“Founding Enemies” (Pt 1/4) – Thomas Paine versus George Washington

We assume that all Founders were life long friends. Wrong! The Founding Fathers were brilliant, outspoken men, with strong opinions. They disagreed on just about everything. Not surprisingly, many of these men became "Founding Enemies." The Key Founding Fathers: How Many Can You Name? It was a miracle that these “demigods” (Jefferson’s description) came together … Continue reading “Founding Enemies” (Pt 1/4) – Thomas Paine versus George Washington →

Happiness is a Choice

Happiness is a choice, not a condition This is generally true. I say “generally” because there are exceptional circumstances where one’s condition can interfere with the ability to choose happiness. These conditions include: severe depression, extreme pain, major illness, heavy addiction, extreme hunger, starvation. But for most people, happiness is a choice. While I was … Continue reading Happiness is a Choice →

How Russia Uses Social Media to Divide and Destabilize America (Race, Covid 19)

The USA is more divided and polarized today than at any other time in the last five decades. A plethora of articles discloses how Russia is using social media to polarize and destabilize America. This is an attack on our national unity using misinformation, disinformation, fake news, “information laundering,” and “cyber propaganda.” Typically, the Kremlin … Continue reading How Russia Uses Social Media to Divide and Destabilize America (Race, Covid 19) →

My “Yucky” Health Code Cases: Flies, Roof Rats, Slime, Pigeons, and Mystery Meat

As a young District Attorney, one of my assignments was prosecuting misdemeanor Health Code violations. One day, the Orange County Supervising Health Inspector invited me to go on an inspection tour. The Store Selling “Mystery Meat” At a small mom-and-pop store we inspected the meat display. The meat was wrapped in cellophane, with prices only, … Continue reading My “Yucky” Health Code Cases: Flies, Roof Rats, Slime, Pigeons, and Mystery Meat →

Sad Case of the Man Held in “Captivity” (Prison) So Long He Could No Longer Cope With Freedom

Animals and humans kept in captivity lose their emotional strength and survival skills When animals are kept in captivity too long, they lose the ability to survive in the wild. Prolonged captivity weakens their mental well being and strips them of essential survival skills. Likewise, when people are incarcerated for long periods, they become institutionalized. … Continue reading Sad Case of the Man Held in “Captivity” (Prison) So Long He Could No Longer Cope With Freedom →

Swearing Oaths on the Bible – Tradition and the Law

In 2007, Representative Keith Ellison of Minnesota was sworn in as the first Muslim member of Congress. During the oath, instead of using the Bible, he placed his hand on Thomas Jefferson’s 1734 translation of the Koran. This created a firestorm of criticism from conservative Christians. When Representative Rashida Talib of Michigan took her oath … Continue reading Swearing Oaths on the Bible – Tradition and the Law →

In Praise of Vaccines

My Traumatic Childhood Experience As a boy I stood in long lines at our elementary school waiting to get our compulsory smallpox and polio shots. My first vaccination was traumatic. With dozens of classmates watching, on reflex I jerked away from the nurse, and she accidently shot the vaccine into my eye. That caused a … Continue reading In Praise of Vaccines →

My Stake President Was Reprimand by an Apostle for Using the Phrase “Only an Elder.”

I was serving as a young high councilor when our stake president was released, and a new stake president called. Bruce R. McConkie, of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, was our conference visitor. Elder McConkie was a spiritual and intellectual giant. He was a “Lion of Righteousness” at the pulpit. His talks and texts … Continue reading My Stake President Was Reprimand by an Apostle for Using the Phrase “Only an Elder.” →

“Pain is a Good Thing.” A Life Lesson From the “Crocodile Hunter”

As one who has struggles with mild to severe chronic back pain, I take comfort from a statement Steve Irwin made on an episode of “The Crocodile Hunter.” This wildlife series was very popular. The Australian host demonstrated, and played with, dangerous animals. While filming an episode at the Great Barrier Reef, he died when … Continue reading “Pain is a Good Thing.” A Life Lesson From the “Crocodile Hunter” →

Category: Uncategorized