The governmental chaos and incompetence of the past 19 months is a catalyst for a major increase in civic activism. Especially with Women, Minorities and Students. There are issue concerns for all of us, and emerging organizations to address them. Volunteer energy, collaborative structures and creative philanthropy complement these efforts. We’ll all win in the process. WE are the “they.” TOGETHER…
Read moreOn Churchill, "Jake", Darrell Royal and OUR Democracy
My photo of departed Congessman J.J. “Jake” Pickle always reminds me of responsible governance. A loyal Dem, but a bipartisan negotiator and constituent advocate. Trump’s European Alienation Tour brought him ironically by Winston Churchill’s office. Yes, the same Churchill who noted, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.” Trump is actualizing his mandate as the great disruptor, But a quote from UT Longhorn coaching icon Darrell Royal will give you some perspective. As usual, we’ve got work to do. Please join me.
Read moreCommon Sense, Common Decency, Courage & Civility...OUR CHALLENGE
We are in an unfortunate time in this Nation’s history when tribalism, partisan ideology and frenzied social media prompt us to fear government, distrust each other and lose hope for a brighter future. Too many of us are too quick to amp up political arguments with snarky rhetoric, when we could achieve so much better with practiced civility and mutual respect. I recently heard a thoughtful political aspirant championing “Common Sense and Common Decency.” A majority of this Country are longing for that. It starts with you and me. Come join me in this latest Mosey Commentary. It is not trite to say that we can make a difference. We Must.
Read moreSUICIDE...Culprits: Mental Health, Devices & Congress...Remedy: Community
Suicides are uncomfortable topics, with which we all have to deal from time to time. The recent high-profile suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain force us to pay attention to the causes and effects of suicide on us and our various communities. Suicides are as complex as life itself. Join me as I pose some considerations for our families, friends and communities. Help is on the way. We can be the They.
Read moreWILL ROSEANNE BE AT YOUR FAMILY REUNION?
I discovered this imperfect mining pan a few years back on a Colorado mountain adventure. I immediately recognized it as a metaphor for my life, greatly in need of mending. The current Roseanne incident is another reminder of a Country with a value system that needs mending. Too much hate speech and divisive political rhetoric. Amplified by celebrities and the social media. Our Better Angels know we can and must do better. Our summer Family Reunions may be a great place to start. Come join me and see if you agree. LET’S MOSEY!
Read moreWE'RE TEXANS! WE'RE BETTER AND SMARTER THAN THIS. AREN'T WE?
I’m a multi-generation Texan and an Independent voter. Too many of us have been mislead by political rhetoric and calculated manipulative psychology. At the State and National levels. We can be easily lulled into a false sense of security that progress is moving as it should, until we take the time to do our homework, dig below the scrolling news surface and better inform ourselves. Once we’re better informed, we can take those “pesky facts” and influence more productive conversations with family and friends. Trust-building and collaborative partnerships will then make a huge difference in our civic engagement effectiveness. Come see what you think. LET’S MOSEY!
Read moreEEYORE'S SAD, BUT I'M NOT. IT'S SO BAD--THAT I'M ENCOURAGED!
Our perpetually sad friend Eeyore, on my leather hippie hat...circa early '70s
Today is Eeyore’s Birthday. He’s perpetually sad and downtrodden, as many of us have felt politically over the past several months. However, things got so bad over the past few months that the resistance backlash is positive and undeniable, and I’m encouraged about the potential to turn this mess around. There are many substantive and powerful signs of constructive civic engagement. Come join me as I outline a few. You’ll have many of your own. LET’S MOSEY!
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