This is the season for masking and unmasking. For the playful use of masks during the Halloween ritual, for the more serious unmasking of business or government miscreants who seek to take unfair advantage of their positions. Robert Mueller is leading the more serious unmasking in Washington. You and I have the challenge to remove our own masks if they're precluding our most effective service to our communities. Our Better Angels can best operate when our eyes are clear, hearts are open and hands outstretched. Unmasked. LET'S MOSEY!
Read moreIn "Lonesome Dove," Gus McCrae, Robert Duvall's character earned his Texas Ranger spurs with spurs, guns, a sense of humor and fresh-made biscuits. He could be tough or gentle, as circumstances warranted. This Country is in desperate need of strong, high-integrity, compassionate and collaborative leaders. We might consider "Gus" as we ask our friend in the mirror, "Are you effective, or just busy?" Our communities need us. LET'S MOSEY!
Read moreWith just a soupçon of irony, politicians who aspire to positions in government to administer programs funded by taxpayers, have campaigned for "less government and lower taxes" for generations. It has a nice ring to it. We don't think about responsive government until we need it. We need it now, and don't have it. Let's consider teachable moments from our current disaster responses and see how we might do better. LET'S MOSEY!
Read moreOur national mirror has reflected the best and worst of us over the past two years. The political campaigns showed that too many of us had ignored the economic plight of too many of our fellow citizens, while the federal government was ignoring the best interests of most of us. The Presidential election capped off this period of turmoil, while the Women's Marches provided a counter-balancing responsive energy. And, speaking of women, Mother Nature has probably been the most significant influence on the challenges of community building. We've each got a role to play. LET'S MOSEY!
Read moreWe won't know the magnitude of the tragic Texas Coastal damage for weeks and months, but the media images bring an immediate flood of emotions to most of us. Those of us out of harm's way are grateful to our core, and wish Grace to those directly impacted. However, many of us can't escape a sense of guilt that we ought to be more involved with those recovery efforts. Ought to be driving that direction with supplies and our willing volunteer selves. But logistical and practical realities preclude most of those impulses. So, what can/should we do? This Mosey Commentary might help. Read on. LET'S MOSEY!
Read moreCharlottesville, North Korea, Afghanistan, Washington. Disruption, dysfunction, serious ideological differences (real and perceived) that divide us and prevent constructive community building. We have many holes that need to be patched, and the challenges can easily overwhelm. But thoughtful reflection and committed attention to our priority issues can move us forward. Effective education and economic opportunity should command much of our attention, but there are many ways we can serve. This Mosey Commentary may be helpful as you reflect on your personal role. LET'S MOSEY!
Read moreWow! What a range of behaviors we're witnessing in the public arena. We can't help watching and there's no place to hide. The good news is that an increasing number of politicos, journalists and pundits are saying that the blame game, divisive rhetoric and nastiness have got to be dialed back. We can't have a healthy society and functional self-governance until we practice civility, collaboration and mutual respect. I refuse to accept that this can't be done. As usual, this begins with our friend in the mirror. LET'S MOSEY!
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