Category: Social Issues

Matters in society that constitute problems for the stable operation of social institutions or populations and/or are recognized by significant groups as indicating the need for change in some parameter of social structure or process.

Controlled Burns: Misallocation of technology and labor

June 3, 2019

Once the extractivist culture began plundering the forests of North America for construction materials and fiber for paper and other products was well underway, the threat of major forest fires grew. A number of factors were involved. The ideology and practice of forest-fire suppression to protect the property and sometimes lives of those who encroached … More Controlled Burns: Misallocation of technology and labor

Joy of dog

May 30, 2019

I didn’t really want another dog. We enjoyed Shadow for nearly sixteen years, the last couple of which were very difficult for us all. Weimaraner life expectancy is 11 or 12. Shadow was a wonderful dog, but once she passed after almost 16 years, I didn’t want to take on the responsibility again, not for … More Joy of dog

The Climate Does Not Compromise, Mr. Biden

May 13, 2019

The other day, Reuters reported that Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden has developed a “middle-ground” plan for Climate Action. Well, Joe, the Climate does not compromise with corporate favorites: fracked natural gas, futuristic hopes for carbon capture technology, or nuclear power. When it comes to climate chaos, the middle ground is where total societal collapse … More The Climate Does Not Compromise, Mr. Biden

Debate on “Modern Monetary Theory” Misses the Mark

March 25, 2019

Artificial wealth comprises the things which of themselves satisfy no natural need, for example money, which is a human contrivance. ~  St. Thomas Aquinas Buzzwords seem to rule public discussion of just about everything. Money is no exception. Now it’s “Modern Monetary Theory.” What’s that? Well, it depends on who you ask. In modern times, … More Debate on “Modern Monetary Theory” Misses the Mark

Republicans Love Hate Trump

March 18, 2019

Do you remember the 2016 Republican presidential primaries? Expressions of disgust and derision for upstart outsider Trump among the party establishment and clamoring candidates were widespread. My, how times have changed. Initial faux principled “anything but Trump” stances dissembled into fake adulation and obsequious pandering by congressional Republicans to an increasingly erratic fake president. Henchman … More Republicans Love Hate Trump

Dead End

March 12, 2019

Age seems to bring on associations with drugs the doctors say we need. Most are not addictive, though many don’t do much good and often have unwanted “side effects.” Sometimes the “side effects” are front and center! One of the discomforts of being a Jubilado (retiree, if you don’t know the word, en español) is the … More Dead End