. The mere fact that an individual the title of doctor, teacher, senator, shift manager, president, CEO or any other manifestation of a leadership position the fact of the matter is that the title in and of itself doesn't mean one has yet earned the trust of others. In the current climate of harsh discourse and lea...

Just a quick note on what to many might be a trivial issue but it is worth mentioning with regard to the separation of parents and children at our southern border.    I'll have much to say on this going forward but allow me to point out the fact that 'soft power' (diplomacy and interaction) has a good deal to do with immigration and the ongoing crisis at the border. Soft power - diplomacy - has an important role in making sure relations are strong and that communication remains open.    Diplomacy can have much to do with economics, trade, cultural exchange, immigration and much more. It ought to be noted that our country currently has NO ambassador in Honduras, Panama and Belize.    Going without these positions being filled is harmful and is likely to have an impact on immigration.   The sooner these seats are filled we will be all the better for it. Dick

Just a personal note as I am embark to get this blog up and going.    For many years I taught Social Studies and, in part, I tried to emphasize the importance of our form of government.     It is my belief that our type of democracy has not only formed the existence and core of our society but it has long sustained our nation's growth. My primary goal is to see to it that Americans understand the importance of preserving and defending the component parts of our democratic institutions.    It would be nice if our democracy would always flourish but that will only happen with informed and active participation.    It is critical to note that nothing sustains itself out of pure inertia. I don't want to kid anyone...this is not a blog about how I feel about Donald Trump.   I have very strong feelings about his deeds and policy decisions and I want to make these deeds/policies the major focus of my writing.   It is a blo...