They say the sun never sets on the U.S. military. Our military remains vigilant around the globe, at all times, to respond to any and every threat before it reaches American shores. That has long been and remains an important mission. But, while the sun may never set on our military might, the United States … Continue reading Pandemic shows need for broader view of national security
Climate Change
Tragedy reveals our true nature — but let’s not wait for tragedy
You don’t have to look far in the news to see tragedy. As humans, we are fascinated with tragedy. Nothing piques the collective interest more than someone else’s suffering. We certainly should learn from tragedy and suffering. But, perhaps our focus should be shifted — or maybe just broadened — to shine light on … Continue reading Tragedy reveals our true nature — but let’s not wait for tragedy
To be great, we need to put our money on the future
"I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don't have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that." When Thomas Edison said those words to his friends Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, shortly before his death in 1931, he was … Continue reading To be great, we need to put our money on the future
Wonder or sadness over God’s creation: It’s our choice
It’s not often I experience simultaneously awestruck joy and numbing sadness. I experienced that Monday when I visited for the first time the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City. The Myriad’s Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory is a true wonder. This 13,000 square-foot conservatory showcases 750 plant varieties from across the globe, cascading waterfalls, a sky … Continue reading Wonder or sadness over God’s creation: It’s our choice
The true cost of our cheap crap economy
I am not, by any definition, a fashionable man. I wear clothes that came off the rack when dial-up internet was the gold standard — only because I’m too fat for the clothes I bought before that. If I’m wearing anything that looks the least bit well-put-together, it was a gift from my wife. … Continue reading The true cost of our cheap crap economy
In the face of darkness and lies, we need the light of brave youth
When an argument has lost all moral footing, ignores all empirical fact and delights in willful ignorance, it usually only has one tack in the face of courage and truth — to delve ever-deeper into immorality, falsehood and ignorance. Such was the case in America’s “welcome” of Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old Swedish climate activist … Continue reading In the face of darkness and lies, we need the light of brave youth
The symbolism of cowardice and courage
Theologian Paul Tillich once said humanity’s “ultimate concern must be expressed symbolically, because symbolic language alone is able to express the ultimate.” Symbols sometimes speak more eloquently, and with far greater impact, than words. While Tillich was speaking of our use of symbols to relate to God, his words hold true on any topic of … Continue reading The symbolism of cowardice and courage
To save ourselves, we must end the president’s war on science
Recently, on July 20, America celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Today, we carry phones with 7 million times the data storage of the Apollo computer. Yet, our society has woefully degraded in its respect for science since Neil Armstrong took that “one giant leap for mankind.” Consider the growing gulf … Continue reading To save ourselves, we must end the president’s war on science
Caligula vs. conservatism: The ‘values’ of the president’s budget
If you want to know a nation’s values, just look at its budget. There really is no better measure of our values than how we spend our money. And the president’s proposed FY20 budget tells quite a tale of his values. It’s nothing new for Republicans and Democrats to have different fiscal views. But, … Continue reading Caligula vs. conservatism: The ‘values’ of the president’s budget
Climate change: Making Earth “bad but manageable” again
I admit it. I like post-apocalyptic drama. If you’ve seen one of these shows, you’ve seen them all. The remnants of humanity end up living in the raped wasteland that’s left of God’s creation, fighting among themselves over dwindling resources. These tales are a dark diversion in movies and the pages of novels. They’re far … Continue reading Climate change: Making Earth “bad but manageable” again
James R. Neal 