March 30, 2026- In the film, “Nuremberg”, Russell Crowe’s Hermann Goring is fascinated by the term “abracadra”, which he hopes to use in playing magic tricks on his young daughter. Many people in the present environment seem to be focused on magical thinking-either that the current administration will rid the country of their perceived opponents or that large demonstrations, by themselves, will rid the country of the current administration.

I’ve been asked, a few times, whether I’ve let myself get so busy that my views on critical issues are just being cherry-picked from Chat GPT or a handful of blogs and podcasts. I don’t use Chat GPT and I don’t listen to podcasts. I do read some others’ blogs-a few progressive, two neutral and one conservative.

I take what is being written under consideration, but here’s the deal: I seek solutions to the problems that vex the worker, the provider, the parent or grandparent. There is no ideology that, in and of itself, will put human beings first. There are those that say they will, but then, once in power, the lure of wealth and control comes with its icy glare.

So, I need to ask hard questions of those who seem like breaths of fresh air. Do they understand the history that led good-hearted people to embrace the corrupt? Have they thought out a plan of action that will root out corruption and repair the damage that has been done? What will be their response when the corrupting influences show up at their doorsteps, with enticement and appeals to ego? What is in it for the struggling families?

So, no, I am not satisfied with slogans and memes. I do not think name-calling or painting groups with broad brushes accomplish anything. I have known good-hearted people who are conservative and others who are liberal. I have known the opposite, in both groups. Both groups inform my thinking, but do not determine it, Basically, I believe that each human being , from birth, has the right to self-determination, and that people who have reached the age of maturity, one and all, have all the rights and duties of citizenship, in the country whose passport they hold.

Every living soul has the right, and responsibility, to investigate truth for her/himself. To none is given the right to dictate to others,