Tag: United States

Economy, Reflections

On Class Warfare in America: The Yacht Mentality Revisited

I wanted to revisit my last post of several days ago, “The Yacht Mentality that Threatens our Economy,” with this apropos poem by William Carlos Williams, one of America’s foremost modernist poets.  As you may have surmised, it’s called “Yachts,” which I employed as my central metaphor in depicting the economic inequity rampant in our nation. Williams, by the way, was a physician from Hoboken, … Continue reading On Class Warfare in America: The Yacht Mentality Revisited

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Reflections

Bearded Heroes of a Resurgent Boston

I watched the Rolling Rally on NESN Saturday with pride and emotion as it wound its way along Boylston Street, over to the Common, then into the Charles (quite literally).   Two million strong, Bostonians lined the streets, often forty deep; stood on steps, looked out windows; and, yes, gazed from roof tops, cheering wildly as their Red Sox heroes passed by in duck boats normally … Continue reading Bearded Heroes of a Resurgent Boston

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Politics, Reflections

Chemical Attack in Syria: Obama Looks the Other Way

The videos from Syria are horrific and unprecedented, with row upon row of corpses, many of them children, in what now seems to indicate some kind of chemical agent, perhaps nerve gas, judging by the symptoms, also captured on camera, of the last gasps and spasms of the dying.  Presumably the attack was launched under the auspices of the Assad regime, since it’s well known … Continue reading Chemical Attack in Syria: Obama Looks the Other Way

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Health, Reflections

The Fountain of Youth: We are all Ponce de Leon

As a 12-year old Florida school boy, I was introduced early to the 16th century Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon, whom legend says came to Florida in quest of the Fountain of Youth.  Drink or bathe in its waters and you could be young again.  A story-line like this isn’t unique, finding its replay in myth and legend throughout the world.  Its insistence  doesn’t surprise … Continue reading The Fountain of Youth: We are all Ponce de Leon

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Economy, People, Politics, Reflections

Happy Days are here again: and the banks roll on

If you’ve been watching the headlines on the economic front, you may have seen the news about record bank profits in the first quarter of the year to the tune of $40.3 billion, an all time high.  In fact, profits surged 15.8% over the same quarter a year ago. This marks the 14th straight quarter of bank gains. In short, the bailed out banks (you … Continue reading Happy Days are here again: and the banks roll on

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Lifestyle, People, Reflections

Overthrowing the tyranny of custom

I have always cared a great deal about animals.  I don’t know where it comes from, but I remember as a child wanting to take in every stray dog.  In 1996, I adopted a vegetarian diet to align my lifestyle with my conscience.  I wish I had done so much earlier but, for too many years, I had simply subscribed unquestionably to a pervasive culture. … Continue reading Overthrowing the tyranny of custom

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Lifestyle, Reflections

Baseball fever!

The crack of the bat; the thud in the mitt; smells of peanuts and cracker jacks; mustarded hot dogs washed down with cold beers.  The fever of it!  Baseball, America’s brain child, after a long winter, true harbinger of Spring, you’re back and I’m a young boy again, with dawn’s early light, heading for alleys, looking for buddies, looking for game. Like eating Cheerios, I … Continue reading Baseball fever!

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Environment, Lifestyle, Reflections

Reflections on living the simple life

Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful. –John Meeks There is a movement afoot known as minimalism, and by this I mean a lifestyle characterized by simplicity.  The movement deserves a better name, something like simple living, since minimalism nearly always denotes a movement within the Fine Arts, e. g., music and painting. You can view a growing number of websites and … Continue reading Reflections on living the simple life

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Economy, Politics, Reflections

Wise words from George Washington on government spending

Just moments ago I finished reading George Washington’s Farewell Address (1796), and I’m glad I did. While its language may be steeped in 18th century formality, it remains a sobering speech in its prescient wisdom. Had Congress over the years heeded our first president’s wise admonitions, we’d have avoided the divisive partisan rancor that imperils our financial solvency and our future. Make no mistake about … Continue reading Wise words from George Washington on government spending

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