“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 →

When “Coaching” Your Witness Blows Up in Your Face

I learned in law school that lawyers should be very careful about "coaching" witnesses. The story below illustrates that putting words in a witness’s mouth can blow up in your face. Let them testify in their own words. My Admonition to Every Witness Background: As a prosecutor I gave all of my witnesses, including police officers, … Continue reading When “Coaching” Your Witness Blows Up in Your Face →

I Confess — I Was a Mean Older Brother

Sibling Rivalry and the Pecking Order Sibling rivalry is a normal part of family live.  There is a natural pecking order where the older children pick on the younger ones.  Fortunately for me, the first child in our family was my older sister who was very sweet and nice. (Except for a couple times when … Continue reading I Confess — I Was a Mean Older Brother →

“Turtle Malpractice”

I presided over a unique case of veterinarian malpractice. The case involved an misdiagnosis of two desert turtles. Both turtles started having problems with their back legs. The vet never x-rayed the turtles. Instead, he quickly concluded that the turtles were either poisoned or had a neurological abnormality.  The thirty-year old plaintiff’s parents bought the turtles … Continue reading “Turtle Malpractice” →

Myth of Addictus: Slavery of Sin and Addiction

The word “addiction” comes from the Latin “addictus” meaning “slave.”  In ancient Rome, an “addictus” was a “debt slave.”  He or she was a person who was enslaved by a creditor because of a debt. Once the debt was paid, the slave was freed.  (This is the same philosophy underlying “debtor’s prison.”) The Roman Myth … Continue reading Myth of Addictus: Slavery of Sin and Addiction →

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 →

Drunk Driver Calls 911 to Report — Herself

 In 2019, a Utah woman called 911 to report a drunk driver. The caller sounded intoxicated. She had slurred speech, and she was burping, and laughing uncontrollably on the phone.  The dispatcher asked the woman for a description of the drunk driver. The caller gave a description of - herself. She also gave a description of … Continue reading Drunk Driver Calls 911 to Report — Herself →

Personal Revelation (Pt 1/5): The Right to Receive Personal Revelation

A distinctive fdoctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the belief in continuing prophetic revelation and personal revelation.  The Lord’s church recognizes that both church leaders and church members can and do receive revelation to guide them in their stewardships and lives. ("Two lines of communication with God." "Priesthood Line" and … Continue reading Personal Revelation (Pt 1/5): The Right to Receive Personal Revelation →

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 →