Archived Blog Posts

 

Archived web-log posts by Gregory Lewis from the Wordpress website moved to Google’s Blogger on 24 August, 2022. I tried to preserve the original blog content, as best I could. I could not update the Wordpress website hosted by the GoDaddy Website Hosting Service for more than 5 months, so I stopped all new money payments to the GoDaddy Website Hosting Service on 1 August, 2022.

 

 

POSTED ON MARCH 9, 2022

Long Live Big Tech

Since the invention of the wheel technology has played an important part in shaping the economy, forging a national identity, and helping to define religion. If all Men are truly created equal by God, then the Man who wields the best technology will ultimately rule the day.

It is not a coincidence the Big Tech companies of Wall Street led the U.S. out of the recent pandemic-inspired stock market crash and recession. Nearly all of the stock market gains of 2021 was a result of only a small handful of Big Tech companies. The “Stay-At-Home” stocks of the past two years was a “who’s who” of Big Tech companies. Personal Computers are now considered essential devices for surviving any pandemic crisis. GameStop retail gaming stores was the top performing stock on Wall Street, on a stock price basis.

The United States was the first country to land a man on the Moon. Technology is as American as apple pie. PC’s and the internet will play a critical role in online education. Online education will reshape America and the rest of the world for generation to come. Almost every aspect of civil society will be effected by online education and related technologies.

I am a Christian Baptist. However, during the past two years of the pandemic crisis I have watched online streaming Church services of every Christian denomination. I have even explored some of my Native American roots and other alternative religious studies. Various PC and online technologies have put a wealth of spiritual research, communication and collaboration within a few clicks of the computer’s mouse.

In conclusion, technology has played an important role in defining civilization since the early days of the wheel. Technology continues to shape the world, and our individual world-views. Big Tech companies dominate the stock market and economy. Society will be transformed for generations to come by present and emerging education technologies. Long live Big Tech.

 

 

POSTED ON FEBRUARY 5, 2022

An Ode to Meteorology

I check the weather forecast on an almost daily basis. I consider the meteorologists of the Weather Channel and other major news channels good friends, since I wake up to them regularly. Much of agriculture, retail, travel, sports and many other commercial industries rely heavily on particular favorable weather patterns. The military and space sectors also depend on various meteorological reports. Indeed, many prehistoric and ancient gods and goddesses fall under the classification of Weather Deities. Almost every aspect of human existence here on planet Earth is affected by local and global weather patterns.

The insurance industry is another important sector that tries to forecast major weather events. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and large winter storm systems can have a devastating effect on individual lives and on an entire local economy. Wall Street often reports the total economic and financial losses resulting from a storm. State and Federal governments sometimes assists with safety and recovery issues.

I did most of my disaster preparedness and emergency management research under the assumption of a major weather event. In a major weather event basic utilities, food, clean drinking water, medical and government services might be unavailable for a month. At the behest of my mother, I planned and prepared accordingly.

To conclude, my regular daily routine almost always includes a check of the weather forecast. Many commercial industries, sports venues, and even the military and space sectors depend on timely and accurate weather forecasts. The weather is so important to human existence many ancient and prehistoric gods and goddesses were assigned to certain weather phenomenon. We could all live better lives if we knew more about the meteorological sciences.

 

 

POSTED ON JANUARY 1, 2022

The Qualified Immunity Doctrine is Tyranny

The new year 2022 brings with it many hopes, dreams, and aspirations. One thing I hope for this year is that the Qualified Immunity Doctrine is completely eliminated from the U.S. Government. The Qualified Immunity Doctrine has turned the U.S. Government into a lawless, corrupt tyranny. At the start of this new year 2022 the U.S. Government is little more than a banana republic.

The Qualified Immunity Doctrine resulted from a few court cases in the late 1960’s and 1970’s. A handful of Judges ruled themselves, along with law enforcement and police officers, were protected, or immune, from any potential civil violations or civil prosecutions. Beginning in the early 1980’s the Qualified Immunity Doctrine was used and applied for many other positions and offices within the U.S. Government.

In many instances, the cops, Judges, and other government official were not bound by the very laws they passed and enforced on other citizens. Over the course of the last forty years, the class of citizenry who enjoys Qualified Immunity protections has become an American Aristocracy. Today, cops and Judges can act with near impunity. It is precisely what the U.S. Founding Fathers both fought against and warned future generations of Americans against.

For instance, a massive public funds scandal has engulfed Front Royal and Warren County, Virginia for the past three years. An estimated $100 million public funds scandal has not had any prosecutions because most of the people involved were protected by Qualified Immunity. The Virginia State and U.S. Federal officials who covered up the scandal were all protected by Qualified Immunity. The Qualified Immunity Doctrine incentivizes incompetence and corruption within the U.S. Government.

To conclude, this new year 2022 brings with it much hope the Qualified Immunity Doctrine will be eliminated. The average American citizen can reclaim an even playing field with the U.S. Government and not be the subject of a new American Aristocracy. The Qualified Immunity Doctrine is tyranny. There will be a day of reckoning for those who use Qualified Immunity for their own personal enrichment while, at the same time, use Qualified Immunity to suppress and subjugate their fellow citizens.

 

 

POSTED ON DECEMBER 14, 2021

It’s the Economy, Stupid.

The 2021 off-year Virginia election is behind us. As the Democratic Party strategists performs their post-mortem on their very poor showing, one thing comes to mind: “It’s the economy, Stupid.” For voting Virginians and the rest of Americans the economy and other economic issues are now top on the list of worries. Inflation along with other kitchen table issues are of greatest concern.

Economics is often referred to as the Dismal Science. With Scarcity as a constraint in most economic analysis the science has earned the “Dismal” characterization. Hesiod of Ancient Greece (700 B.C.), a contemporary of Homer, is considered by most to be the first Economist. Hesiod’s Works and Days is the first economic treatise. Modern economics, however, is a field of applied mathematics where supercomputers do most of the heavy lifting.

Presently, Washington D.C. is at its highest debt level in 75 years, with a debt to GDP ratio of around 130%. Two decades of badly managed wars overseas and a bungled pandemic response has financially crippled the U.S. government. Both political parties are guilty of spending like drunken sailors these past twenty years. Now, inflation is at a 40 year high.

All the major Central Banks on Earth will meet this week. They will decide, respectively, on how to combat unemployment, inflation, heavy tax burdens, and other economic issues. Economics has earned its “dismal science” reputation. However, as Hesiod warned, I pray we do not invoke the wrath of the gods. It’s still the economy, stupid.

 

 

POSTED ON OCTOBER 14, 2021

The Windows 11 Upgrade Cycle

Microsoft recently released Windows 11 to the general computing public and the telecommunications companies continue their 5G network deployment. We are in a major upgrade cycle within the Information Technology sector that will affect everyone for decades. Upgrade cycles promise better, faster, and cheaper technology. However, upgrade cycles usually exasperate and further the Digital Divide.

I am a Microsoft Certified Windows Programmer. Today’s $2,000 Windows PC has forty times the computing capability of an $8 million supercomputer of the late 1970’s. Today’s telecommunications networks can transmit more data than ever before. Through a collaboration between governments, corporations, and educational research facilities, the average person has a wealth of accessible technology.

Nevertheless, hard numbers are in from the 2020 – 2021 academic school year. PC demand and usage more than doubled during the pandemic crisis as people acclimated to the new Stay-At-Home social realities. Ten percent of U.S. households with school-aged children were unable to access online classes or online course material. Similarly, twenty-five percent of households with school-aged children had a very difficult time accessing an online education.

Furthermore, nearly half of all business computer systems are not ready for Windows 11 or the new 5G network. This upgrade cycle means that these businesses will need to upgrade their computer systems or they will run on antiquated systems and be at serious risk of data loss or a cyber attack. Upgrade cycles tend to separate the “wheat from the chaff” in the business community.

To conclude, major upgrade cycles, such as the release of Windows 11 and the roll-out of the 5G network, presents many opportunities and promises, and also many perils and pitfalls. Many will have better, faster, and cheaper technology available, yet for others the digital divide only widens.

 

 

POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2021

A Matter of a Just War

Conventional Warfare in the modern 21st century is essentially a global policing action. Sovereign states have the right, and some might argue the duty, to defend the safety of its citizenry and its vital interests from imminent or realized threats from abroad. There are several formal ways to examine armed military conflicts, both for immediate political purposed and for historical posterity sake.

The more practical method of examining an armed conflict is simply by listing the combatants, the cost of blood and treasure, and who the victor(s) were at the end of hostilities. The citizenry of the respective states can then use that information to make their choices of leadership at the ballot box. In a democratic state with elected representatives the ballot box determines how the public feels about the results. The consent of the governed (i.e. the voting public) ultimately decides the very definition of a Just War.

On September 11, 2001 the United States suffered a terrorist attack that resulted in the longest and most expensive war in U.S. history. The U.S. Congress never officially declared war, but rather gave the President authorization to use whatever force necessary both domestically and abroad. The attack on U.S. soil triggered certain treaty articles with NATO allies, which includes most Western Countries.

The modern conventional military policing action objective was to bring Osama bin Laden, the perpetrator of the 9/11 attacks, and Saddam Hussein, who it was believed to posses weapons of mass destruction, to justice. In that regard, the U.S. along with our NATO allies were successful.

However, after the capture and death of the two primary targets the U.S. engaged in a decades-long effort to do nation building. It is extremely difficult for the incompetent U.S. military commanders and their political enablers in Washington D.C. to adequately explain the total length and economic cost of the war. Why did it take twenty years and cost the U.S. taxpayers $10 trillion? Also, are the American people any safer today than we were twenty years ago?

The answers to these questions will be determined at the ballot box. Many experts are calling the Afghan and Iraq wars of the last twenty years among the greatest military blunders in history. I believe the length and cost of the war is impossible to explain and I do not feel any safer today from a terrorist attack than I did twenty years ago. I plan to vote according to those beliefs in the coming years. The rest of the American voting public will need to determine for themselves if this was, in fact, a just war.

 

 

POSTED ON JUNE 2, 2021

Web Publishers Unite!

The recent news from Washington D.C. pertaining to censorship and regulation of the Big Tech companies has been very troubling. I am a Microsoft Certified Windows Programmer. I am also a Web Publisher that runs various digital ads on my website and blog, including from Amazon and Google. Censorship and regulation of the Big Tech companies directly effects my professional and personal life.

Firstly, none of my friends or family have ever complained about Big Tech’s alleged abuses of monopolistic or other powers. The only people I actually hear complaining about Big Tech are politicians in Washington D.C. The D.C. politicians are simply using their government positions to intimidate and harass well-respected and profitable companies.

Secondly, billions of customers around the world use Big Tech’s products and services. There are now 1.3 billion active devices using Microsoft’s Windows. Paying customers are far more demanding of how they spend their dollars than the average voter who walks into the voting booth only once every four years. Half of eligible U.S. voters do not even vote.

Thirdly, to my knowledge, there has never been a single death directly associated with an actual cyber-attack. The politicians and others who try to make the argument of a social media or blog posting as the equivalent of shouting “fire” in a crowded theater obviously does not have even the slightest understanding of the technology they are trying to censor and regulate.

To conclude, I will not support, in any way, any political party or politician who is advocating censorship or regulation of the Big Tech companies. I will not donate monies, promote them on social media, or use this website and blog to help advance their political careers. Those politicians do not represent me or any of my friends and family. Additionally, I call on all Web Publishers to unite against this growing threat on our freedoms and liberties.

 

 

POSTED ON MAY 14, 2021

Why, God, why?

Philosophy of Religion has been a part of Western Philosophy since the time of Socrates. One of the charges against Socrates, which he refuted at his trial, was that he did not believe in the gods of the city. He was subsequently convicted and executed by being forced to drink hemlock.

Today’s Western Analytic Tradition of philosophy has largely forgotten its Philosophy of Religion roots. The Continental Philosophy popular in Europe places the individual, society, and aesthetics at the center of its philosophical inquiry. Leeds University seems to be one of the few admirable exceptions.

Philosophy means the love of wisdom or the love of knowledge. At times, philosophy can be in conflict with the love of God or gods. Putting human knowledge against an omniscient being can become problematic. The Holy Bible warns against “vain” philosophies, but also claims true knowledge and wisdom is a gift from God and the Holy Spirit.

When Socrates was around forty years of age a plague killed a quarter of the inhabitants of Athens, including its top leader. This major shock to the social order left many Athenians asking “why, God, why?” This plague event might have played an important role in the charges brought against Socrates at his trial three decades later.

To conclude, questions into God, faith, religion, evil and even the supernatural have long been a part of philosophy. Some philosophers and theologians argue true knowledge and wisdom both begins and ends with God. Any serious pursuit of one, ultimately leads to the other, and vice-versa. At some time or another we all ask, “why, God, why?”

 

 

POSTED ON APRIL 25, 2021

Tax Season 2021

Tax season would have normally ended on April 15. However, the 2021 tax season has been extended to May 17, because of the ongoing pandemic crisis. Nobody enjoys paying taxes. We pay taxes in order to live in a civilized society and support our government.

It could rightly be argued that all government is is the collection and disbursement of tax revenue. Exactly who collects those taxes, who they are collected from, and who receives the tax revenues defines, precisely, the role and nature of the government. It is very easy to determine a government’s priorities simply from examining its fiscal budget.

The first known system of taxation was introduced in Ancient Egypt in around 3,000 B.C. In Genesis of the Old Testament Bible It mentions giving a fifth of the annual harvest to the pharaoh. Prior to the widespread use of fiat currency, most taxes were paid in a percentage of crop yield, livestock, precious metals, or in slave labor.

The American Revolution was initially started over the dispute of taxation without representation. In 21st century America debtors prisons have been outlawed, and tax collectors have very little actual policing powers. The U.S. government can and will place a lean on anyone’s assets for any unpaid debts, including that of taxes. These kinds of financial problems are usually resolved in a bankruptcy court. Today, U.S. federal taxes amount to roughly 10% of the macro economic GDP, while all taxes collected in the United States accounts for about 25% of the overall macro economy.

To conclude, paying taxes is part of living in a civilized society. Taxes are the primary means for establishing citizenship status and a national identity reflected in its budget. Personally, I have been both a contributor and recipient of tax revenues. I strongly encourage everyone to submit their tax filings before the May 17, 2021 extended deadline.

 

 

POSTED ON APRIL 10, 2021

Rediscovering the Personal Computer (PC)

The ongoing global pandemic crisis is a tragedy, to be sure. The loss of life and impact to the treasuries of nations is unrivaled in modern history. It is now very clear the personal computer has emerged during the pandemic crisis as an essential device. Peoples across the globe are rediscovering the personal computer.

When I was researching professional certifications many years ago I was very well aware of the perils of pursuing an IT certification. The personal computer was declining in use, some experts even predicted the “death” of the PC as a computing device. Additionally, Big Government is always trying to regulate and break-up Big Tech. Nevertheless, I sat for, and passed, the Microsoft Certified Windows Programming exam.

Today’s $2,000 Windows PC has 40x (forty) times the computing capability of an $8 million super-computer of the late 1970’s. The personal computer is an extremely powerful device in the hands of even a novice user. However, for more than a decade most people were discarding their personal computers for other computing devices. All that changed when the pandemic crisis started thirteen months ago.

The new Stay-at-Home social realities brought on at the onset of the pandemic forced people to rediscover the importance of the personal computer. Businesses, schools, restaurants, movie theaters, churches, and all except essential locations closed. People stayed at home using their personal computers for work, school, and entertainment.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those who are tragically effected by the ongoing pandemic crisis. We all must now contend with the new Stay-at-Home social realities. The personal computer has proven itself to be an essential device for the new pandemic crisis realities. I will continue to rediscover the personal computer.

 

 

 

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POSTED ON MARCH 22, 2021

The Future of Higher Education

An online college degree was not a realistic option when I graduated from Virginia Tech 20 years ago. Today, however, a person can obtain an online college degree in almost any area of study or major. Virginia Tech has even recently put their MBA program online.

City dwellers have many options available to obtain a college degree. However, rural residents are fortunate if any college is within an hour’s driving distance. For those living in rural education deserts, an online college degree program might be his/her only option at acquiring a higher education.

Business Administration is the most popular major in all of higher education. That is no different for online college. Online college education is dominated by General Business, General Liberal Arts, and General Studies programs. Online college students then spend an additional year or two specializing their degree or skill set.

Actual tuition rates are about the same for online degree programs as at a traditional brick-and-mortar college institution. However, room, board and other fees can more than double the total cost of the diploma at a traditional brick-and-mortar college. Living on or near a college campus can be very expensive, especially in urban areas.

It is a complete falsehood that online college students are recluses or anti-social. Most online college students receive tuition assistance from local churches, civic organizations, employers, and are active in athletic leagues and clubs. Online college students are very involved in their respective local communities.

Online college is a very real option today. That certainly was not the case when I graduated from Virginia Tech 20 years ago. For some who live in rural education deserts online college might be his/her only realistic option at a college diploma. Additionally, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic with the new “Stay-at-Home” social realities has also forced aspiring students to take a hard look at online college.

 

 

POSTED ON JANUARY 13, 2021

Poisoning the Well

The Well in the U.S. House Chamber at the Nation’s Capitol in Washington D.C. is the heart and center of American democracy. On January 6th, 2021 a storm of protesters descended on the Capitol building to disrupt and delay a joint session of Congress from certifying the 2020 Presidential election results.

At around 3PM that afternoon Ashli Babbitt, a 35 year old small business owner and Air Force veteran from California, was shot and killed by Capitol Police while climbing through a broken window that would have given her access to the U.S. House Chamber. Four others died that day during the storm on the Capitol of natural and questionable causes that is currently under investigation.

By all accounts, Ashli Babbitt was a patriotic American and a good person. Any attempts to paint her as some kind of domestic terrorist or the face of a new “American evil” is both foolish and unwise. Ashli Babbitt was as much a victim of the storm on the Capitol as she was a perpetrator.

The fact of the matter is, we are all responsible for the events that occurred in the Capitol on that fateful day. I am an active member in local and national politics and an online web publisher. While I have heard very little good news out of Washington D.C. in more than two decades, I have certainly done my part to add to the toxic political atmosphere. We all poisoned the Well, now we all must suffer the consequences.

 

 

POSTED ON DECEMBER 20, 2020

Our Social Institutions During a Crisis

I posit our social institutions exist to help mitigate the risks associated with war, famine, and disease. A crisis situation, like the 2020 global coronavirus pandemic, acts as a stress-test for all of our major social institutions. With more than 300,000 U.S. and 1.6 million total victims of the coronavirus pandemic we should all be doing a post-mortem on our social institutions.

In April of 2020 the Gallup Poll showed high or increasing confidence in most of the major institutions here in the U.S. Shortly after that, however, the U.S. posted its worst economic numbers not seen since the Great Depression of the 1930’s. The Federal Government, along with the Federal Reserve Bank, stepped in and provided a total stimulus package of $6 trillion.

Here in the U.S., local municipalities and States tried to contend with the harsh reality of the rising coronavirus death count, an economic recession, and erosion in the tax base. Urban areas were affected disproportionately more than rural areas, while nearly 80% of all U.S. coronavirus deaths were in the 65 years and older cohort.

Half of all Americans know someone who was affected by the coronavirus pandemic crisis. It remains to be seen if the “stay-at-home” society is only temporary or part of new normal. Nevertheless, the 2020 coronavirus pandemic will long be in the memories of most people. Personally, I will be watching the polling on the confidence in our major institutions.

 

 

POSTED ON NOVEMBER 11, 2020

Goods Not Delivered

The U.S. Presidential 2020 election results are in and Joe Biden has defeated incumbent Donald Trump. For most re-election campaigns the office is the incumbent’s to lose and the challenger to prove why there needs to be change. Donald Trump simply did not deliver on the goods he promised the American people four years ago.

The United States was not involved in any major military conflicts during the Trump Administration, but it was a very tumultuous four years. Trade wars, strained relations with longtime foreign allies, domestic civil unrest, impeachment, economic recession, and a bungled coronavirus pandemic response that has killed 230,000 citizens are all history notes on the Trump years in the Oval Office.

Donald Trump simply did not deliver good on his promise of “Make America Great Again”, the slogan of his 2016 Presidential campaign. As a Washington D.C. outsider with no previous political experience, Donald Trump promised to “drain the swamp” and return political power to the “forgotten man.” Donald Trump failed to deliver the goods on his 2016 campaign promises.

Joe Biden, on the other hand, proved his case to the American people of why there needed to be a change in the Oval Office. With many decades of public service in Washington D.C., Joe Biden showed it takes more to govern than being a smooth-talking snake-oil salesman. Being a reality TV star is no substitute for the realities of governing and the responsibilities of Head of State. Joe Biden won his fight for the soul of America, because Donald Trump failed to deliver the goods.

 

 

POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

The Economics of Primal Instincts

While celebrating Labor Day 2020 this past weekend my thoughts were on the recently passed $6 trillion stimulus package. By some measures the bill is 2.5 – 3 times larger than any other previously passed stimulus bill. Many individuals, political parties, corporations, and other entities will be arguing and debating the distribution of the monies for years to come. Professional economists with very large and expensive super-computers will be studying the impact of the $6 trillion for decades.

The main principle underlying every stimulus package, however, is what Keynes described as Animal Spirits. The idea of a stimulus bill is to fire up the animal spirits in consumers, driving demand, and ultimately reviving the economy. Keynes believed it was the duty of the central government to do what it could to lessen the deleterious effects of recessions and depressions on its citizens.

However, when further investigating Keynes’ Animal Spirits I began a deep dive into pre-historic and aboriginal religions, ancient philosophy, and even a look at early human primal instincts. The social science aspect of economics before fiat currency was widely used and available is very fascinating.

In short, a $6 trillion stimulus package in a $21 trillion economy will be fought over by many people for years to come. Everyone will want their piece of the $6 trillion pie, so to speak. As the stimulus monies invigorate the animal spirits and fires up the primal instinct to create consumer demand I do hope we don’t all regress to an animal-like state with only our primal instincts.

 

 

POSTED ON AUGUST 10, 2020

Agribusiness in 2020

The U.S. agribusiness sector is a more than $1 trillion industry, accounting for more than 5% of total GDP. The production and sale of food and food stuff has long been a major part of the U.S. economy. Here in Virginia, it is the single largest industry by far, and has been for 400 years.

At the turn of the 20th century, when my grandparents were born, there were more than 6 million farms in the U.S. By contrast, at the turn of the 21st century there are just over 2 million farms. Fewer farms today are able to feed a much larger population due to scientific and technological advances over the past 100 years.

These advances and changes in agribusiness have not been without controversy and debate. Fewer people control the entire food supply and the means by which the food is produced have all been highly controversial. Unfortunately, alternative ways of food production and distribution always results in a drastic increase in the price of the food.

It is nearly impossible for a small family-farm or homestead venture to be profitable. Today, small farms are always supported by some kind of outside revenue or income. Small farmers simply can’t compete with the science and machinery involved in large-scale agribusiness.

Agriculture is part of the roots of civilization, itself. Once hunter / gatherers learned to cultivate and domesticate certain plants and animals, large populated settlements began to emerge. Agribusiness played a major role in the development of early civilizations. Agribusiness in 2020 is as important as it was to early civilized man, and no less controversial.

 

 

 

POSTED ON JUNE 16, 2020

One Man with a Backhoe

A popular thought experiment and topic for discussion in business ethics courses is to imagine the scenario where one man with a backhoe can do the same work as forty men with shovels. There doesn’t seem to be any single right or correct solution to this thought experiment. However, the manner in which an individual and the society at large answers this problem defines them to a great extent.

 

The One Man with a Backhoe thought experiment gets to the very heart of the many Industrial Revolution. Most industrial revolutions empower a small percentage of the population with various advanced technologies or techniques. Those technologies inadvertently displace large parts of the labor force.

 

In a business ethics course the focus is primarily on the duties, responsibilities, and actions of the crew manager and the crew members. However, this thought experiment could easily be expanded into areas of government, political science, and even religion.

 

Now that the longest economic expansion in U.S. history has officially ended and tens of millions of people have filed for unemployment benefits, we should all take some time to think and consider on the one man with a backhoe and the forty men with shovels. How we approach this problem could define us as individuals and as a society for generations.

 

 

POSTED ON APRIL 25, 2020

Plato’s Producers

In the Republic Plato talks at length about a class of citizenry called the Producers. These Producers are a vital part of the city, above and beyond the rest of the labor force. The Producers in Plato’s Republic are on par with the smaller Guardian class, and the even smaller ruling class. Few groups in any labor force can achieve such an elevated status.

 

Perhaps, the best example of Plato’s Producers existed with the various guilded societies of middle-aged Europe. Prior to the industrial revolutions the guilded societies rivaled royalty in power and influence. The different guilds were allotted certain charters or licences to practice their crafts and set prices.

 

The skills necessary to become a member of these guilded societies quite often required decades of training and apprenticeship. The charters and licences were often transferred from one generation to the next. Some even incorporated their particular craft with their very name.

 

Plato’s Producers are an important class in any city or state. Like the Guardian and Ruling classes the city cannot properly function or advance without these skilled Producers. In today’s advanced economies it is good to remember those who got us here. Plato’s Producers did much to create today’s labor force and economies.

 

 

POSTED ON JANUARY 10, 2020

Main Street, U.S.A.

The stock market is at all-time highs and the macro U.S. economy is breaking many records. However, if you want to see how a small rural community is really doing just take a stroll down its Main Street. The Main Street of small rural communities is a good indicator of the local area’s economic health.

There are more than 10,000 Main Streets in the continental United States. Each Main Street in America has a unique history and economic base. Main Streets have long served as both the center of commerce and as a living monument to the community’s heritage.

The local movie theater is often found on Main Street. The movie industry was one of a handful of industries to thrive during the Great Depression of the 1920’s and 30’s. Movie Houses are extremely resilient to economic downturns. On the other hand, restaurants and bars are not.

Front Royal’s Main Street was recently hit hard as part of a massive public funds scandal involving many prominent local figures. The scandal has pushed the town and county to near bankruptcy. The public and local officials are trying to determine the size, scope and culpability of the financial mess.

To conclude, Main Street, U.S.A. is an excellent barometer of how the local community is doing. If one walks down the local Main Street and it is a bustling hub of happy people then it is safe to assume the local economy is doing well. If the local Main Street looks like a demilitarized zone then things are not well.

 

 

 

POSTED ON OCTOBER 22, 2019

Big Tech in the Crosshairs

There is much talk these days in Washington DC about regulating or breaking up large technology companies. The politicians cite everything from privacy concerns, monopolistic abuse, to protecting the youth of America. The past, however, has shown DC has little understanding of the technology sector.

In 2005 under a Bush administration and a Republican led House and Senate IBM essentially gave away its rights to the PC architecture to China’s Lenovo. Today, China’s Lenovo is extremely profitable from the deal and IBM is not. It was one of the worst deals in technology history with possible national security implications.

If the politicians in Washington DC continue their assault on the technology sector we could easily see Google being replaced with Baidu and Amazon being replaced with Alibaba. China would welcome the opportunity to control those parts of the US technology sector.

I am a Microsoft Certified Windows Programmer. The Justice Department has long been a thorn in the side of Microsoft. Microsoft is under the constant threat of regulation and break-up. DC has little understanding of the technology sector, and people naturally fear what they don’t understand.

To conclude, Big Tech has been in the crosshairs recently by many DC politicians. Under many guises, DC is looking to regulate or even break up some the largest technology companies in the country. These actions by DC politicians could prove disasterous for the US economy and possibly have national security implications.

 

 

 

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POSTED ON OCTOBER 11, 2019

The Slenderman Incident

I recently watched the HBO documentary Beware the Slenderman pertaining to the 2014 incident in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The entire incident is both troubling and disturbing. Our thoughts should always be first with the victims in incidents such as these. However, the two assailants also run the risk of becoming victims of the system, themselves.

I am extremely skeptical of adolescent children being diagnosed with severe mental disorders and placed on potent anti-psychotic drugs. Personally, I know of no one during my youth who fell victim to a debilitating mental disorder. It wasn’t until the 1990’s and later that I witnessed the rise of adolescents and teenagers being diagnosed with such disorders.

Additionally, the judge in the Slenderman case made several errors. The two twelve-year old assailants posed no threat to the general public at any time, either before or immediately after the incident. There is no legitimate reason why the state of Wisconsin should hold these two girls past their eighteenth birthdays.

To conclude, everything about the Slenderman incident is troubling and disturbing. Our thoughts should be first-and-foremost with the victim of the attack. Nevertheless, the two assailants should not be held by the state beyond their eighteenth birthdays.

 

 

POSTED ON AUGUST 28, 2019

A Good Reason To Vote

The U.S. federal government plays a very important role in determining who lives where and what they pay for housing. Through the entities of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae the U.S. government directly controls roughly $6 trillion of the $30 trillion U.S. housing market.

By comparison, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple each have a $1 trillion market capitalization and the U.S. Federal Reserve System currently maintains a $3.7 trillion balance sheet. The government controlled housing and mortgage entities wield as much power and influence as the afore mentioned, combined.

The government controlled mortgage entities were started as a result of the Great Depression and part of FDR’s New Deal. Over the decades, they have morphed into the behemoths we now have today. What initially started as a way to promote home ownership has turned into a socialized housing market.

It could be argued Democracy, itself, is intricately connected to land and home ownership. In both ancient and modern times Democracy was implemented by wealthy land owners to advance individual rights and freedoms. Democracy and housing are two sides of the same coin.

To conclude, there are many reasons to vote. However, voting directly influences a citizen’s housing and living conditions. Democracy, itself, is interwoven with land and home ownership since ancient times. Therefore, a good reason to vote is to improve your personal living conditions.

 

 

POSTED ON MARCH 18, 2019

The Power of the Purse

Few things in Washington are as contentious as the annual federal budget. President Trump recently presented his fiscal year 2020 budget. The $4.75 trillion “Budget for a Better America” was dead-on-arrival in Congress. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the budget “cruel and shortsighted…”

Even with draconian cuts across the board, except for defense and his border wall vanity project, the federal deficit is expected to hit $1.1 trillion in fiscal year 2020. The White House’s budget proposal would not come into balance for 15 years. It is a direct break from his 2016 campaign promise of eliminating the deficit.

MAGAnomics is pure fiscal fantasy. MAGAnomics relies too heavily on rosy growth predictions and accounting gimmicks to be taken seriously. No credible economist would support the casino-style fiscal management of the federal government.

In short, President Trump’s “Budget for a Better America” sets the stage for a major showdown with Congress later this Fall. Everyone in Washington will be crunching their respective numbers over the coming months. Each will be fighting over the power of the purse.

 

 

POSTED ON MARCH 3, 2019

The Singularity

It is surmised machine intelligence will surpass human intelligence sometime in the near future. It is not clear what the implications of this event will be or if it will even happen. Nevertheless, some say the singularity will bring a utopian society and others predict humanity’s demise. The truth probably lies somewhere in between.

The wheel and axle is an example of a simple machine. It has been in use for thousands of years. Today, the automobile is a major contributor to global warming and auto accidents are a leading cause of death for Americans. We, as a people, have learned to live with the risks associated with this simple machine.

Guns are a more controversial machine. When ballistics technology was first introduced it forever transformed the battlefield and society in general. Guns are machines that were afforded special Second Amendment protection that is still being debated to this day.

I am a Microsoft Certified Windows Programmer. I have been programming computers since I was ten years old on both a personal and professional level. The personal computer has revolutionized productivity and created an explosion in information technology. However, computers have created a digital divide and serious privacy concerns.

To conclude, humanity has lived along side tools and machines for a very long time, for better and for worse. If and when the singularity does occur I’m sure humanity will learn to live with intelligent machines.

 

 

POSTED ON MARCH 2, 2019

Discovering Homo Economicus

Modern economic theory is based on the assumption of an Economic Man. Economic Man is a perfectly rational, free-agent capable of making choices and decisions. However, the search to find Economic Man is just as much a delve into philosophy and religion as it is in to pure mathematics.

Adam Smith started the debate of Economic Man with his, seemingly, contradictory statements in the books Theory of Moral Sentiments and the Wealth of Nations. In one book Adam Smith claims Economic Man is driven purely by self-interest, and in another book he states Economic Man has sympathy for the well-being of others.

The term “Economic Man” was first used by critics of John Stuart Mill. John Stuart Mill was a strong proponent of the Utilitarian ethical theory. Today, Utilitarianism often comes second to the more rights-based Deontological Ethics.

Discovering Homo Economicus is a long and arduous journey. After the math is done it becomes an examination of the self which involves philosophy and religion. Many questions still remain about Homo Economicus. Discovering him is just the beginning.

 

 

POSTED ON JANUARY 28, 2019

Globalization 4.0

The World Economic Forum met this past week in Davos, Switzerland. The over-arching theme this year was globalization versus nationalism within the context of a fourth industrial revolution. Combining these two very different topics is extremely difficult to do.

The traditional notion of globalization is that nation-states with same or similar values impose those values on the rest of the world. Nationalism, on the other hand, seeks to define the ideal state and the ideal citizen. Globalism and nationalism are two very different approaches to politics and economics.

The fourth industrial revolution, however, deals with powerful technologies capable of permanently altering the worldwide political and economic landscape. These technologies are borderless and not constrained by traditional human “values.”

These are not new debates. Mankind has been struggling with these same topics since the dawn of civilization. With history as a prologue, the 21st century looks to be wondrously frightening.

 

 

POSTED ON JANUARY 12, 2019

On Representative Government

The United States has now entered into the longest partial government shutdown in its nearly 250 year history. This event has prompted me to reflect on the efficacy of representative government.

I began my research by looking at the roots of democracy in ancient Greece. Democracy, as a formal system of government, was a revolutionary idea in the ancient world. Much of the world was dominated by God-King figure heads who wielded absolute authority. The ancient Greeks changed the course of history with the introduction of self-governance.

The American Revolution revived the notion that a peoples could, in fact, govern themselves. Like in ancient Greece the United States has seen an explosion in economic and technological development.

The United States has survived a Revolutionary War, a Civil War, a Great Depression, two World War, and a Cold War. We have emerged from the 20th century as the leader of the free world. By all measures imaginable, Representative Government has proven successful.

This partial government shutdown will eventually be resolved. Our elected officials will sift through the resulting polling data to determine who took the biggest hit. I do not believe this shutdown reflects poorly on Representative Government. Representative Government is extremely resilient and will continue on.

 

 

POSTED ON DECEMBER 30, 2018

OPEC’s Waning Relevancy

I was born in 1973, the year OPEC decided to do its oil embargo on the United States. That event crippled the U.S. economy for much of the 1970’s and defined my early childhood. However, long gone are the days when OPEC can bring our economy to its knees.

OPEC nations controlled much of the world’s oil supply. Oil is a vital energy source to maintain and grow an economy. Energy hungry nations, such as the United States and China, rely heavily on an abundant supply of the commodity.

Recently, shale oil production has transformed the United States into an energy powerhouse. No longer are we dependent upon oil imports from the Middle East to meet our energy demands. OPEC’s strangle-hold on our economy is no more.

Renewable energy, such wind and solar, still remain the solution for our long-term energy needs. But until those technologies are fully developed, shale oil production has allowed the United States to be near energy independent.

To conclude, OPEC is a hollow shell of an organization that it once was. OPEC’s influence on the world stage is barely noticeable today. Technological improvements will continue to make OPEC less relevant.

 

 

POSTED ON DECEMBER 4, 2018

Deregulation of the Encryption Industry

Once again, I call on the U.S. government to deregulate the encryption industry. Encryption, cryptography, and related technologies are key components of the 21st century information-based digital economy. Regulation of this industry is a major constraint on innovation and limits economic potential.

As data and information increasingly becomes the commodity of choice in the 21st century we must have a way to secure that data and information. Businesses, groups, and individuals should be allowed to store and secure their private information from prying eyes as best as they can.

Encryption technologies will partially define the 21st century. Governments around the world will partially be judged on how they deal with this and related technologies. The U.S. should take the lead on this issue and deregulate the encryption industry.

 

 

POSTED ON NOVEMBER 30, 2018

Virginia Is For Agriculture

Agriculture has been the leading industry here in Virginia for more than 400 years. Virginia is home for many U.S. government-related agencies and a vibrant technology sector, but agriculture continues to be the top business.

As of 2007, agriculture occupied 32% of the land in Virginia and about 357,000 Virginian jobs were in agriculture, with over 47,000 farms, averaging 171 acres, in a total farmland area of 8.1 million acres. Though agriculture has declined significantly since 1960 when there were twice as many farms, it remains the largest single industry in Virginia.

A prolonged trade war with China and other countries will have a devastating affect on Virginia farms and farmers. The Virginia Farm Bureau reports that China is the destination for nearly $700 million annually in Virginia agricultural exports. And while the heaviest hit current commodity is Virginia-produced soybeans, there are worries about the export of other Virginia agricultural products, such as beef, dairy and pork.

Donald Trump is a New York city-slicker who sold a bad bill-of-goods to the Virginia farmer. A prolonged trade war with tariffs does nothing except hurt the heartland and American farms. You can follow the ongoing effects of the trade war here. President Trump’s trade policies spell disaster for Virginia’s leading industry and the American farmers.

 

 

 

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POSTED ON NOVEMBER 20, 2018

Universal Healthcare is a Right

The United States is one of the few advanced industrialized nations not providing some form of universal healthcare coverage to its citizens. While other respected nation recognize universal healthcare as a right the United States lags on this issue.

Firstly, universal healthcare is by Divine Providence. Thomas Jefferson, borrowing from John Locke, stated we are endowed by our Creator with certain rights. Among these rights are the rights to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Universal Healthcare is a key component to our right to life.

Secondly, universal healthcare allows us to be a freer society. Freedom, as defined by self-determination, is constrained by the health of the individual. A person cannot reach his or her full potential while being burdened by healthcare concerns. Universal healthcare allows the individual to be more self-determined and free.

Thirdly, universal healthcare alleviates human suffering resulting from disease. Our social institutions are designed to help mitigate the risks associated with war, famine, and disease. Governments that do not address the human suffering resulting from war, famine, and disease will not hold power very long.

To conclude, universal healthcare is a right, not a privileged. Universal healthcare is by Divine Providence, allows us greater self-determination and freedom, and helps alleviate human suffering. It is time the United states implemented some form of Universal Healthcare.

 

 

POSTED ON NOVEMBER 16, 2018

Defending Our First Freedoms

Bloggers write for a global internet audience. It is a slightly different audience than who the traditional U.S. news outlets address. Nevertheless, I am constantly in awe of the freedoms afforded to me in my home country under the First Amendment, as a blogger.

Much could be said about fake news, misleading stories, and information warfare. The traditional news outlets could do a lot to improve their reputations with the general public. Long-gone are the days when a few respected journalists monopolized the evening news.

I am not a journalist. I do not report the news. However, it has been increasingly troubling to me the assault the Press has been under for the past two years. President Trump has gone so far as to call many members of the Press the “enemy of the people.”

In defense of our first freedoms, the newly elected Congress should pass legislation censuring President Trump and prevent him from making such incendiary comments. My free Press brothers of the First Amendment, and bloggers such as myself, would sleep much better at night.

 

 

POSTED ON NOVEMBER 8, 2018

Republicans Avoid a Midterm Rout

Historically, the party in power suffers great losses in the midterm elections. The Republicans control much of the government in 2018. Democrats were poised for a “Blue wave.” While it was a good night for Democrats, Republicans avoided being politically routed.

A strong economy prevented the Republicans from suffering huge losses. Democrats were forced to find other kitchen-table issues to run on. Healthcare emerged as the top issue in the 2018 midterm elections. There will be a lot of talk about healthcare over the coming months at both the state and federal levels.

The U.S. Senate election map greatly favored the Republicans. Republicans lost seats across the country, but in the U.S. Senate Republicans managed to pick up some seats. The U.S. Senate math proved too daunting for Democrats.

All-in-all, the midterm 2018 elections were good for Democrats. Tom Perez’s DNC executed well on the 50-state strategy. However, a strong economy and the U.S. Senate math helped the Republicans avoid a midterm rout.

 

 

POSTED ON OCTOBER 29, 2018

Sex For Sale

Few subjects are more contentious than that of prostitution. Strong feelings are held on the subject by nearly everyone. This blog post will attempt to examine the major issues regarding the sale of sex without arguing for any one side.

Prostitution is considered the oldest profession. There seems to be an insatiable demand for sex and sex-related services. As long as there is a demand for a particular service, a market will inevitably form. Subsequently, a professional class will emerge to meet those demands.

The push to make prostitution illegal here in the West was started with the Contagious Diseases Acts in the mid-19th century. Western countries were gravely concerned about their military men contracting sexually-transmitted diseases from prostitutes. As a result, the practice of prostitution was mostly outlawed here in the West.

Furthermore, the United Nations deemed prostitution an affront to human dignity and that it contributed to human trafficking. The UN determined prostitution is a form of exploitation. However, not all member nations agreed with those findings.

The Judaeo-Christian faith tradition is even more convoluted on the subject. I have actually read the Bible. The only hard precept from the Bible is that fathers were not to prostitute out their own daughters. Other than that, the Bible was not very clear on the subject.

To conclude, prostitution is a very hotly-debated topic. Civilizations have struggled with prostitution since the dawn of time. The best any government can do is heavily regulate the service and collect taxes from it or ban the practice all together.

 

 

POSTED ON OCTOBER 18, 2018

The Promise of AR / VR

Augmented and virtual reality has the potential to transform many industries and institutions. All of the big tech companies are developing technologies in this space. Still in its infancy, the AR/VR space is very much up for grabs.

The electronic gaming industry is a major driving force behind the development of AR/VR. As with other technologies, the electronic gamer has been a mainstay and driver. The electronic gamer will always be an early adopter of such technologies.

Another industry that will be a driving force and be greatly impacted by AR/VR is the pornography industry. Virtual sex shows will be regular order of business in the not-too-distant future.

To conclude, the AR/VR technologies and space are still in the cradle. It is way too early to start talking about numbers or the size of this industry. However, given what I have already seen the AR/VR technologies are revolutionary and will disrupt many industries and institutions.

 

 

POSTED ON OCTOBER 8, 2018

Gasoline, Sugar Water and Sin

With the failure of my computer repair shop, Skyline Tech, I was in desperate need of some cash. I needed a new personal revenue source quickly. I began surveying local job opportunities and was fortunate enough to get a job at 7-eleven.

7-eleven has a strong brand name and is one of the few retailers that is Amazon proof. Coming from an e-commerce background I quickly realized most of what I was selling in the store could not be sold online.

Most of my sales involve some combination of gasoline, sugar water, and sin. People purchase gas for their vehicles, sodas and coffee, and sin; in the form of beer, cigarettes, and lottery tickets. None of which can be easily purchased online.

I am very grateful for this job and thank 7-eleven and my employers. It has solved my immediate cash crunch, allowed me to stay in the area, and has made me think seriously about a future in convenience store retailing.

 

 

POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2018

A Political Fumble

The Senate Republicans completely fumbled the political football this week. Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week that Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her more than 30 years ago while they were both in high school.

The testimony caused total chaos in the media and in the Senate. Dr. Ford’s testimony was very powerful and she stated she is 100% sure the assailant was Kavanaugh. On the other hand, Brett Kavanaugh’s rebuttal testimony was belligerent and he denied the accusations emphatically.

The testimony of the two galvanized the respective political bases. Democrats were quick to seize Ford’s testimony and Republicans liked Kavanaugh’s rebuttal. What was obvious, however, is that the Republican led Senate was grossly ill-equipped to handle the events of the week.

With midterm elections just over a month away I believe the U.S. Senate is in-play. Most polling projects the U.S. House will flip to the Democrats, but very few would say the same about the Senate. However, the Senate Republicans fumbled the political football this week.

 

 

POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

War: what’s it good for?

Just War Theory is a popular subject among ethicists. Just War Theory supposes that war, while undesirable, is not the most undesirable of all possible outcomes. There are times when war is more desirable than other possible worse atrocities.

The academic study of Just War Theory has two major aspects. First, the “right to go to war” inspects the reasons for a just war. Second, “right conduct in war” looks at how combatants conduct themselves during the actual conflict.

Just War Theory has been a major tenant in ethics for more than 2,000 years. Since Liberal Democracies took root more than 200 years ago, war has been closely related to politics. Many consider war to be an extension of politics.

The most poignant example of war and politics is the “rally ’round the flag effect.” The “rally ’round the flag effect” shows how the President’s approval rating increases significantly in time of national crisis or war. This effect is well documented.

War is never good. However, war might be better than other alternatives. Ethicists have examined Just War Theory for millennia and political scientists have looked at war from a more modern perspective. Plato said that only the dead have seen the end of war.

 

 

POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2018

Political Axioms

Logic would dictate that in a two-party system each party would have power about half of the time. Regardless of the logic, there are a few political axioms I’ve learned over the last couple decades.

First, people vote the top of the ticket. It doesn’t matter what kind of election cycle it might be, people always vote the top of the ticket. The person at the top of the ballot is the person who is driving the rest of the ticket.

Second, turnout is the key to winning. Whether it is a Presidential election cycle, midterm election, or off-year election turnout is how elections are won. Voter turnout is often judged in primary election enthusiasm and engagement.

Third, winning is everything in politics. In politics, the winner usually gets a crappy job, while the loser gets nothing. There is no substitute for winning in politics. It is a zero-sum game where winner takes all.

The logic of a two-party system aside, those are a few of the political axioms I’ve learned over the years. Political candidates and organizations spend billions of dollars trying to identify voters and get them to the polls. In politics, there isn’t a second place.

 

 

POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2018

Advise and Consent

Congress has many important roles in government. Congress has the power to declare war and is required to pass an annual budget. Congress, also, plays an Advise and Consent role on Supreme Court nominations. This Advise and Consent role is very important to the future of the Courts.

This past week I watched the Senate confirmation hearing of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. I am not a lawyer. Much of the legal-speak was lost on me. However, I found the hearing fascinating from a policy perspective. It is quite clear that Progressives and Liberals do not have a friend on policy in Brett Kavanaugh .

Brett Kavanaugh seems like a fine person with good moral character and vast legal knowledge. However, the totality of his legal career makes it clear his jurisprudential ideologies lie with the Conservative perspective. He is a blatant partisan nomination.

Since the Senate has gone to the “nuclear option” when confirming nominees, Kavanaugh’s confirmation is a foregone conclusion. Brett Kavanaugh will be the deciding Conservative vote on the Supreme Court for decades to come. Nevertheless, I urge my Senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and other like-minded Senators to vote ‘No’ on Kavanaugh.

 

 

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POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2018

The Future of Telecommunications (or where Comcast and AT&T got it wrong)

Comcast and AT&T are the largest telecommunications companies in the country. They are, also, the largest media conglomerates in the country. Comcast runs NBC Universal and AT&T recently purchased what is now Warner Media. However, the future for these telecommunications giants is not content, but the Internet of Things.

Content is cheap. In the era of self-generated content I could spend all day viewing content generated by my friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. I, myself, create content on occasion in the form of live-stream gaming and webcasts. Comcast and AT&T have put themselves in direct content competition with the likes of Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu and others.

Alternatively, the Internet of Things is expected to grow exponentially over the coming years and decades. As more devices become “smart” devices the demand for telecom services will grow exponentially, as well. It is estimated the global market for Internet of Things will reach $7 trillion by 2020.

To conclude, Comcast and AT&T made serious strategic blunders with their respective purchases of media content providers. The future for these telecommunication giants is not in content, but in smart, programmable, Internet of Things appliances and devices. Comcast and AT&T got it wrong. The future of telecommunications is in the Internet of Things.

 

 

POSTED ON AUGUST 30, 2018

Outside the Blast Zone

A few years back, at the behest of my mother, I began researching disaster and emergency preparedness. Even though the Cold War is over, I determined the single biggest threat to our way of life is still the nuclear threat. There is the very real possibility a rogue nation or terrorist organization could acquire a nuclear weapon.

I began researching potential disaster scenarios and their effects on various population centers. The most likely targets are the ones we’ve already seen; population centers. Rogue nations and terrorist organizations would have a limited strike capability. In order to cause the most carnage they would need to hit a population center.

Washington D.C. would be a prime target for anyone wanting to hit the United States. Washington D.C. is not only the political capitol of the country, but it is also rich in culture and heritage. A strike on D.C. would result in a great deal of carnage, send our government into disarray, and be a severe psychological blow to the country.

Fortunately, I live more than 60 miles outside of Washington D.C. Rural Virginia is quite safe from any potential threats of that nature. Living outside the initial blast zone prevents me and my neighbors from suffering the brunt of any attack, but it does present some other unique challenges. Given the threats of the recent past, I have concluded it is better to live outside the blast zone.

 

 

POSTED ON AUGUST 21, 2018

A Historic Bull Run

By some measures, we are entering into the longest bull run market in modern history. There have been twelve S&P 500 bull markets since World War II. The average length of the bull market has been around 1,770 days. The current bull market is 3,453 days old, making it the longest in modern history.

Emerging from the Great Recession of 2009, the S&P 500 is up more than 300%. We had two major corrections in 2011 and 2016 where the markets declined 19% and 14%, respectively. This bull market is charging along on record earnings and strong economic growth.

A prolonged and escalating trade war could endanger this bull market. “Tariffs” was a hotly discussed topic on recent second quarter earnings conference calls. It is quite clear business leaders, farmers, technologists, and market financial analysts are concerned about a continuing trade war.

Nevertheless, it appears this bull market still has room to run. Bull markets don’t die because of old age. This bull market’s vital signs are still strong. As stated earlier, second quarter earnings were strong and the economy remains robust. This bull market is running into the history books.

 

 

POSTED ON AUGUST 15, 2018

On Mass Communications

There is a battle raging for the eyes and ears of the American people. This battle is being fought by many actors. However, the actors within this fight are not all using the same means by which to get their message out to the public. The means of communication by the individual actors is almost as important as the message itself.

Technology has always played an important role in communications: movable type of the printing press, radio, television, cable television, the internet. Each of those technological innovations brought a host of wonders and challenges to the public.

The internet was initially designed and engineered to maintain communications in the advent of a nuclear attack. If there is such a thing as an indestructible technology, the internet would qualify. Internet technologies are extremely resilient.

To conclude, when thinking about an actor’s message we must consider the technology he or she is using. The means of communication is inseparable with the message. That is the essence of mass communications. To find out who is winning and losing the messaging war I follow Gallup’s Confidence in Institutions polling.

 

 

POSTED ON AUGUST 7, 2018

The Science of Big Data

Big Data has emerged as the clear winner of 21st century new technology. Big Data is the oil of the 20th century or the gold of previous centuries. Capturing Big Data, mining it, analyzing it, and acting upon it will define much of the 21st century.

For the third year running, Data Scientist has been named the best job in America by Glassdoor. Data Scientists have a median base salary of $110,000 with more than 4,500 job openings. Similar job titles, such as Data Analyst, Data Engineer, and Analytics Manager all ranked near the top .

Q. who generates the most Big Data? A. the human genome. A person might be lead to believe a government agency or a large corporation would generate the most Big Data. It turns out, the field of biology and medicine generates the most Big Data.

This leads us to another question; a question about ethics in data science. No doubt our academic and legal systems will be flooded with the ethical dimensions surrounding Big Data. The ethical story will be written over the coming decades.

 

 

POSTED ON AUGUST 2, 2018

A Matter of Church and State

The Department of Justice held a Religious Liberty Summit this week. During the event, Attorney General Sessions announced the creation of a Religious Freedom Task Force. Aside from the headline news the summit focused mainly on church-state issues. Stanford law Professor Michael W. McConnell cited three primary issues regarding matters of the church and state.

First, the courts seem confused as to whether or not religious organizations should have equal access to the benefits of public life. The second issue relates to accommodation, when the exercise of a religious practice is in friction with a government policy. Third is the more absolute principle of non-interference or separation of church and state.

Many of the panelists provided their own personal views and experiences pertaining to religion and the state. A few of the panelists were very emotional when giving their personal accounts. However, Professor McConnell really provided the food-for-thought.

To conclude, I look forward to following this Religious Freedom Task Force over the coming months and years. Matters of church and state can often be very contentious. I am curious to see how this administration grapples with these tough issues.

 

 

POSTED ON JULY 23, 2018

Alternative Economic Theories

Free market capitalism has done a tremendous amount of good. It has raised tens of millions of people out of poverty all over the world and is one of the true success stories of the West. However, free market capitalism is not without its problems. Therefore, I have been searching for alternative economic theories.

Most of the alternative economic theories I have encountered include a combination or some variation of Stakeholder Theory, a Happiness Index, or a return to the Gold Standard. Each of these approaches to traditional economics holds promise for the future.

Environmental issues have been a re-occurring theme in much of my personal research pertaining to alternative economic theories. I am currently reading a book titled Deep Economy by noted environmentalist Bill McKibben. His primary supposition is that “more” is not necessarily “better.”

To conclude, I am a free market capitalist. I do not want to “throw the baby out with the bath water”, so to speak. Nevertheless, free market capitalism and our current way of thinking about economics can be improved. I have mentioned several alternative economic theories here in this blog post and I highly recommend Bill McKibben’s book, Deep Economy.

 

 

POSTED ON JULY 19, 2018

Vigil for Democracy

There comes a time when each of us must make a stand for what is right. A time when complacency equates to complicity and we have a moral obligation to act.  I took a stand this past Wednesday evening with my fellow local Democrats at the Vigil for Democracy.

The Vigil for Democracy is a demonstration against the corruption of the Trump administration and for general Democratic values. It is hosted by our local Democratic Committee every Wednesday evening at our town’s central gathering area.

During our hour-long licensed gathering at the gazebo we were constantly harassed by an unlicensed pro-Trump counter-demonstration. Many local businesses have expressed concern about the disruption and noise this counter demonstration causes. I saw first-hand the pro-Trump supporters shouting and the use of bull horns. Me and my fellow Democrats did neither.

I am proud to have taken a stand with my fellow local Democrats this past Wednesday and plan to continue my support for these events. It’s unfortunate the unlicensed pro-Trump counter-demonstrators had to disturb the peace, but I’m pleased the Democrats were well controlled.

 

 

POSTED ON JULY 14, 2018

Hope for a Brighter Future

Research shows the best way to break free from the poverty trap is by obtaining an education. Research, also, shows a person’s life-time earnings are more tied to his or her education level than any other factor. Put simply, education provides hope for a brighter future.

This brighter future can be realized anywhere at any time with a personal computer and the power of the internet. The internet makes the entire educational world accessible and as close as your computer’s keyboard. A person’s educational opportunities are no longer limited by geography or location.

After some time and consideration, I have narrowed my graduate school “destination” to one of three online schools. I will apply to these graduate programs within the next year or two, as I try to work out my financing options.

1. American Public University’s MBA
2. University of Leeds’ MA Philosophy of Religion and Ethics
3. Warnborough College’s MA Ancient Philosophy

To conclude, education provides hope for a better tomorrow. The internet has made it possible to obtain a graduate degree from anywhere in the world. I have narrowed my graduate school choices to three schools. Hope for a brighter future is no further than my computer’s keyboard.

 

 

POSTED ON JULY 10, 2018

An Illusion of the Rule of Law

Many years ago I was fortunate enough to enroll in a Philosophy of Law class while an undergraduate. We didn’t study specific law codes, statutes, or rulings, but we did take a look at the law from a thousand feet up. One of the questions presented to the class was whether or not the Rule of Law actually existed.

In short, I concluded the Rule of Law, as an entity of itself, did not exist. What we actually have are different people, groups, and organizations who represent various aspects of the legal system. These groups of peoples are different in kind and are using the Law to promote his or her own personal interests.

The LEO who works his beat at three A.M. in the inner city has a very different perspective on the Rule of Law than does an Ivy League educated law professor. Their perspectives are so different, in fact, one could hardly believe they represent the same legal system.

My conclusions on the Rule of Law from twenty years ago in that class have also been substantiated through my own experiences and observations. All one needs to do is read a newspaper and what you will see is not the Rule of Law, but an illusion of the Rule of Law.

 

 

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POSTED ON JULY 2, 2018

The Patriot

July 4th is here and Americans are celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence laid the groundwork for the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and our representative democratic Republic. But, what does it mean to be a Patriot in 21st century America?

It’s hard to believe the founding fathers could have foreseen the rise of the United States into a world leader in two and half centuries. When the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 we were just a collection of backwater British colonies. They became the progenitors of a worldwide liberation movement.

In 1776 being an American Patriot meant fighting for self-determination from an overly oppressive crown. The American Colonies were fighting against taxation without representation and for the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Being a Patriot in 21st century America has changed very little. Even-though we are now the world leader, we are still fighting for the same causes. The spirit of July 4th, 1776 is in us all today. Whatever your socio-economic class, political persuasion, religious preference, race, gender, or creed we are all beneficiaries of the Patriots who came before.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day 2018!

 

 

POSTED ON JUNE 26, 2018

Zero-Tolerance

The Trump Administration has implemented a zero-tolerance policy on peoples crossing the southern border. This zero-tolerance policy is the root cause of the latest immigration crisis. It resulted in separating children from their parents and other travesties.

The statistics associated with this zero-tolerance policy are staggering. It is clear the Trump Administration places very little value on anyone coming to this country to seek refuge and find a better life.

Many organizations and businesses have condemned President Trump’s zero-tolerance policy. All the major tech companies, the United Methodist Church, and many human rights organizations have all come out publicly against this immigration policy.

President Trump has recently ended the family separation aspect of the zero-tolerance policy. Nevertheless, Trump’s Administration continues its hard-line stance on immigration. Personally, I support sanctuary cities and amnesty, but those policies are unlikely to move forward in this administration.

 

 

POSTED ON JUNE 15, 2018

Render Unto Caesar…

This week I formed an Exploratory Committee to asses the viability of a bid for Commissioner of the Revenue here in Warren County, Virginia. The local election will be held next November. This is my first foray into politics. So, I wanted to give myself ample time to prepare.

Tax collecting is serious business. Many wars, civil wars, and revolutions have been started over taxes. When Jesus was asked about paying taxes his response was, “render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s…” Tax collecting is as old as civilization, itself.

Under the right circumstances, the Commissioner of the Revenue has the ability to attract corporations and businesses to the area. Consequently, it creates jobs, improves property values, and increases the tax revenue for the county. I am uniquely qualified to do just that. That is why I am considering a bid for the office.

To conclude, tax collecting is no laughing matter. It is a necessary part of civilization. I have formed an Exploratory Committee to look at a possible bid for the local Commissioner of the Revenue. I will seek further input and guidance from our local Democratic Committee.

 

 

POSTED ON JUNE 7, 2018

The Tech-Based Commune

The idea and notion of a commune has fallen out of favor in the western world since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Most people today view the acquisition of wealth and property to be the driving force behind their personal lives and society as a whole. However, technologies such as the personal computer and the internet has the potential to revive the idea of a communal existence.

Many kinds of communes exist. For the most part, a commune exists on the basis of shared resources and a very flat hierarchical social structure. A cooperative nature exists between resources and authority in the group is shared by most individuals.

Technology of the last few decades can help facilitate the smooth functioning of communal living. Specifically, the personal computer and the internet could provide the social cohesion necessary for an orderly communal life.

To conclude, technology has the potential to revive the lost notion of the commune and provide cohesion for peaceful communal life. Utilizing shared resources with a flat social hierarchy, a tech-based commune could be the future for all communities.

 

 

POSTED ON JUNE 4, 2018

Growing the Economy

This past week President Trump has expanded his trade war to include some of our closest allies. His actions are very bad not only for international relations, but also for the economy. There is a consensus among economists protectionist policies are harmful to economic growth, for all countries involved.

President Trump is simply pandering to his base when he taughts his “Fair Trade” mantra. In reality, those are the people who will be harmed the most from his protectionist policies. President Trump is expecting to blame the economic realities of his protectionist policies on his political enemies.

By contrast, STEM education and research will grow the economy. STEM will also prepare the workforce for the realities of the 21st century global market. STEM education and research provides the citizenry with the knowledge and tools necessary to compete in the 21st century.

To conclude, economists agree protectionist policies are bad for the economy. STEM education and research, on the other hand, grows the economy and enables the workforce to compete in the 21st century. The American people should not be fooled by President Trump’s economic and political antics.

 

 

POSTED ON MAY 23, 2018

Citizen Scientist

I wanted to be an astrophysicist ever since I was a boy. I was enamored with the star-filled night sky, even with my poor eye sight. Unfortunately, my hopes of becoming a hard scientist vanished when I dropped out of AP Physics my senior year of high school. I majored in economics and philosophy in college.

However, Berkeley and IBM’s World Community Grid make it possible to have your idle computer help do some real hard science. Through the BOINC distributed applications network a computer can work on problems in mathematics, astrophysics, biology, environmental science, and many other areas.

The National Science Foundation funds BOINC and it is the largest computing grid in the world. BOINC runs on many kinds of devices. It is not limited to just personal computers. It is relatively easy to set and requires very little technical skills.

Being a citizen scientist is fun and rewarding. Researching the different science projects and working with a computer is a great way to spend a hot summer day or a cold winter night. Wikipedia is a great resource for doing research on the different project. Donating your computer’s time and resources is a great way to advance science and make the world a better place.

 

 

POSTED ON MAY 21, 2018

A Royal Wedding

I, mostly, write about business, politics, and technology. I, purposely, try to avoid populous partisan politics. There is plenty of that in the daily mainstream media. I, also, try to avoid tabloid news or gossip. I leave that for other blogs and media outlets.

Nevertheless, as I was working on my website very early Saturday morning the Royal Wedding came on. The wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle soon became the top-trender on social media around the world.

Americans have varying views of royalty, since we gained our independence from them in the late 1700’s. However, my stepfather was from the U.K. and Prince Harry was marrying an American. This royal wedding was different.

I quickly realized this social event was probably the biggest political event until the midterm elections. An American infusion into the British Royal Family has tremendous implications on both sides of the pond.

The bonds of holy matrimony are very strong. I will be watching this couple over the coming years to see how their relationship matures and develops and what impact it has on both of our countries. I wish the newly married couple many years of happiness together.

 

 

POSTED ON MAY 17, 2018

A Blind Trust And The Emoluments Clause

America has had wealthy Presidents in the past. However, all modern Presidents have placed their holdings in a blind trust to avoid violating the emoluments clause. A blind trust completely severs the President from his personal holdings and eliminates any potential conflicts of interest he might have while serving in Office.

This week we learned the Trump Organization stands to benefit $500 million from a land development deal in Indonesia funded by China. Many people expressed outrage of the findings, including Republican members of Congress.

The President is not legally obligated to place his personal holdings into a blind trust. Also, a Republican-controlled Congress is unlikely to pursue any possible violations of the emoluments clause. Nevertheless, it’s very dirty politics.

To conclude, all modern Presidents have respected the spirit of the emoluments clause by placing their personal holdings into a blind trust. President Trump has decided not to follow in his predecessors footsteps. In not doing so, President Trump degrades the Office he holds.

 

 

POSTED ON MAY 13, 2018

There’s A Chart For That

Economic forecasters try to determine the present state of the economy and where it is headed, both for the short-term and long-term. In doing so, we look at a lot of charts. I’m just a lay-economist. I rely almost solely on publicly available information and charts.

Fortunately, the internet has a wealth of information available for lay-economists. Market Watch has compiled a list of the most important charts of this century. If you have just the slightest of computer skills you can extract charts and data from the Federal Reserve.

Economic forecasting often takes one out of the specialized field of economics. I quite often find myself doing research with census data, politics, environmental and health issues, and even religious trends.

To conclude, economic forecasting is quite enjoyable. If you enjoy working with numbers and charts it can be quite rewarding. Aside from the usual supply and demand data you could very well find yourself looking at other areas of the population. Almost certainly, there’s a chart for that.

Three-dimensional 3D diagram with appropriate arrows

 

 

POSTED ON MAY 8, 2018

Bombs and Boots

A nuclear capable Iran has long been a thorn in the side of the U.S., our allies, and the Middle East. Fortunately, through sanctions and various agreements we have been able to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

It is the President’s responsibility, as Commander in Chief, to ensure the safety of our homeland. It is in this vein President Trump withdrew the United States from the Iran agreement made under President Obama.

Politics aside, If President Trump deems it necessary to reinstate the sanctions on Iran he is well within his right to do so. He also, in my opinion, has the right to do limited bombing runs on Iran to ensure they do not have nuclear or other kinds of weapons of mass-destruction.

However, President Trump is not unlimited in his use of military force. If President Trump wants to put “boots on the ground” in Iran he needs to make his case to the American people and seek Congressional approval.

We should all strive for peace. Military force should only be used when all other diplomatic efforts have failed. I am saddened President Trump viewed the previous administration’s efforts to maintain peace with Iran a failure. Let’s all pray these actions don’t lead to war.

 

 

 

 

 

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POSTED ON MAY 2, 2018

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Political comedy specializes in gaining entertainment from politics. It has also been used with subversive intent where political speech and dissent are forbidden by a regime, as a method of advancing political arguments where such arguments are expressly forbidden.

While the President and the Press have abysmally low public approval ratings comedians have been doing very well this past year. Saturday Night Live has earned its best ratings since the 90’s, and late-night comedians have been making a “killing” with Trump as their target.

This past weekend the Press and the Administration teamed up on comedian Michelle Wolf. She was invited by the White House Correspondents’ Association to give her stand-up act, but then “thrown under the bus” when the Administration predictably protested her style of comedy.

I support Michelle Wolf and her style of political comedy. I wish the White House Correspondents’ Association would have stuck to their guns with her. In times such as these it is good to remember laughter is the best medicine.

 

 

POSTED ON APRIL 27, 2018

A New Capitalism

The U.S. economy is fueled by consumerism. Consumer spending accounts for approximately 2/3rds of all U.S. economic activity and growth. Put simply, people purchasing items and consuming them is what drives the U.S. economy. It is my premise, however, consumerism is very dangerous for our government and natural environment.

The federal government’s debt level is spiraling upward. The U.S. federal government is spending more than what it is taking in tax revenue. The Republican tax plan that was recently passed is a blatant theft from future generations of Americans. The federal government is plagued by consumerism.

We are blessed here in the United States with an abundance of natural resources. Nevertheless, as consumption levels continue to increase we are depleting and destroying our natural environment. Consumerism is, literally, bad for the environment.

To conclude, the U.S. economy is based on consumerism. Consumerism is bad for both the government and the environment. If the United States is to thrive into the next century we must develop a new capitalism. A capitalism not centered on consumerism.

 

 

POSTED ON APRIL 17, 2018

Changing Attitudes Towards Religious Affiliation

I grew up in the church, literally. My step-father was a Baptist minister and founded what is now Skyline Baptist Church. I’ve been baptized and I’ve read the Bible cover-to-cover with study notes. I come from a long line of Baptist farmers. I consider myself a liberal Baptist.

Nevertheless, the country as a whole, and especially Democrats, are becoming less religiously affiliated. One in three Democratic voters consider themselves unaffiliated with a religious organization. That is up from one in ten just twenty years ago.

Most of the changes in religious habits of the population can be attributed to Millennials. Millennials are far less likely to have a religious affiliation than the Baby-Boomers. 17% of Baby-Boomers are religiously unaffiliated while their Millennial counterparts are about 35% unaffiliated.

The American public’s changing attitudes towards religious affiliation has profound implications for sociologists, politicians, and policy makers. Personally, I will watch these trends closely over the coming years and decades.

 

 

POSTED ON APRIL 3, 2018

Fear is the Order of the Day

Fear rules the stock markets at the present moment. There are several factors contributing to this fear. The primary reason for this fear is uncertainty surrounding a possible trade war. Stock traders simply do not know what industries will be involved in a trade war.

Interest rates are expected to continue to rise throughout 2018. This fact will have a big impact on housing and autos. However, the effects of rising rates should be minimal in the short-term.

Nevertheless, I don’t see any recession anytime soon. The National Association for Business Economics has forecast a 2.9% GDP growth for 2018. It is the most optimistic forecast in past three years. Also, consumer confidence remains high.

All-in-all, the economy remains strong, but the possibility of a trade war with rising rates are testing stock traders’ risk-aversion levels. Stocks are priced to perfection. If you can’t handle volatility or risk, then fear is the order of the day.

 

 

 

POSTED ON MARCH 21, 2018

Best Buy Snitches

It was revealed recently the FBI has had a deep relationship with the technicians at Best Buy. Members of the Geek Squad have been paid informants for quite some time. The Geek Squad “agents” would provide customer information to law enforcement officials. There is a word for that; it is called “snitching.”

Being paid informants of the FBI, it gives the Geek Squad Agents the incentive to search for illegal content on a customer’s computer. Effectively making Best Buy a corporate search agency for federal law enforcement.

Not only is this a breach of customer trust, it is clearly a violation of the 4th Amendment’s “search and seizure” clause. The government was paying a corporate entity to perform illegal search and seizures on customers’ computers.

I do my own computer repairs and maintenance. However, I will never shop at Best Buy again because of this revelation. Customers’ trust is critical in the retail and business world. The Best Buy snitches have lost my trust.

 

 

 

POSTED ON MARCH 16, 2018

The Real Estate Market (update)

Recently, I have had several failed attempts at purchasing real estate. For various reasons a deal would not go through. I have since decided to forego purchasing property at this time and was lucky to get into an apartment.

The real estate market is driven, first and foremost, by supply and demand. Housing supply has been tight for the last few years. It has been difficult to find a property for even the most capable of buyers.

A low unemployment level and relative low interest rates has driven the demand side of the real estate market. While interest rates will rise this year, it is still well below its historically normal levels.

These factors of the real estate market do not appear to be changing for the rest of 2018. This is why I went ahead and sign a lease for a rental apartment. Rental properties are tough to get into right now for the same reasons. I was lucky to find and get into Royal Arms Apartments.

 

 

 

POSTED ON MARCH 12, 2018

I Don’t Pay for Virus Protection Software

As a Windows Programmer, I have learned many tricks over the years to save both time and money with my Windows installations. One of those tricks is to forego spending time and money on virus protection software. If you have intermediate to advanced personal computer skill I recommend ditching your virus protection software.

Ditching your virus protection software is not for the faint of heart. I don’t recommend it for the more novice computer users. There is a lot of malicious software on the internet. The novice computer user will need the virus protection to safeguard their system from all the bad stuff.

However, the more advanced computer users can get by without spending extra money on a virus protection suite. Also, not running a virus protection suite frees up vital system resources that can be used for other applications.

To conclude, I don’t pay for virus protection software. The advanced computer users can get by without spending the extra time and money fooling around with such things. Being a Windows programmer, I ditched my virus protection software a long time ago.

 

 

 

POSTED ON MARCH 6, 2018

The Failure of Skyline Tech

Eighty percent of new businesses fail within the first two years. That is a fact of life in the business world. Beating that statistic is extremely difficult. Many entrepreneurs lose their life savings, homes, or other people’s money trying to beat those odds.

Skyline Tech was the result of six months of research into the Appalachia region. I tried to identify the economic and technological needs of the inhabitants of the area. The solution primarily involved the personal computer, Microsoft Office 365 cloud technologies, and a very high phone bill.

My solution worked everywhere I could get electricity and a phone signal. I ran what was essentially a multi-million dollar IT department remotely in the deep woods. I was quite surprised with the results and capabilities of the off-the-shelf technologies.

Unfortunately, Skyline Tech failed to generate the revenue I was expecting. After two years, it became painfully obvious Skyline Tech did not have much of a future. It’s quite possible, however, some instantiation of Skyline Tech could exist in a mid-sized managed technology firm. I don’t have the resources to make that happen.

In conclusion, after more than two years I decided to end Skyline Tech. The idea was great on paper and the technology performed admirably, but it failed to generate the revenue needed to continue operations. Skyline Tech is a failure.

 

 

 

POSTED ON FEBRUARY 27, 2018

Epistemology in the Information Age

Socrates is famous for stating, “I know that I know nothing.” Socrates would not fair very well in the 21st century Information Age. With vast amounts of raw data and information available to even the most nascent technophile, it is difficult to credibly make such statements.

Epistemology is the study of truth, knowledge, and what exactly constitutes wisdom. Epistemology is one of the core pillars in the study of philosophy. Philosophers have been wrestling with the subject of epistemology for more than 2400 years.

However, the technological revolution of the last half century has ushered in an Information Age never before experienced in humankind. The amount of information available today fundamentally challenges the ancient understandings of truth, knowledge, and wisdom.

Philosophers will need to re-equip themselves with the tools of the information age if they are to stay relevant in the 21st century. Information technology will define the future of the study of epistemology. Just ask Socrates.

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON FEBRUARY 18, 2018

The Utility of the Second Amendment

The Second Amendment of the Constitution was enacted more than 200 years ago. The founding fathers were a bit ambiguous and cryptic. We here in the United States are still arguing over its meaning and will probably still continue to argue about it for many years to come.

This blog post aims to show that Americans’ love affair with firearms will be satisfied when the utility of the Second Amendment has diminished or expired. Like many other laws or long-time held social customs, the Second Amendment does have an expiration date.

Over time subsequent generations will view the Second Amendment as archaic and barbaric. The Second Amendment will become an outdated relic from a rag-tag group of colonies trying find its place in the world.

As the Second Amendment outlives its usefulness more laws will be enacted to diminish the harmful effects of firearms. It might take another 200 years, but eventually the Second Amendment will become impotent within the population.

To conclude, this blog post showed the controversies of the Second Amendment over the past 200 years and how its popularity is diminishing within the population. Eventually, the utility of the Second Amendment will have diminished to the point of irrelevance.

 

 

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POSTED ON FEBRUARY 17, 2018

Enemies of the State

The 2018 midterm election cycle is starting to heat up. After stunning Democratic victories here in Virginia this past November the Tea Party is starting to pour money into the state. I declare the Tea Party Majority Fund, InfoCision Management Corporation and its CEO Craig Taylor as enemies of the state of Virginia.

Virginia has been making long strides to shake itself from its fringe-right past. Tea Party spending here in the state will take us back to the dark days of the 80’s and 90’s. We must move forward as a state and stop this Tea Party spending.

You can learn all about the far-right group, Tea Party Majority Fund, at Open Secrets. You can, also, learn about the telecommunications contractor InfoCision Management Corporation on Wikipedia. These far-right fringe political organizations must be stopped.

 

 

 

POSTED ON FEBRUARY 10, 2018

Immigration is Good for the U.S. Economy

Republicans have argued recently that Democrats care more about immigrants than hard working U.S. citizens. To the contrary, Democrats care a great deal about the U.S. economy. Virtually every study that has ever been done on immigration shows it is a net positive for the U.S. economy. Here are some facts on immigrants and immigration:

• “Immigration is integral to the nation’s economic growth,” the study found. In 2016, immigrants will contribute about $2 trillion to U.S. gross domestic product.

• Immigrants and their offspring pay more in federal taxes than they receive in federal benefits over their lifetimes, but the opposite is true at the state and local government level, largely because the costs of educating the children of immigrants is higher than the increased tax revenues local governments subsequently get back.

• Disentangling the impact of immigration on wages and employment is exceedingly difficult, but the bulk of the evidence indicates that “when measured over a period of 10 years or more, the impact of immigration on the overall native wage may be small and close to zero.”

President Trump and fellow Republicans are using the immigration debate to energize their base with fear-mongering tactics. The economic facts simply do not support their fear-mongering claims. The fact is, immigration is good for the U.S. economy.

 

 

 

POSTED ON FEBRUARY 8, 2018

Trump and the Church

I have been fascinated these past two years how evangelicals have embraced Donald Trump. Other than his selection of Mike Pence as his Vice President, Trump has shown very little association with evangelicals or the church.

The Republican Party has long been the home of the Moral Majority. Since the 80’s Republican nominees have always cozzied up to evangelicals and adopted many of their issues to the Republican platform.

Trump, on the other hand, was a Republican Party outsider. Trump did not have a close relationship with the Republican Party base or the evangelical church establishment. Many of Trump’s positions are, at best, shallow with evangelicals.

Mike Pence brought the Value Voters to Donald Trump. Mike Pence is everything the evangelical church wants in a political candidate. It’s hard to tell who is playing lip-service to whom when it comes to Trump and the Church.

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON JANUARY 31, 2018

No “Wow Factor” in the SOTU Address

President Trump gave his first State of the Union Address tonight. Other than the fact he didn’t mention fake news or the ongoing Russia collusion probe, it was the same rhetoric we have been hearing. President Trump really didn’t say anything new.

He touted the economy and the recent passage of the tax overhaul bill. He mentioned the defeat of ISIS and has all but declared war on the MS-13 gang. He, also, promised infrastructure money and immigration reform.

The speech, itself, was nothing new. However, the Republican Party seemed quite united around him. Donald Trump, being a Washington outsider with abysmally low job approval ratings, may have finally won Republican allies in the House and Senate.

With another government shutdown looming and the midterm elections kicking off I was looking to see if President Trump could deliver a “wow factor.” I didn’t see it. I doubt his approval ratings, which is at 40%, will see a bounce because of the speech.

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON JANUARY 22, 2018

Why Do We Have Government?

In a previous blog post I postulated government’s duty is to alleviate and contend with the human suffering due to war, famine, and disease. In light of the current government shutdown, I am revisiting my original hypothesis on why we have a government.

The government has shutdown several times in the past few decades for various reasons. The current government impasse is related to immigration, specifically, the DACA recipients. DACA recipients came to the United States as children and have little to no connection to their country of origin.

Republicans view this as an immigrant invasion of the sovereignty of the United States. Republicans want to respond with force and a wall. Democrats, on the other hand, are more welcoming to immigrants; both legal and illegal. The two parties have failed to find any common ground on the issue.

I side with the Democrats on the immigration issue. Republicans are over-reacting when claiming immigrants are invading the United States. Immigrants come to the United States for a better life, and quite often, the country is better off because of their contributions. Immigration is beneficial for everyone.

In conclusion, Republicans are wrong in treating immigration as an act of war. The United States is not being invaded and our sovereignty is not at risk. To the contrary, immigration benefits both the United States and those coming here for a better life. Put simply, immigrants help alleviate the sufferings related to war, famine, and disease, not exacerbate it.

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON JANUARY 19, 2018

Fake Government Awards

President Donald Trump has continued his relentless assault on the Free Press using the GOP Blog site as his proxy. The GOP Blog website published their list of Fake News Award winners promised by the White House. The President was quick to tweet the list out to his followers.

I have, therefore, created my own awards; the Fake Government Awards. These awards go to the people and institutions who demonstrate extremely poor leadership in governmental affairs. The winners are as follows:

1. President Donald Trump for his dictatorial control of the Executive Branch and the use of his elected position for personal gain.

2. The Republican lead U.S. Congress for their banana republic style of legislative leadership.

3. The GOP for their complete lack of understanding of mass media in publishing the Fake News Awards on their blog website.

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON JANUARY 13, 2018

How To Save Western Civilization

It has been ten years since the world financial crises and the ensuing Great Recession. There is plenty of blame to go around for everyone involved. Nevertheless, the ugly truth of the matter is Americans and Europeans lack basic financial and math skills. Western civilization almost collapsed because its people could not do 8th grade / 13 year old financial math.

One third of American homeowners don’t know or can not calculate the interest rate on their mortgage. Worse still, nearly two-thirds of Americans can not calculate interest payments correctly. These basic math skills are taught in middle school or junior high school.

Europeans are almost as financially ignorant. During the height of the financial crises Germany and other European countries were selling government bonds with negative interest rates. In short, Europeans were paying their respective governments to hold their money for them. I called it a tax on financial ignorance.

To conclude, western civilization’s very future depends on remedying this tragic problem. Americans and Europeans must become better at basic financial and math skills. The earlier we start, the better.

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON JANUARY 9, 2018

Living Simply

I grew up in the shadows of the Cold War. Living only an hour’s drive outside Washington DC I was keenly aware of the fragile existence we all had. The terrorist attacks of 9/11 only re-enforced the awareness Washington DC is a prime target for all our foes and enemies.

At the behest of my mother a few years ago, I began researching basic emergency preparedness. There is a wealth of information online relating to the subject. However, I consistently ran across three groups: Native Americans, Doomsday Preppers, and Anarchy-Primitivists.

Native Americans occupied North America long before Europeans arrived. Native Americans have a unique perspective on living close to the land that permeates their very belief systems and social structures.

Doomsday Preppers, on the other hand, try to utilize modern techniques and technology to increase the chances an individual will survive a disaster situation. Preppers quite often use a fortified structure of some kind as their primary means of survival.

Anarchy-Primitivists are similar to the Native Americans in their philosophy, but like the Preppers view society through a rear-view mirror. Primitivists believe the modern institutions are unsustainable in their current form and are destined to collapse into a more primitive state.

I admire each of these groups for different reasons, even with their individual shortcomings. The commonality of the three groups is to live simply. Living simply in a society that glorifies the opposite is extremely challenging to do.

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON JANUARY 4, 2018

We All Live on CloudNine

CloudNine Communications was one of the first internet service providers in the UK. In 2002 CloudNine suffered a severe Denial-of-Service attack and was, literally, hacked into bankruptcy. Likewise, sixty percent of small businesses closed within six months of being cyber-attacked.

Cyber-attacks cost the world economy $450 billion in 2016. That amount is expected to rise as more devices become connected. To put that amount into perspective, it is bigger than the economies of the UAE or Norway.

World War 3 has already started in cyberspace. The United States has formally blamed North Korea for the WannaCry cyber-attack that cost the U.S. and allies billions of dollars. It is only a matter of time before all hell breaks loose on the internet.

To conclude, more of our daily life depends on connected devices. With the threat from cyber-criminals and cyber-war, we all live on CloudNine.

Courtesy of: Visual Capitalist

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON JANUARY 3, 2018

General Theory of Efficiency and Productivity

In the knowledge-based economy of the 21st century information is the new prized commodity. To manage this new and growing commodity we need to master the tools of the new economy. Mastering these tools will increase efficiency and productivity.

The personal computer has been the mainstay in the information technology revolution since the 1980’s. Today’s personal computers are comparable to the super-computers of only a few decades ago. An individual, today, can manage vast amounts of information if they learn to master the personal computer.

The personal computer will earn its place in history along side the steel mills, railroads, and the oil rigs of yester-years. The digital divide is akin to which side of the tracks a person was born on. The digital divide will separate the peoples of the 21st century due to efficiency and productivity levels.

To conclude, the 21st century knowledge-based economy demands we all master the tools to manage the new commodity; information. Mastering these tools will increase efficiency and productivity levels and determine which side of the digital divide you reside.

 

 

 

 

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POSTED On DECEMBER 27, 2017

The 2018 Race to Watch

Most everyone will be watching the U.S. House and Senate races in 2018. However, a very interesting Nevada state house race has come onto my radar. It involves the incumbent Assemblyman James Oscarson and self-proclaimed pimp Dennis Hof for Nevada’s District 36.

Oscarson defeated Hof in 2016, but the political dynamics have changed significantly since that time. The Nevada state legislature passed sweeping tax reform that may have disenfranchised many voters. It will be a tough sell for incumbents.

I would support a Democratic candidate, but one doesn’t appear to be running in Nevada’s District 36. I, briefly, looked into purchasing an abandoned brothel in Nevada. However, they were asking too much for the property and I really don’t know anything about operating a brothel. So, I decided against it.

Nevertheless, I’ll be watching Nevada’s District 36 race closely along with the U.S. House and Senate races. I am very interested in Nevada politics. This race should prove to be very exciting.

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON DECEMBER 22, 2017

The Cyber Battle-Space

Some argue war is a catalyst that propels our species forward. The internet was initially designed and engineered to allow people to maintain communications in the onset of a nuclear war. Internet technology birthed from the Cold War is indispensable in the modern world.

It is critical in the initial stages of any attack to take out an enemy target’s communications capabilities. When the enemy target’s communications capabilities are disabled the enemy cannot effectively organize a defense or counter attack measures.

This past week, Kim Jong Un of North Korea was formally blamed by the United States for the WannaCry cyber attack that crippled computer systems and caused billions of dollars worth of damage. Much of the rest of the world and the tech community agreed with this assessment.

I argue this was a feeble attempt by the North Korean regime to disable computer systems and communications, and as such, was an act of unwarranted aggression. Put simply, this was a war-like attack by the Kim Jong Un regime.

In conclusion, the WannaCry cyber attack by the Kim Jong Un regime should be considered an act of unwarranted aggression and war. An appropriate measured response should be considered by the United States in conjunction with the United Nations and our allies.

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON DECEMBER 20, 2017

Alternative Facts and Economics

Fox News insists on spewing White House propaganda relating to the economy. In no uncertain terms, the White House is suggesting President Trump is responsible for the booming economy. Fox News regurgitates this awful spin to their audiences.

Trump’s election has had no meaningful affect on the stock market or the economy. The only aspect of the economy President Trump can truly take credit for is not wrecking an already booming market and economy.

I have included with this post four charts to prove my point. The economy was trending upward well before Trump’s election win. This is just another example of Fox News spreading White House propaganda and alternative facts.

DOW Jones Industrial Average

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON DECEMBER 18, 2017

Fox News Should Fire Jesse Watters

Jesse Watters of Fox News Watters World suggested the Robert Mueller special investigation into the Trump campaign for collusion with the Russians is a coup attempt against the President. If Fox News is to maintain any level of journalistic credibility they should fire Jesse Watters.

Jesse Watters, along with the entirety of Fox News, has had a long history of being nothing more than a propaganda wing of the Republican Party. Administration officials and fellow Republicans go onto Fox News for softball questions and as a way to spew their alternative facts.

However, as indictments came down from the Mueller investigation, Fox News has stepped up rhetoric against the special prosecutor. Jesse Watters has crossed the line with his “coup” statement to suggest Mueller and his team are trying to subvert the Republic.

The Fox News war on special council Robert Mueller should end. Jesse Watters should resign from Fox News or be fired to show they respect the Mueller independent investigation. Jesse Watters is a joke of a cable news journalist and can never be trusted for journalistic integrity.

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON DECEMBER 15, 2017

A Big Win For Investigative Journalism

As print journalism continues to wane in the digital age the Washington Post delivered a fatal blow to Republican Roy Moore’s Senate campaign. Democrat Doug Jones won the Alabama Senate seat delivering a big win for investigative journalism.

Republican Roy Moore was the clear favorite to win Jeff Sessions’ old seat. A democrat had not been elected in 25 years to the Alabama Senate. President Trump endorsed Roy Moore’s primary challenger, Luther Strange, but Roy Moore had easy sailing to General Election victory.

However, the Washington Post did an explosive story of Roy Moore’s various encounters with teenage girls and his poll numbers plummeted. The final month of the campaign was dominated by headline after headline of Roy Moore and teenage girls.

The Alabama Senate race was less about political jousting and more about the power of investigative journalism. As print journalism continues to lose ground to their blogging brethren they showed this week they still have life in them.

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON DECEMBER 8, 2017

Goodbye 2017, Hello 2018

It’s the end of the year. So, I thought I would list a few of my accomplishments of 2017 and what I’ll be working on in 2018. As always, my list of things “to do” far exceeds my lists of accomplishments.

2017 was a very bad year if you were a buyer of real property or looking to rent. It has been a sellers market for several years and 2017 was no different. I am continually trying to find a more permanent location for Skyline Tech and myself.

Nevertheless, I was able to accomplish one big goal this year. I successfully migrated my website to the new WordPress website. Initially, I was unimpressed with WordPress. After spending several months with WordPress I almost decided to go with another system. I then committed some real time to WordPress and discovered it was a pretty nice system. My new WordPress website will serve as my primary website for the next few years.

I was hoping to also get the CompTIA A+ certification done this year. While I did make some progress it kept getting pushed to the back burner. Now that my website is almost done I can once again put the CompTIA A+ certification back to a high-priority item.

A few other things I’l be working on in 2018: 1. build a bitcoin mining rig, 2. stream some online gaming, and 3. finalize plans for graduate school. I didn’t quite accomplish everything I wanted in 2017, but with the promise of a New Year things look great.

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON DECEMBER 2, 2017

Winners and Losers of the Tax Game

The U.S. Senate followed the House and passed the most sweeping tax reform bill in thirty years. The bill mostly gives tax breaks to the 1% and corporations while increasing the federal deficit. It passed along party lines, without a Democrat’s vote.

I am certainly not a member of the top 1%, and probably never will be. I don’t believe the top 1% needs a tax cut given the already widening wealth gap. The wealth gap here in the U.S. is among the worst in the industrialized world.

Nevertheless, making our corporations more competitive might pull more people out of poverty. While not everyone has shared in the wealth creation, corporations are the greatest wealth generator the face of the Earth has ever known.

Unfortunately, the latest CBO score says the tax reform bill adds $1.4 trillion to the deficit. This burden will be bore by future generations. Generations that are not old enough to vote, or not even have been born yet, will need to contend with a greater federal debt load.

Wealth creation is not a zero-sum game. However, the clear winners of this tax bill are the 1% and corporations. The clear losers are everyone else and future generations.

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON DECEMBER 1, 2017

Kate Steinle case verdict and sanctuary cities

Twitter thread on the

Kate Steinle case verdict

and sanctuary cities…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON NOVEMBER 28, 2017

The Future of Truth

The Information Age has ushered in a wondrous time, but also many challenges. The biggest challenge in the Information Age is defining Truth. We, as individuals and as a society, must contend with this deluge of information to arrive at something that resembles actionable truth.

Truth can take many forms: facts, political spin, dis-information, and data with emotional appeal. People both produce and consume a multitude of these many forms of the truth. Citizens then translate that truth into action at the ballot box, when spending money, and in other areas of their lives.

Plato had a very different idea on the notion of “forms”, however. Plato believed we are all imprinted with a perfect idea of Truth and Reality upon our souls before we are born. We retain this idea of truth and reality in Forms, only to be partially actualized in the physical realm.

To conclude, the Information Age has brought with it many challenges to the very nature of Truth. Ideally, this massive amount of information will help all of us be more informed voters, conscience consumers, and live better lives. Perhaps, we could learn something from the past about the future of Truth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON NOVEMBER 23, 2017

Another Dot-Com Boom?

The collective memory of the capital markets seems no longer than 15 years. I was just out of college in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. It was the height of the dot-com boom. After working for some Ph.D. Economists as a programmer I decided to try my hand at e-commerce for an internet service provider.

We believed every sector of the economy would be influenced by our internet technology. Indeed, that belief might have proven true, but the actual economics of the internet proved to be daunting and less than favorable.

Since the infamous dot-com crash shortly there after I have focused more on the technologies related to the personal computer. I became a Certified Windows Programmer and have only dabbled in e-commerce as a hobby. I have designed an array of PC-related products specifically targeting the Appalachia region.

Flash forward to the present, the FCC has announced it is rolling back the Net Neutrality rules set for the ISP’s and telecoms. This will most certainly cause another dot-com boom, but will the outcome be any different? Have the telecoms solved the near-insurmountable economic problems associated with internet technology? Are we looking at another inevitable dot-com crash? Time will tell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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POSTED ON NOVEMBER 22, 2017

The Root of All Human Suffering

Wars, famine, and disease are the roots of all human suffering. We spend every waking moment trying to mitigate and contend with those three aspects of human suffering. All of human existence is defined by how well we minimize those horrors related to human suffering.

Happiness, itself, is contingent upon one’s ability to deal with wars, famine, and disease. The “pursuit of happiness” is a never ending foot-race with these three roots of human suffering. Happiness is limiting, as much as possible, human suffering.

Our social notions of Freedom and Justice also have these three aspects of human suffering at their core. We try to ensure our social institutions treat all people fairly in order to minimize human suffering. In that way, society maximizes the good and demonstrates its own inherent usefulness.

To conclude, our social institutions and, indeed, happiness depends on minimizing the horrors of human suffering relating to wars, famine, and disease. Our society and personal well-being will be defined, as such, on our progress to contend with them.

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON NOVEMBER 17, 2017

2017-18 Retail Apocalypse

The U.S. economy is growing. Unemployment is near record lows. The stock market is at all-time highs. So, why are brick and mortar retailers closing stores at a record pace? It seems counter-intuitive with the economy doing so well that tradition retailers are having such a difficult time.

Changes in consumer buying habits is the primary cause many retailers are closing. Consumers can simply find a larger selection of items online at better prices. If consumers are willing to wait a week or two for the item to arrive at his or her doorstep he or she is more likely to find the desired item at a lower cost.

Black Friday is a week away. Black Friday is the busiest shopping day on the calendar for brick and mortar retailers. Cyber Monday follows close on its heels. I have been amazed these past 15 years at how traditional retailers have fallen one after the other to their e-commerce counterparts. The retail apocalypse is about to kick into high-gear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON NOVEMBER 14, 2017

Stateless Crypto-Currencies

I was resistant to the crypto-currency craze until the Democrats lost political power in Washington D.C. After President Donald Trump announced his new Federal Reserve Chairman nominee I began taking a much closer look at Bitcoin. Bitcoin, being a stateless crypto-currency, allows for the hedge against political fluctuations, or even a state’s collapse.

Many consider the Federal Reserve Chairman to be the second most powerful person in Washington D.C. To be certain, the Chairman wields a tremendous amount of power. The Chairman, once approved, is suppose to be independent of any political influences. The Federal Reserve is one of the few government agencies that completely funds itself and is independent.

Nevertheless, I don’t believe the Federal Reserve can totally divorce itself from politics. Stateless crypto-currencies, such as Bitcoin, can provide an asset hedge against negative political influences in our monetary system. Gold is often used as a hedge against inflation. Likewise, Bitcoin could be used as a hedge against politics. Stateless crypto-currencies could provide asset stability in an uncertain political environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON NOVEMBER 9, 2017

The Blue Wave

It cannot be overstated the success of the Democrats this past Tuesday. Democrats won offices across the country. However, all eyes were on Virginia. Virginia, with its off-year election, is often viewed as a bellwether on the President. The blue wave that swept across Virginia and the country was a clear refutation of the President and his policies.

It was an all-hands-on-deck for the Democrats in Virginia. Former President Obama, Joe Biden, both Senators Warner and Kaine stumped for Ralph Northam and fellow Democrats around the Commonwealth. Ed Gillespie, on the other hand, never healed the wounds from his tough GOP primary and only partially embraced Trumpism.

Tuesday was also the first real test for Tom Perez as the new DNC Chairman. Tom Perez’s “Rise and Organize” strategy worked extremely well in Virginia and in the rest of the country. It was quite clear the campaigns were well planned out and well executed.

There are plenty of sites on the web that document exit polls and actual vote counts. Personally, I prefer to use Wikipedia for more in-depth analysis of election results. All-in-all, Democrats fielded excellent candidates, ran good campaigns, and the President’s approval ratings are very low. Tuesday saw a blue wave sweep across the country.

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON OCTOBER 25, 2017

The Bloggers’ Revolution

Shortly after the 2016 Presidential election I wrote a blog titled: A Newsman’s Coup. In it I stated President Donald Trump had declared war on the main-stream media for openly supporting his opponent. He is using social media as his primary weapon to wage this war against the major news outlets.

Since that time the main-stream media has tried everything in its power to bring down the newly elected President. It is true President Trump has the lowest approval ratings of any modern President, but the major news outlets have failed to actually bring Trump’s Presidency down.

Democracies have always depended on free speech and press. Nevertheless, after witnessing the impotent actions of the main-stream media over the past year I am justified in saying the Free Press has lost much of its influence. The newsman’s coup attempt has failed.

It is incumbent upon a new generation to carry the torch of Free Speech and Free Press. A generation of bloggers utilizing social media and other technologies to establish themselves as pillars of this great democracy. Newsmen are the past. Bloggers are the future.

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON OCTOBER 23, 2017

Why Do We Fight?

Wars have been fought over everything imaginable. People have gone to war over land, religion, political ideology, water, oil, and even sugar. The ancient Greeks launched a thousand ships for the beauty of one woman and the American Revolution was initially started over taxes.

The price of personal computer electronic parts has spiked, recently. The price spike is due to two major factors: First, the increase in the price of various crypto-currencies is causing an increase in demand for video cards and other computer equipment. Second, geopolitical instability in the Asian-Pacific region due to Kim Jong Un.

With fresh sanctions against the Kim Jong Un regime, North Korea is trying to amass a crypto-currency war chest. Kim Jong Un is holding power, in part, with Bitcoin and other crypto-currencies. In turn, the higher priced crypto-currencies are driving up demand for computer related equipment; driving up the price of all computer electronic parts.

I’m not a war-monger, but if I had Kim Jong Un in the room I would punch him in his face for driving up the price of computer electronic equipment. Wars have been fought over a lot of things. I would fight Kim Jong Un over my personal computer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON OCTOBER 20, 2017

The Democrats’ Waterloo

Virginia’s state elections are just weeks away. It is a critical time not only for the state, but for the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party is at its worse levels in decades and if it loses Virginia it could take decades to recover the state. Virginia could prove to be the Democratic Party’s Waterloo.

Virginia has been trending towards the Democratic Party for some time, but is still considered a toss-up or “purple” state. Most of the polling throughout the race has leaned in favor of the Democrats, but recent polling has put the Gubernatorial race in a statistical dead-heat.

The state of Virginia went for Hillary Clinton in 2016, but in an off-year election it is difficult to know who will show up to actually vote. Both of Virginia’s Senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, are former Governors and from the Democratic Party.

Much is riding on Virginia’s state elections. It is a chance for the Democratic Party to gain a solid blue state or it could be a big political “black-eye” going into the 2018 midterm elections. The Democrats need to win Virginia.

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON OCTOBER 12, 2017

Sex, Money and Politics

The Harvey Weinstein sex scandal has dominated the headlines this past week. The story is still unfolding, but more than a dozen women have come forward claiming unwanted sexual advances by the Hollywood movie mogul.

The story probably wouldn’t have garnered such national attention except for the fact Harvey Weinstein was a long-time big donor to the Democratic Party. Party leaders have been scrambling since the news broke as to what to do with the money Weinstein donated.

To date, no politicians have been ensnared in the sex scandal, itself. Some politicians have been criticized for their late responses to the Weinstein revelations. However, it does not seem any politicians were active participants or even privy to Weinstein’s activities.

It is unfortunate such sleezballs as Harvey Weinstein exist. Preying on beautiful young women who are just trying to “make it” in the movie business is just wrong. The incident with the potted plant is truly disturbing. We are all fortunate his behavior didn’t much infect the world of politics.

 

 

 

POSTED ON OCTOBER 5, 2017

The Village is Under Attack

In a utopia all the threats are external. People live in harmony and tranquility. When that harmony is broken or the tranquility interrupted everyone struggles to answer the question of “Why?”

 

This week we saw the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. The tranquility of our utopian society was interrupted by a madman. Many are trying figure out precisely what happened and how to possibly prevent further such occurrences.

 

Both the man and the weapons will be heavily scrutinized over the coming weeks and months. However, it is important we take the time to morn for the dead, let the survivors heal, and get accurate detailed information. Together, we will move forward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Trump’s Trickle-Down Tax Plan

The White House released its tax reform plan this week. 80% of the tax relief goes to the top 1% of earners. It is a classic Republican trickle-down tax “reform” plan. The idea behind trickle-down economics is that the already wealthy and successful people know better how to spend the money and the tax relief “trickles-down” to the middle class and poor.

There are two major problems with the Republican’s classic trickle-down economics. First, the economy is demand driven. People spend money only when there is a want or need, creating demand for a product or service. High net worth individuals may not, necessarily, spend their tax relief. They might simply horde the tax relief. Therefore, the tax relief will not trickle-down.

The second major problem with President Trump’s tax plan is it causes the Federal Deficit to increase dramatically. Future generations, namely Millennials and Gen-Xers, will be paying for this added federal debt load 20 years from now. When the federal government’s credit rating is less than stellar, it is not the time to add to the federal deficit.

The White House’s tax plan still needs to go through Congress. Also, the tax plan is not all thorns. Being an entrepreneur, I could use some help getting my small business started. This tax reform plan does provide help for small businesses. Nevertheless, most of the tax plan is classic trickle-down economics.

 

 

 

POSTS

POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2017

The Final Word On White Supremacy

The United States prides itself on the First Amendment protections. However, when speeches and assemblies cause an eruption of violence authorities are quick to step in. Such is the case in Charlottesville and on college campuses. As a result of the inevitable violence white supremacists can no longer hide behind First Amendment protections.

All the major religious faith organizations have condemned white supremacy, including the Southern Baptist Convention. The Southern Baptist Convention determined the roots of white supremacy are evil in nature and should be avoided at all cost.

Additionally, Congress sent a joint bi-partisan resolution to President Trump condemning the Charlottesville violence and white supremacy. The President promptly signed the resolution. It is quite remarkable to see the U.S. government speak in a unified voice against white supremacy.

It is unclear whether or not these white supremacy groups will be treated as terrorist groups. It is very clear, however, these groups can no longer hide behind the banner of the First Amendment on campuses or in the public arena. The many faith groups and the U.S. government has provided the final word on white supremacy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2017

PC Days of Future Past

Personal Computers have been declining as a percentage of computing devices for nearly a generation. Most people, including Millennials, use separate devices for their computing needs. They use their smart phone for communications and social media and a gaming console for video games.

However, the Personal Computer has remained a mainstay within the office and has established a cult-like following among PC gamers. As a productivity machine, the Personal Computer is impossible to beat. As a gaming machine, the PC offers a world of features a console can’t touch.

The Personal Computer has always been a favorite among the cost conscience consumers and in the not-to-distant future the Personal Computer will be rediscovered as the remarkable machine that it is. The Personal Computer will experience a revival and it will become the days of future past.

 

 

 

POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

A Cosmic Dose of Cyber-Bullying

Hurricane Harvey hit landfall as a category 4 hurricane bringing the largest rainfall in U.S. history. Much of Houston, Texas and surrounding areas were underwater. Tragically, more than 60 people lost their lives and the cost of recovery will run into the billions of dollars.

In the midst of this tragedy Pastor Joel Osteen of the Lakewood mega church began trending on social media. The criticisms levied against this man of God were both unwarranted and unfounded. Pastor Osteen handled a dire emergency situation better than most others could in a similar circumstance.

What resulted was a cosmic dose of cyber-bullying of one of the most well respected pastors in the country. Pastor Osteen’s ministries are very popular on television and his books are always top-sellers. He is a man of impeccable character and has a true love for God. Pastor Osteen and his church are real heroes of Hurricane Harvey.

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2017

The Hidden Computer Science Lab in Newman Library

I have many fond memories of my time as an undergraduate at Virginia Tech and I’m proud to be part of Hokie Nation. I made life-long friends while earning a world-class education. Set in Blacksburg, the campus is a beauty to behold.

Some days I would just wander around campus observing all the wonders. I would see engineering plans and architect models. I could sometimes catch actual rocket science formulas on whiteboards.

However, one day I was doing research for an economics paper in Newman Library, the largest public library in Virginia. Hidden behind many shelves of books was a door. Above the door was a plaque that simply read “Computer Lab.” I investigated further and the computer lab belonged to the Computer Science Department.

I couldn’t find that computer lab again if I tried. It was very well hidden. Nevertheless, It is one of many fond memories I have of my time as an undergraduate at Virginia Tech. Many things to see and experience and, apparently, hidden computer labs in the library.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON AUGUST 28, 2017

A Call To Political Arms

There has been much blame recently on politicians for the violence occurring at rallies and demonstrations. I believe this blame is misplaced, however. Politicians care about one thing and one thing only; getting your vote. Violence at a protest doesn’t serve any politicians’ purpose. Blaming a politician for such is a mistake.

Anti-Fa is loosely aligned with the Democrats and is famous for their dislike of corporations, banks and law-enforcement officials. They express their dismay by smashing windows, burning vehicles and throwing trashcans.

The Alt-Right, on the other hand, is associated with the conservative Republicans. Many of their views on race, gender equality and the roll of markets and government are outdated by several centuries. They like to hide under the auspice of “free speech.”

Nevertheless, both Democrats and Republicans have disavowed themselves of the violence Anti-Fa and the Alt-Right have engaged. Holding a politician morally culpable for societal violence is worse than blaming video games or movies for violence. Politicians might make a call to political arms, but what that means is they want your vote, nothing more.

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON AUGUST 21, 2017

X-Men Apocalypse Movie Review

I recently had the pleasure of viewing the movie X-Men Apocalypse from my local library. I’m a big science-fiction movie fan and this movie was no disappointment. It tied into the X-Men cinematic universe, while at the same time could be viewed as a stand alone movie.

The X-Men movies are especially interesting because they deal with the subject of evolution head on. The entire series depicts the struggle between regular humans and mutants. Mutants, being discovered in the 20th century, endowed with super-human powers must live along side their less-evolved human brethren. Inevitable conflict ensues.

X-Men Apocalypse had religious themes other than the usual evolution question, however. The main antagonist, Apocalypse, wanted to take control of the mutants, destroy all the civilizations on Earth, and build a new civilization with him as the leader. Similar themes can be seen throughout the Bible and other religious texts.

All-in-all, the movie was a pleasure to watch from a purely entertainment perspective. The fact the movie raises many philosophical and religious questions makes it a joy to ponder afterwards. This is clearly one of the better X-Men movies of the franchise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON AUGUST 15, 2017

The Raven Comes Home

Charlottesville was the site of a violent clash this past weekend between two opposing fringe groups. The Alt-Right and counter-protesters met in the city and resulted in the death of an antiffa member and two State Troopers. The weekend’s scene resembled more like an Edgar Allen Poe short story than a civilized political discourse.

Politicians were quick to distance themselves from all the actors involved in the violence, but there is enough blame to go around for everyone. It is obvious to anyone who’s been paying attention that the major political parties are, at minimum, enablers of these fringe groups.

Interestingly enough, the protesters and counter-protesters both seemed technologically inept. The respective sides had a very well defined social hierarchy. They clearly had leaders with subordinates and foot-soldiers. It did not appear as if they were taking their orders from any specific technology.

As I observed the events unfold from my Buzzfeed live feed, I kept thinking I was watching a rendition of an Edgar Allen Poe short story. Unfortunately, it was all too real. This is truly an instance were the Raven came home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON AUGUST 5, 2017

Respecting our National Symbols

The American Flag and National Anthem have been under a great deal of fire recently by protesters. Athletes, antifa, and other groups have targeted these symbols as a means to bring attention to their respective grievances. However, their actions turn a lot of people off to their message who might otherwise be receptive.

These national symbols unite us as a people. When a particular group disrespects one or more of these symbols it says they no longer wish to be participants with the rest of the nation. Whether or not they already feel ostracized, they ultimately will be by disrespecting the symbols.

Personally, boycotts are my preferred form of protest. Economics is one of the greatest forces for change. Organizing an effective boycott is extremely challenging. Nevertheless, a successful boycott achieves its objectives with minimal collateral damage and respects our national symbols.

In conclusion, disrespecting our national symbols does nothing to progress a cause and might turn people off to your message. These national symbols unite us as a people, even with our individual differences. Protesters should respect our national symbols.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON AUGUST 3, 2017

Populous Partisan Politics

Politicon happened this past weekend and it was populous partisan politics at its best. If you are a loud cheerleader for the left or right this was the place for you. Politicians, political insiders, and pundits all gathered to cheer their respective sides on.

The main event of Politicon was the Chelsea Handler -vs- Tomi Lahren “sit-down.” Technically not a debate, the two sat down to discuss their opposing views on politics and current affairs. The “sit-down” was a crowd pleaser. Many people could be heard shouting on both sides, cheering for their favorite.

Nevertheless, little could be drawn from the sit-down for actionable policy making. The two pretty much remained within their respective talking points and presented themselves as passionately as possible. Politicon was populous partisan politics at its best.

In other news, it took only 36 minutes for Def Con hackers to totally own a voting machine.

  

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON AUGUST 2, 2017

World-Wide Online Education

Online colleges have been around for a few years, but haven’t received much attention. That is about to change. Economics and the ubiquitous nature of the internet is changing the college landscape. The local public library will play an important role, too.

Rising college costs and heavy debt-burden levels will drive more and more students into the online option. An online education is often less expensive and more convenient than its comparable on-campus program. Also, high speed internet is almost every where now.

The local library will provide computers, research material, meeting areas, proctoring and other services. These library services will prove invaluable to a student getting their degree online. To conclude, the world-wide online education sector is just starting.

 

 

 

 

POSTS

POSTED ON JULY 24, 2017

A Better Deal for the American People

Democrats have returned to their roots, fighting for struggling working-class Americans. The Democrat re-branding effort, A Better Deal, is the rallying cry going into the 2018 midterm elections and beyond.

The better deal has three stated goals: First, put more money in your pocket with higher paying jobs. Second, lower costs of essential living expenses. Third, retrain and retool skills for a 21st century work place.

The Democrat’s re-branding effort proves we are not the party of obstruction and we have real ideas to move this country forward. Democrats have always been for the struggling working-class Americans and the forgotten man. Now it’s time we prove it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUurFyK7QM0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON JULY 23, 2017

Buy Low, Sell High

Every investor in the stock market knows the phrase: “buy low, sell high.” Yet, whenever equities reach new highs people buy into the headlines. They look at a 5 or 10 year chart and see incredible gains and believe they will see those same gains over the next couple of years.

People who buy into the market when the headlines tell of all-time highs are driven by greed. Greed is not an investment strategy. Greed is one of the deadly sins and should be avoided at all costs. A good investment strategy should includes one’s investment time horizon and his/her risk-aversion level. The corresponding calculations eliminates greed.

According to my research and calculations the Dow Jones industrial Average will be trading down 5% by this same time next year. The stock markets have reached their highs for this business cycle. Don’t let greed be your driving force; buy low and sell high.

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON JULY 3, 2017

What’s Eating the United States?

The United States has come a long way as a country since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. We have risen to become the world’s leading superpower. Nevertheless, there are still some things eating the United States. Here is my personal list of grievances with the United States.

First, The federal budget is out of control. The federal government should balance its budget except in times of national emergencies. Second, the Church of Scientology should be taxed as a business, because with copyrighted holy texts and seminars that is what it is. Third, healthcare is a right for all citizens, and not just a privilege for a few.

Those issues are what’s eating the United States. If the United States is to be a more perfect Union, then those grievances should be addressed. Hopefully, posterity can celebrate many more Independence Days.

 

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON JUNE 29, 2017

The Digital Divider

The single most important factor determining a person’s income is his or her education level. However, another important factor is which side of the digital divide that person falls. A person who has a firm grasp and knowledge of technology always has a fighting chance of achieving a higher income level.

The digital divide is a wide and deep chasm. It requires years, perhaps even decades, to become proficient in a single technology. The personal computer, for example, has been improved upon over the course of three decades. Various corporations and governments have spent trillions of dollars in research and development on that little box that most people take for granted.

Individuals who can master any feature or aspect of technology will have himself or herself at an advantage to their peers. Those individuals will have successfully bridged the digital divide and be a member of the 21st century information-driven economy. Having crossed the chasm, they are now on much better footing to achieve great things. Those who are not successful in crossing the digital chasm will be at a disadvantage compared to their peers.

 

 

 

POSTED ON JUNE 24, 2017

When Bloggers Rule the World

As a blogger, I appreciate the 1st Amendment perhaps more than most. In many countries, including the Middle East, far east, and Russia, bloggers are forced to register or are out-right banned and censored. These kinds of censorship severely limit free speech, democracy and technological development.

In the not-too-distant future bloggers will be a major force in the shaping of society. Bloggers will have the loudest voices in the digital age. Bloggers will start to push the boundaries of free speech and begin to challenge what it means to live in a 21st century connected world. I am proud to be a part of the blogging revolution, and one day bloggers will rule
the world.

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON JUNE 21, 2017

Too Much Justice?

I was watching the Philando Castile protests the other night and was somewhat surprised. I have no real comment on the Philando Castile shooting incident, itself, but the protest following the verdict was shut down swiftly, efficiently, and brutally. The kind of force one would see on a battlefield, not on a street in America.

I saw peaceful demonstrators face-to-face with paramilitary police in battle-dress uniforms with automatic assault rifles. By the end of the protest, 18 people were arrested including 4 minors. It is my opinion all the demonstrators at the protest should sue the government for having their civil liberties violated, as a result of the brutal show of force by police. Is there such a thing as too much justice? Watch the protest videos online and decide for yourself.

 

 

 

POSTED ON JUNE 12, 2017

The Museum

The Library of Alexandria was not only the largest repository of books in the ancient world, but it also housed an advanced research facility known as The Museum. Today’s public libraries should have a similar community-based facility. A place where the general public can put the knowledge of the library’s books into practice. It’s imperative our public libraries remain relevant in the information-digital age. Having an associated Museum is one way to do so.

Some ideas for this Public Museum are as follows:
– astronomy Club
– small engine repair
– glass workshop
– repair cafe’
– pottery workshop
– gardening
– hobby electronics
– computer repair/programming
– textiles

 

 

 

POSTED ON JUNE 9, 2017

Gen X-ers in the Cross Hairs

Everyone talks about the retiring Baby Boomers and the rising Millennials, but Gen X-ers seem to be the forgotten middle generation. Gen X-ers, myself included, lack both the financial fortitude of the Baby Boomers and the massive numbers of Millennials to enact any real political change.

Baby Boomers control much of the wealth in this country and have shaped almost every facet of the country, for better and for worse. Baby Boomers are, also, the last generation to be better off than their predecessors. Generations since the Baby Boomers have been worse off.

Millennials, on the other hand, have the population size of the Baby Boomers and are a formidable political force. What Millennials lack in resources they more than make up for at the voting booth. Millennials will shape the political sphere for decades to come.

Gen X-ers have neither the wealth of the Baby Boomers or the political numbers of Millennials. Gen X-ers that have not prepared for midlife trials will find themselves in a very bad place. Those Gen X-ers will find themselves in the cross hairs between Baby Boomers and Millennials. I wish my fellow Gen X-ers good luck.

 

 

 

 

POSTED ON JUNE 3, 2017

IT Certification Benefits

There are many ways an person can positively distinguish themselves from herd. Industry specific awards are one way. Another is through IT specific certifications. In an economic down-cycle a certification might just make the difference in getting or holding a job.

Like most other fields, the IT certification landscape can be riddled with mines. If you are already employed in an IT job I recommend you get certified in that field. If you are trying to break into IT there are several entry-level certifications that are a requirement, such as the CompTIA exams.

Personally, I’m a Microsoft Certified Windows Programmer. I have studied extensively for the Microsoft SQL Server DBA exam and the CompTIA A+ exams. I’m, also, very interested in the Certified Ethical Hacker exam. I hope to sit for all those exams at some point in time.

There are a lot of benefits to getting certified. The greatest benefit is better job security. Demonstrating a mastery on a specific technology distinguishes one from the crowd. In an economic down turn the certification can make all the difference in the world.

 

 

 

POSTED ON MAY 27, 2017

Digital Lust

The internet has long been a haven for lust. Pornography and “meet-ups” for sex was a big part of the early message boards and email. The World Wide Web came along and there was an explosion of pornography. Pornography was the leading industry on the internet until very recently. (Recent reports say e-commerce has achieved the top-spot.)

The top searches on search engines are always “sex” or sex-related. Google, now Alphabet, has turned itself into a tech giant on three letters: “S”, “E”, and “X”. Since Google stores every search, Google knows more about peoples’ sexual preferences and habits than anyone else.

Broadband and high-speed internet has, also, changed the lustful internet scene. People can now consume live interactive streams of sex shows in the comfort of their own home. For many, the interactive nature of live streams with a chat room adds to the sexually-based experience.

Whatever your sexual desires might be, rest assured, it can be found somewhere on the internet. From the early days of message boards and email, to search engines, to live streams with chat rooms, the internet is the technology of digital lust.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBtOaiL98PI

 

 

 

POSTS

POSTED ON MAY 21, 2017

Political Witch Hunts

Washington D.C. has long been known for its political witch hunts. Along with wars and federal budgets, political witch hunts are a permanent topic in the city. It’s not a question whether or not they occur, but rather who it consumes and how it effects the vote of the electorate.

 

I can remember in my lifetime Reagan and the Iran-Contra scandal that claimed Colonel Oliver North. Valerie Plame with Bush, Obama’s birth certificate, Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, Hillary Clinton and Benghazi and the emails, are just a few other examples. There are many other examples of political witch hunts before my lifetime that made it into the history books.

 

Like wars and budgets, political witch hunts will undoubtedly occur. The real question is who does it claim as its victim? In the case of Nixon and Bill Clinton the political witch hunt reached the top of power. The other question is how does the political witch hunt effect the voting public. Does it sway sentiment one way or the other? or does it “backfire” on those conducting the “hunt”?

 

Personally, I have mixed emotions about such political witch hunts. On the one hand, it is nice to know some people in power are holding others in power accountable for their actions. On the other hand, years of endless investigations yielding little to no results is a disservice to the country and a colossal waste of taxpayers’ money. Time will tell how the current political witch hunt goes.

 

 

POSTED ON MAY 17, 2017

High Crimes and Misdemeanors Definition

The phrase “High Crimes and Misdemeanors” has lost its meaning over the centuries. In the 18th century the phrase was common knowledge. However, today we debate heavily the meaning of the phrase. It can encompass a wide range of infractions, and as
far as I can determine, it means anything unbecoming of a public official or abuse of his/her power.

With regards to the President of the United States, the Constitution is quite clear. Congress has the power to determine whether or not the President has surpassed the threshold of a “High Crimes and Misdemeanor.” Congress, alone, defines the modern vernacular of the phrase with respect to the President.

While the language of the Constitution from the 18th century might be lost on today’s general public how we derive a definition has not. Impeachment bodies are well equipped to provide a modern definition. With our governmental system of Checks and Balances Congress can define or re-define the meaning of “High Crimes and Misdemeanors.”

 

 

POSTED ON MAY 15, 2017

The Future of Computing

Microsoft just wrapped up its biggest event of the year, Build 2017. I heard quite a bit of talk about the IoT, artificial intelligence, cloud, and mobile, but very little about actual personal computers. It would seem the future of computing has nothing to do with personal computers.

It is true personal computers, as a percentage of computing devices, have declined over the past decade or two. The average person would simply rather use his or her mobile device or tablet to do their limited computing needs. The only sector of the computing world where PC sales have remained strong is in the gaming sector.

Nevertheless, the personal computer still remains an invaluable fixture within every office. The personal computer might be losing the consumer electronics battle, but it still holds every office employee chained with a keyboard and mouse.

Most of my computer knowledge revolves around the personal computer. I can build, rebuild, repair, and program the personal computer. My certification is on Windows programming for the desktop PC. In my life the personal computer is everything. The future of computing looks exciting, but without personal computers it looks dim.

 

 

POSTED ON MAY 14, 2017

Contrapositive Politics

Millennials are redefining the political narrative. The Berkeley protesters all had one thing in common; they were all under the age of thirty. On the one hand, liberals promote identity politics. On the other hand, conservatives advance nationalistic policies. However, they are both two sides of the same coin.

 

Identity politics and nationalistic policies plays to the more basic instincts of constituents. Sexual preferences, gender, race, and ethnic group a voter most identifies within. The individual voter feels he or she is under attack by “others” outside their identified group.

 

Both Republicans and Democrats are guilty of fueling this discontent among millennial constituents. Politicians are engaged in a divide-and-conquer strategy with Millennials. Millennials should wake up and realize they are being used as political pawns. Millennials should be very wary of a politician who promises to cater to identity politics or nationalistic tendencies. ​

 

 

POSTED ON MAY 14, 2017

The Democrats’ Way Forward

Democrats are still trying to recover from the loss of the 2016 Presidential election. Democrats are out of power at both the federal and state levels. These are dark days for the Democratic Party. Many within the Democratic Party are trying to figure out how we got to this place and what will revive the Party. In this blog post I will present five ideas for the Democrats’ way forward.

 

Universal healthcare is a right for all citizens. Regardless of your race, ethnicity, gender, age, or socio-economic level healthcare represents the ‘life’ of the ‘life, liberty, and happiness’ and is necessary for promoting social tranquility.

 

A woman’s right to choose should not be questioned. Regardless of one’s personal beliefs as to the beginning of life and what, precisely, constitutes a human being, a woman’s reproductive organs are hers alone. She, and she alone, should decide what happens to her body.

 

It is quite obvious Washington D.C. cannot properly manage tax revenues. Government shutdowns are always looming. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are under federal conservatorship. Federal budget deficits are as far as the eye can see. Washington D.C. should make a balanced budget amendment.

 

In order to promote further economic growth Washington and the states should invest massive amounts of time and resources into STEM research and education. STEM research and education are investments that pay off in the form of productivity gains and increased quality of life.

 

The immigration issue can be solved with a single word: Amnesty. My stepfather was a Baptist Minister from the United Kingdom. He left the U.K., and after being a missionary around the world, he settled here in rural Northern Virginia. He was a great asset to Virginia, the United States, and to me, personally.

 

The loss of the 2016 Presidential race was a tough pill to swallow for most Democrats, especially since Hillary won the popular vote. Nevertheless, we must rebuild. There are many issues confronting the Democratic Party and country and as the Democrats attempt to regain our footing, these are the issues that will move the Party forward. ​

 

 

POSTED ON MAY 14, 2017

The Fiscal Fix

The U.S. fiscal picture has been an ugly one, especially since the Great Recession. The federal budget is plagued by out-of-control spending and a lack of growth. Political in-fighting has also led to the U.S.’s credit rating losing the top notch.

 

As such, there is a strong argument for the United States to return to the gold standard. Gold, or another commodity, could provide the needed support for a financially troubled government and currency.

 

However, there is another fix for the U.S.’s financial woes. Since the U.S. went off the gold standard modern economics is, primarily, a field of applied mathematics. Massive investments into STEM related research and education should provide the necessary foundation for a stable fiscal picture.

 

In short, STEM research and education is important for its own right. However, STEM funding is critical to fix the U.S.’s fiscal problems. The only alternative is to return to a commodity-based currency, such as Gold. Gold represents the past. STEM is the future.