People used to face challenges and risks to obtain higher goals in life. They understood that there were goods higher than material success and even life itself. Such goals included great deeds, artistic expressions and personal sanctity. Such accomplishments brought honor, glory and salvation upon those who made great efforts. The present … Read more
“It normally rains a lot here in Juneau,” an Alaskan nodded while surveying the sky. “In fact, it’s been raining straight these past three weeks. But now, all of a sudden, these last two days, we just got clear blue skies. You folks are lucky.” The sun shone brightly on the morning … Read more
They are already calling the current pandemic-induced economic crisis, “The Great Depression of 2020.” The paradigm is, of course, the Great Depression of 1929 that substantially changed the world’s model of development, signaling the onset of State intervention in the economy (the welfare state). Analysts are also calling it “The Great Jump … Read more
As more things move online, I notice that relationships are becoming increasingly impersonal. We don’t realize what we are doing in our rush to communicate with others. We don’t see how these virtual encounters can often be rude and brusque. Offended parties feel helpless to respond. I have often felt this way … Read more
A revolution rages in America. If an image could characterize this revolution, it would be the recent scene of burning the American flag and Bibles at one of Portland’s nightly riots. The burning is a clear provocation, meant to offend and outrage. Its goal is to attack those things that still have … Read more
Washington, D.C., was a ghost town. The streets are usually buzzing with tourists at this time of the year. Now they were almost empty. Only passing cars, joggers and other pedestrians walked down unkempt sidewalks. The silent scene of vacant streets and neoclassical structures suggested images of Rome abandoned after a barbarian … Read more
The dynamics of postmodern economics defies the logic of times past. Everyone used to know that there is no such thing as a free lunch and that flawed financial acts always have consequences. Common sense dictates that national economies should function like home economies. People should not spend more than they make … Read more
Businesses have long based their policies on what makes money. They need to create the conditions that will bring customers back. Thus, when companies abruptly change course, people assume it is linked to the company’s bottom line. If directors perceive something that will impact their reputation and profits, they will find ways … Read more
An ominous silence surrounds the attacks on Catholic churches nationwide. The violence takes the form of arson, vandalism and statue smashing. Catholics see satanic symbols, obscenities and graffiti sprayed upon statues and church buildings. The silence takes the form of complicity with the attackers on one hand or a failure to react … Read more
There is something almost biblical about the present chaos and confusion. It defies a secular explanation or narrative by its immense scope. Not so long ago, we were one people, and yet now we are fragmented into a thousand pieces. It is hard to grasp. This shattering has been a long time … Read more