U.S. Gets Win on Oil and Energy Production As Leading Euro Supplier: Digital and Physical Infrastructure Changes

Energy production is important for the world. While we transition to clean energy we cannot neglect the older structure of oil production. We can't just make a huge leap without weaning off one and onto another in a sustainable way. There will be for the foreseeable future for oil production for the health of Europe and other places. It is a good place for the U.S. with its vast reserves to get involved to increase national revenue streams but also further allows for a smoother transition from one energy system to another. We are seeing both the physical and digital shifting on a global scale. Much of that is based in the deeper concerns people have over Russia and China partnerships 

(That is why I kind of thought it wasn't a good idea for China to get involved in the conflict because there are deeper mechanics of what people are willing to support and it forces nations and businesses to make a conscious choice on which system the are going to connect their economy and receive their supplies. Its not a full transition but as the New Cold War is fostered by Russian and Chinese actions we may see these splits become more pronounced. This is where China might decide whether there is a liability in that path. I think there are long term risks. I'm a supporter of open markets with equal rules for everyone. We have struggled with that for decades with China and it would appear that national development was their primary concern but in many ways have put some of the countries they traded with into a subservient position.)

Consider the ways in which energy is a huge thing to economics and our life. From manufacturing to getting to work (Unless your a digital nomad but they like to get out of the house too.) We are moving to renewable energy but are not yet ready to make a complete switch. It would be unwise and a little risky if we do not have both systems running well. The best place to be for everyone is redundant, multi source plug and play energy infrastructure. However, managing the oil through our own production can make it cleaner and can allow us to phase it out in a sustainable way to strengthen the whole system with newer energy adaptation.

Consider the physical ways to "Beef Up" U.S. Oil Production on Russian Oil Supply Restrictions

What we find in the modern world that there is a physical and digital components to infrastructure. They both have value and in turn they both must be developed for national strength. In my Transactional Cluster Theory I'm working on you would have infrastructure, technology and human capital. They get very complex because infrastructure include energy, export, rail, telephone, highways, etc. Technology and innovation are connected with market leading products. Human capital includes ideas such as quality of life, education, judicial integrity, training, development and much more (We could develop a formula for it to create a benchmark on how a country is doing. We would just need to look at the definitions of other formulas and see if we can use them to represent these data sources and in turn can be test for validity as a formula. As a benchmark its not proving anything but only measuring it based on these factors. You would then see if those factors appear to relate in some way to a nation's pace of development.)

You can see the digital representation in Data Supply Lines Begin to Shift Between China and U.S.

Consider the impact of knowing when to press on the gas to get things done. Here is one win for the U.S. in the energy and infrastructure development. Strategically we might want to think that every time China makes a step to support Russia they adjust the market. We should find the potential market openings that might occur from those actions so as to capitalize on certain behaviors that are meant to take advantage of a difficult situation and turn those into possible strengths. Think of SWOT and how to analyze a wider market. 

US has replaced Russia as Europe’s top crude oil supplier

DOD Budget Indicates Changes to Capitalize on New Innovative Designs

Read the report below and you will notice new opportunities brewing for larger scale innovation throughout our defense networks. That is occurring because we are now aware of the growing threats overseas (We were always aware but the environment has changed to make such issues more pronounced). New developing through innovative practices is likely and it will be interesting to see where all of this goes. 

On another interesting point. The DOD appears to be actively courting technology industries to put in some dollars for mutual development. That means they may need places where they could test new ideas and concepts. One advantage of creating economic clusters also means that certain towns, with certain characteristics, could potentially capitalize on innovation as innovative incubators and prototype labs. (We would just need to find a place that would have good infrastructure, multiple terrains, ability to create incubators and small towns, attractive to investors, great place to vacation and have a healthy judicial system. I know a place but its just missing one component.)

I have sort of been working on an innovative cluster model that hopefully could be a win for government and industry. As a vet and an academic with a history of looking over the horizon I say that we are moving into something new and unique and I support development of our national capacity in this arena. If industry also gets a boost by such models, that is a win-win for development. That is something wholly unique about America and the root assumptions of capitalism and democracy. *

Department of Defense Releases the President's Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Budget

Why Judicial Integrity is Necessary for the Nation. (Louisville KY as an Example)

The Death of Socrates
As representing the voice of 
truth, justice, and wisdom 
supplanted by a corrupt
disdain for truth.

Corruption is something that is like a rot on our social conscious because it lowers the trust in our systems and that should be sacrosanct for our judicial officials. We know its wrong but its often so hard to catch. It takes a deep and thorough investigation into all the cupboards, nooks, crannies, and other places to ensure it isn't happening and hasn't happened to others. That is how important judicial integrity is to society and our department of justice (That is also what builds trust.). So let us ensure these institutions are in alignment with the current and long term needs of the nation. *

The big ones that sort of really concern me are "engaged in protected speech critical of policing." and "probable cause". One must have the ability to speak freely so as to ensure our total system adapts to higher forms (Right now the populace has adapted past the system's ability to catch up. We have to adjust the system to a higher form of truth that applies universally for a more competitive generation.). Without freedom of speech and without assumptions of safety some areas start looking "regimish" through an embedded network. So we must avoid breaking a judges sacred duties at all costs. We don't want to find luck 7's of corruption across multiple departments which would indicate a total justice failure like we saw in Louisville.

When we crack down on that speech we risk not only the long term health of the system but also the trust that helps it continue to improve. I love our officers, and hope others do as well, enough to not allow the shallow few to destroy trust for a great many people locally, nationally and internationally. Situations like Louisville pain and stain the national heart in a many areas and places. Not only because of the legacy of hate and where that came from but also because it smacks the face of liberty harshly. 

We must correct it and work together to do that. Judges and "The Judged". Its that important! 

The problem with judicial corruption is that it is hard to detect and often works in the background with other conspirators. While sometimes it could be a money or political issues at center there may also be other racial and religious considerations that come into play (i.e. implicit bias.  If there was a question one could go through each and every case involving a minority and see if there is a statistical difference based on a number of factors. In theory I mean. 🤔 Each DOJ investigation would be different I guess. Lets see what the future brings....). If true that would bump such corruption to a serous potential charge and likely a violation of multiple state, federal and international laws (Don't ask me, I don't know much about these things. I'm just trying to understand so we can build our nation.  🤷.)

(Economic systems are developed by good judicial systems that ensure fairness across the board. That is important to my cluster theory. I think there are a lot of people that want to see this theory come to a positive end because it can tie in a number of different sociological problems we are facing as a nation. We are competing against bigger issues for long term national improvement and wisdom is important.) 

When we break trust in our judicial systems we slowly erode the foundation as those that are supposed to be impartial decision makers but have inherently moved down a very dark and dangerous line of acting and thinking. In such situations it would be just and fair for people to be upset their democracy is being undermined and should report such corrupt crimes to the appropriate authorities. Where would you do that? You might try FBI Report Public Crimes  The tips section.  You can also report at Federal Civil Rights Violations. The State Attorney General might want to know. There may also be different organizations that might also want to be aware. 

The UN has a pretty good description of the long term dangers of unchecked corruption. "In his first report to the Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur emphasized that corruption and organized crime are undermining the rule of law and the capacity of States to promote systems of governance accountable to and compliant with human rights standards. Corruption also undermines the ability of the judiciary to guarantee the protection of human rights and directly or indirectly impedes the discharge of the professional functions of judges, prosecutors, lawyers and other legal professionals. Corruption also has a devastating effect on the entire judicial system, as it diminishes the confidence of citizens in the administration of justice." You can read more about that in Report on Judicial Corruption and Organized Crime. We should also be concerned about these numbers about court systems in Trust In U.S. Institutions Hits Record Low, Poll Finds

Here is the point I want to make. I think its important to report these things as to give an opportunity for various departments to sort of look closely at the issue and ensure that there are no serious state, federal or international laws being violated. It might take a little digging into multiple arenas and areas to ensure there hasn't been a history of judicial corruption. Because we are in the age of extremism we have to be doubly sure we are reporting to more than one agency to ensure there isn't that one demented soul out there that lacks empathy for their fellow human beings and a healthy respect for the truer forms and meaning of the law. (That is also important to international stakeholders who launched a program to improve judicial integrity. The UN launches global network of judges to strengthen integrity in courts.)

Multi department harm is so sad and I weep for all of those people and all the others that stayed silent. We must treat each other better. 😢 I really do sometimes think of all those people in history who were hurt. Not fair and we have to stop these things the best we can by being positive and persistent. Do so with love and do so with the knowledge that the data we will have tomorrow (as we are now discovering with this situation) are going to tell us a lot about some people and how authority is misused (A more accurate mirror.)

The Role of Justice in Development: The DataRevolution (What I like about the research field is sometimes we build off each other's knowledge as a network of scientists and discoverers. It is not an easy field and sometimes when you report corrupt entities retaliate and that creates more liability. Huge! Huge! if true.)

There is hope Americans and "Americans" can someday be the more enlightened AMERICANS (The one's who are going to beat our competition.) First step in human capital development is to clear the corruption to start leveling the assumptions for everyone. Beyond survival we need the true assumption of security and stability to start the process as such needs are rooted prior to advanced learning. This is what thoughtful judicial integrity can do......create a level playing field that allows all of our different colored and seasoned eagle eggs to grow in an environment that is nurturing (Assuming we are all important. As a person with a Muslim sounding name and multi-racial children I'm horrified there may be judges working in such third world manner! I've seen this in action and it is often built on years of corruption.) 

Investigation of the Louisville Metro Police Department and Louisville Metro Government

* Note and see how we are universalizing our values into a universal democracy. Then sprinkle that human capital with technology. There will be some cultural push back and some extremist perspectives and foot dragging mixed in but at the end of the day the will of the people will overcome. 

Delta County MI. Board of Commissioners Meeting (3-21-2023): Development, Vets, Housing, Old News......

Things are sort of moving along in a little better fashion then they were before in the best interest of society and its stakeholders. There seems to be a getting back at the key concepts and issues. My goal is to understand the economics, to help my community, and in many ways to show that different types of people can work together to accomplish great things. So far I think everyone is sort of doing well and focusing on the big picture. Some hiccups based on what appeared to be a retaliatory firing based on freedom of speech issues (It sort of looks like from a distance a freedom of speech retaliation issue but one would have to sort of talk to someone with legal knowledge. I'm not making a judgement on it because people say all types of things that end up not being true. Its the backroom conversations that will be important if this comes to a head. You can watch the initial video here and make up your own mind.  The Daily Press sort of outlines the overuse of police to silence members of the audience. )

At the end of the day we all have a moral duty to be good to each other. Sometimes these issues are from poor behavioral patterns and quick reactions. When people get upset they sometimes verbally lash out and say things in an attempt to circumvent those feelings (Those might need to come out if there is a court case of some type. Because this is a one time issue we can't really judge from a labor relations standpoint but much is going to be in the details. However, if other reports of retaliation come up for freedom of speech it will be a huge liability for the county. Looks like they need some training. I would put that on the agenda so we are using our taxpayer dollars well and in the best interest of the county. I say that as a concerned citizen. I don't want my dollars being used to defend lawsuits that could have been avoided by patience, kindness and avoiding heuristic judgements about others motives and intentions. This might be where a prosecuting attorney might consider doing an internal investigation to ensure there hasn't been other retaliation issues for freedom of speech so that liability doesn't continue forward. I don't know for sure if that is the case and I doubt anything would come up but you never know what fate brings. )

Let us talk about general committee functionality. This occurs when there are shared goals and people are willing to listen and compromise with each other to reach those goals. Public committees often have amebic type goals to a very broad key stakeholders. Having a few key principles while working on Invest Escanaba (I guess one could use Delta or Gladstone but I'm just using Escanaba because it is sort of the main entity of the area.) type initiatives will help align. All economic choices are filtered 
through these few goals in order to ensure they align and are the best use of resources to achieve them. You can read a layman's term Secrets of Successful Committees

Delta County to discuss requirements for administrator post

-2.48 Starts with alien probing sounds. 👽😂

-Question of procedure issue. 

-Veterans Relief Fund. Thank you to all of our veterans and constitutional republic. I agree with this. 

-$1.10 assistance for our veterans for emergency relief for 3500 vets. I agree there need to be some changes. If your going to have a fund, you need to fund it well.  

-Online reservation for campers.

-Construction of 2 x 800 communication towers that are about $3.5 million. The signal gets blocked out.

-There are rules on the order of listing degrees. However, quartering for such issues went out of style a long time ago so we are probably good now. 

-Prosecuting Attorney: Outlined the different skills of the department. Kind of an interesting line up for different types of issues. Criminal and Civil do sometimes overlap. Civil for about 5 years. Some board members want civil attorney. 2 statutes MCL 49.71 MCL 49.155. I think the members of board would have to show they can't represent but that would be unlikely to be the case. They don't appear to have dropped any major legal balls to make that claim. Changing the coverage might open the county to lawsuits. $100-250 per hour. $10K in one suit. Each agreement is likely to have different rules. * 

-21.30 Parks and properties: Fixing parks, parking and tables. Michigan Trust Fund (I wonder if this is the MI. Natural Resource Trust Fund) $7K to Cornell Twp. Fire Department (I know a few others that would put that money to good use.). DNR wildlife commission with grant Whitetail Association. 

-Billerud might be using biomass. That would be interesting and probably save them money over time if they operate in this wooded area. However, as usual, one must run all the numbers. 

-By 2029 the parks will be self sustaining. 

-Want's to make sure that the job description of County Administrator is adjusted. If there are two people good at finance there should be no issue (maybe audit the county). MA or BA degree versus MA degree with 5 years of experience. Wants public admin experience and education. The MA degree has stronger awareness of the field. Argument brought forward on wider and narrower applicant nets. (One could prefer a degree and degree as a process ensure that they are given preference over and to hire someone without those preferences would require a group vote.). Michigan Works has special tests and skills. Free. (I like that concept). One commissioner brought up the idea that he wants to ensure the public understands that there are not individual commissioners pushing for certain agendas (He didn't say agenda but the term approach was brought forward by someone else. It also a sense of urgency in some board members to get the position solidified. ) Line by line. 🖉

-Tabling items passed quickly. 🤷

-Adjustment in finance meeting to avoid rushing. Finance Committee. (Making sure policies and procedures are followed to ensure integrity.)

-Conference in Lansing for administration. Approve out of county travel. 

-Zoom vs. YouTube Live. (A key point was made. Covid bumped government digital functioning upward.).

-Radio outreach person appointed. Concern over who the outreach represents. 

-New applicants. All of them seemed descent. Review of Master Plan. 

-2.23 One wants to explore attorneys. Many times its cheaper to settle then to defend a case. 

-Sense upset feeling of a comment. Sheriff to ask to ensure people be quiet (I think that has happened every meeting potentially showing a pattern. I would train on that to find a better way to sort of deal with that issue. As a public servant one would sort of want to step above the buzz of conversation and be polite and ask kindly, the second time ask kindly and then remind them of the general rules and what the consequences, and finally if they violate it again one might then politely ask if the officer would "kindly" remove the person. If it was me, I would probably also say sorry and please come back next week I want you to be involved in government and feel free to comment about important topics because its important to good governance. I think I would mean that. Its vitally important to let people feel comfortable to express themselves without feeling concerned they will be judged or retaliated against. Its not good to give that impression to investors nor to people who already have a crisis of confidence in government. I very much am concern about that in today's world and want transparent and kind government in the best interest of people. Its an uphill battle but with time we will all agree that we do best when we work together.) 

-One commission doesn't believe we should have such lawsuits. Another argued that the prosecutor can't handle all things opening up to them. Lists a few things not concerned about. I'm not sure if he comments on "specific" issue but not sure if that is a general comment or related to a specific incident. 

-MDOT and Escanaba utility project support. MDOT Superior Region (I would like more info on this. I will need to search it out because its a primary infrastructure issue for the area.)

-Airport grant. That airport should start seeing more business this year. 

-Support veterans with millage. $4K but want more. 

-YouTube needs to allow public comment. 

-Concern veteran help should have been more forthcoming.

-Airport grant money. I still think its beneficial to connect Esky to Detroit and Chicago for possible start up, design and other manufacturing. People need easy access. Same for vacationers.

- veterans center.

-Economic, Tourism, Manufacturing.

-We paid for conservation district so not free one lady states. 

-Concern over private hunting camp.  Million dollar grant was to be managed for recreation and wild life. 

-1400 acres isn't open to public. Two 40s block access. Deaf ears. Wants to ensure issues address.

-Application for position.

- We should be supporting law enforcement. Need more protection for court. 800k grant mentioned. 

-Counter argument on land misuse. 

-Feels upset people criticism everything. Happy on Vets help. Wants public experience for Admin. 

-New housing needed for construction work. Group. MSHDA housing maybe. No renting available for long time. Get projects started. (Depending on the type of grant I wonder if they could use that to ensure all the buildings downtown that have apartments are up to code and updated. That would probably be the easiest to do. We may need to build some new buildings and apartments. Be wise on the design. Make them like condos so you can resell to seasonal vacationers when people leave. Also, consider creating cabins because they are quick, easy, can be used recreationally, or sold for cheap to middle class people from Illinois and Lower Michigan who want a summer cottage but have limited budgets. A secondary use after people leave. Some old Victorian houses when turned into boutique apartments and condos often fetch a good return. While we may not have had that type of market before, we may have that going forward if everything turns out well.  An opportunity to increase tourism and maybe sustain it.)

-Wants people to look at property, roads, etc.

-DOJ ADA regulations on website for county.

-Wants paper copy.

no-good Queen Voyages stands for crafts. 26 visits.

-American Rescue Plan money for court.

-Pathways board member.

*49.71 County civil attorney; employment, compensation.

Sec. 1.

   The board of supervisors of any county by a majority vote of the members-elect may employ an attorney to represent the county in civil matters, whenever the board determines that the prosecuting attorney is unable to properly represent the county. Such attorney shall receive such compensation as shall be determined by the board of supervisors.

49.155 Opinions of prosecuting attorney or county corporation counsel.

Sec. 55.

   The prosecuting attorney, or county corporation counsel in a county which has employed an attorney in lieu of the prosecuting attorney to represent the county in civil matters, shall give opinions, in cases where this state, a county, or a county officer may be a party or interested, when required by a civil officer in the discharge of the officer's respective official duties relating to an interest of the state or county.

*I'm looking at the economics of a county so to finish off a theory. I built the structure of the theory and am seeing if the market can build the rest as practitioners. I do need to watch the county and city activities to see how they are doing and whether they are adapting to meet those challenges. That also includes world affairs and events. There will be public things that come up and those are important to understand. This is all public information and I'm a very nice guy and hope very much to help everyone along the way for the next couple of generations if I can. If in some way these ideas lead to greater development for other researchers, scientists, students, stakeholders, and government officials then I am profoundly blessed by influence and reach that I do not deserve. In all stories, is another story I guess. Economics is the macro study of behavior. Behavior is important in decisions and important in outcomes. Sometimes either the goal or the decision could be misaligned. Its about love and good kharma. Namaste. 🙏 

Life Expectancy in U.S. Declined Quickly-Good Health for Business and Society

According to this study on life expectancy the U.S. declined 2 years in a row while the rest of the world for the most part rebounded. That is a concern because employers want healthy workers and we as a nation want a healthy population.  As I read the article I kept thinking it is not a singular cause but one of lifestyle, food quality, neighborhoods and other issues. I suppose, one could potentially be impacted by many factors which would be an indication we need to rethink how we are doing this. 

One advantage of big data is that we will better understand how our environment impacts our lives and how improving on that environment can improve the health of the total system. Healthy citizens, good neighborhoods, systems with integrity, community engagement, and lots of other factors that ensure we are developing together. One might even be able to throw our political and social environment in as a contributing factor to good or poor health.

Environmental enhancements might be one way but so are education and employer programs. More push for preventative medicine and good health. I have a fitness trainer license (which I don't really use in that capacity) and have found that total health is rounded and integrated throughout the day. Nothing wrong with short walks, floor exercise, food, neighborhood redesign, etc. We just need to be more mindful and aware. 

'Live free and die'? The sad state of U.S. life expectancy

U.S. Special Forces: Stepping Away From Small Towns

The military and education are the great equalizers of society and at this time in history we need that to ensure a competitive population. The military offers opportunities that you are unlikely to get anywhere else. For those who step away from small towns and dare to look into fate, things will forever be different. Coming back is quit interesting to say the least. You will be a changed person and that will influence those around you. The best news is, you can do it for others while you do it for yourself. Win-Win.

What you can understand and see after spending time exploring your world will be drastically of higher depth then what others from your hometown can see. You will understand some of the sacrifices and challenges our nation has faced and a little of what it takes to overcome them. As a person, you knowledge and skills will be enhanced because you have no option but to enhance them through challenge.

Today's military isn't just about physicality as it was in the past, it will require in addition a whole new array of skills that will be tested and maximized. Digital to Physical. If you are of the type, give all of your intelligences a spin and see how the military can maximize them for you and your nation. It is time for the young to join up, stare boldly into fate, and build the world the way they want. We had our time and now must give back that wisdom.

Tomorrow belongs to them, the day after that to their children, so on and so forth. The military and higher education must maximize the natural skills of our best and brightest to ensure they can get over the hill. We got work to do still......

*Coming back is not always easy. Its disclaimer. As a changed person, people do not always appreciate our service men and women and may not like what they stand/stood for. That is a direct result of their misunderstanding of patriotism and likely one of the reasons they didn't join or contribute to their nation in the first place. In a diverse world you may represent something they do not understand because they have never developed their intelligences nor their personality or souls. That my friend, is what ties all military people together. We know what it takes to make it and not everything is black and white. Its the journey that counts.

Biden Addresses Canada: Economics, In Flanders Field, Mars (03/24/2023)

Watching President Biden's speech and thinking about how long we have been friends with Canada. I used to go over there a lot in my 20's because we are so close. They are very much like us in the U.P. of MI. We both like cheap beer and peanuts for the most part I guess (We also like maple syrup, hockey, hunting, and turning statements into questions with "eh?"). Anyway, we are all into the affairs of important and interesting things that truly impact our lives. We are a world spinning, and we are a nation that is ramping up to be something bigger and more advanced then we were in the past. 

We do have some need to go more bottom up in our economics. I think that should always be the goal to ensure the ultimate stakeholders, the American people, are primary to all considerations (A balance between investors, society as a collective group, and individual people. We really can't forget world stakeholders as well. Democracy needs friends.). As with all things in life, we have to find the sweat spot for everyone where maximum motivation and societal outcomes are possible (Hard to calibrate an approach. No one is ever truly satisfied. )

Different ways to approach issues are important. Democrats are often bottom-up and Republicans are often Top-Down but they don't have to be. There are different tools for different times (History sort of shows different leanings at different times to different effects. Having flexibility is a sign of Transformational Leadership style. ). Sometimes a little of both can be important because they are general approaches (Right now the little guys/gals are suffering more than the big guys/gals but there is a balance in everything. In our past we used to live in the same neighborhoods. Rich and poor are very different now and so there is likely to be some pushback.) 

(There was a discussion on unions. I'm not for or against unions, I'm for a market that adjusts across the board fairly. Everyone gets some benefits and everyone can feel the pain {A society}. Unions are more of a symptom when compared to a cause. I read a study once on why people unionize and its because perceived/realized unfairness. Unions are changing and becoming more flexible and that is likely going to help them find a foothold again in some industries; its not politics its just speculation based on market factors. I could be 100% wrong. I also think the Packers are a good team. 🤷)

Consider that we get into a political discussion on bottom-up or top-down but few can sort agree across the line on basic impact necessity. They both have merit but using the same at the detriment of the other leads to social imbalance. We have to watch the whole system to ensure people have the right motivation to grow in ways that lead to the most productive outcomes for society as a whole while rewarding individual effort. Grass roots wealth that encourages the masses is worth a lot in national development . Governments work best when they are universalized and fair to all parties and stakeholders. The key point is that decision should always focus on our shared goals and policies designed to get us there (That is not agreement or not agreement with anything.)

Lots of stuff and don't have time to comment. (If I'm wrong in my notes just sort post a comment I guess. No rotten tomatoes please. I have not formalized my thoughts. They are in flux and everyone is so smart they know all the answers. I'm just trying to catch up to them, but I'm missing pieces in my logical chains that is creating holes of decision making risk. How can I definitively decide something in which I don't really have all of the information? So...my commentary is for myself.....feel free to discard.)

-Batteries and electric cars. 

-Supply chains.

-Semiconductor development.

-Canada gets repacking jobs (What about Escanaba? Don't forget about us! We act like and talk like Canadians but we are really Americans! Eh? )

-50 countries supporting Ukraine. 

-Discussion on the In Flanders Field. We should always respect those who fought and bled for Liberty no matter what country! A little more history on WWI (Democratic nations do have a shared history of development. There are also different types of democracies.)

-Norad is the bi-national military program. New technology is coming forward. You can read more about Norad. (Such a cool military crest.). 

-Getting the drugs off the street is easier when we are focused on the essentials. I agree we need to get the hard core drugs off our streets. 

-Everyone should live in dignity and safety. Pursue justice and the rule of law. We should be fair to everyone (I'm thinking of the possibility and ramifications of broad based development.).

-Discussion on carrying the torch. 

-We need to unleash the full power of our people. 

-Mars is a good goal. There may be nothing on Mars but we might find new materials that allow us to consider precious metals that lead to different lines of innovative development. 

-Agree on writing the future together. Yes protect our men and women in service. 

*This article is designed to get you to think. We may not always agree on everything but as a light R. I can see the benefits of big pictures. Certainly there may be differences in how or when but those are strategic decisions and not necessarily disagreement on long term objectives and goals. As a nation if we learn to work together on issues that are central, we can accomplish many things. Politics should be a discussion and not a pitched battle. Its a give and take toward the bigger goals. A type of societal compromise. I say this for myself, and only my personal and only perspective. When it comes to building our nation, I encourage people who want to hold and pass the torch from this generation to the next to do so through shared commitment. 

**I like to watch politics (and eat popcorn) but its not really for me I think. I do believe that it is how we grease the wheels of progress. If I could just drive around in a junky pickup, a flannel, and my fishing pole I would. I will pick up a good book on philosophy and see how that might apply to our current political affairs. Some like fishing, some like politics, and some like both.