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We Have Only Ourselves to Blame

 Since we're rapidly closing in on another Presidential election cycle, I've been thinking a lot about why I am so disillusioned with our government and how to move forward.  This is the time when the clown cars are at their fullest; every blowhard who can find their way to a microphone will soon flood the airwaves with nonsense trying to convince you that their myopic, xenophobic, homophobic worldview is the answer to your ills.  They'll tell you to be afraid of minorities, immigrants, history, climate change, even your own shadow because fear motivates action and they figure you'll be compelled to pick them to stand in front of the bogeyman and protect you.  Then, there's the other side who will try to sell you a new picture of the American Dream, full of hope, peace and prosperity so long as you put your full faith (and wallet) in their capable hands.  Each side has a certain appeal, but the extreme vitriolic hyperbole that spews out of them makes you wonder ...
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Michigan State University

I was trying to figure out what to write next, and before I went to bed last night I saw the tragic news out of Michigan State.  Again.  Yet another senseless act of violence that we have come to accept as just an unfortunate part of American life.  Before I go on, first things first.  Parents, hug your kids.  Let them know they are loved no matter what.  Kids, realize that no matter how bad things seem to be in your life there is always another answer than harming yourself or others.  Find positive influences in your circle; I promise you they are out there.   I have a teenage daughter and my heart stops every time I get a "temporary hold" email from her school due to police activity in the area.  Nobody should have to live like that.  For the record, yes, I am a gun owner.  I have a license to carry and I have taught my daughter how to shoot.  I believe that every person has to make a decision on what they are prepared t...
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The Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice Debate: What Those Terms Really Mean

 There is probably not a more polarizing issue in American politics today than the debate over abortion.  Much like the slavery debates in the 1800's, abortion is something that terrifies each side when the other gains the majority in power for one primary reason: each side is hell-bent on assigning weighted value to a human life.  The left will tell you that laws should almost exclusively focus on the well-being of expectant mothers, while the right focuses their energies on the rights of the unborn child with the same fervor.  Each side has created a platform that leads their followers to think that one has intrinsically more value than the other, and therefore is more deserving of protection under the law.  They've also created a false vocabulary that we must first understand and correct if we ever hope to come up with reasonable public policy on this critical human rights area.  Let's start by breaking that vocabulary down: "Pro Life" as opposed to "Ant...
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Introduction: Let the Blogging Games Begin!

 Hey everyone!  This is my first time doing something like this, but I plan to use this space to spark conversation about various topics that are important to me.  All opinions are my own, and Lord knows I don't claim to have all the answers, but I hope what I share here provokes some thoughts and even conversations.  I know in this day of keyboard warriors that it's far too easy to spew vitriolic nonsense without worrying about the consequences; that's not me at all.  I used my own name here for a reason.  You disagree with me?  Cool!  I love to learn new things and actually talk things through, especially with those who have a different perspective.  You want to call people names, spout hatred and vicious nonsense to feel better about yourself?  Take it somewhere else (the internet has PLENTY of outlets for you). So, who am I?  I'm a tech geek by trade, international relations geek by education.  I've spent over 25 years impl...
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