Christopher's Meanderings

My heart was heavy again last night* as I watched two fresh, but not uncommon news stories unfold. First, the shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand mosques . Second, another video of police using what appears to be unnecessary force has reached national attention . Let's start the narrative off with this: I am a capitalist. I believe in the power of free markets and hard work to accomplish a lot. Supply and demand can create wealth that is not limited and does not necessarily take from others. We do not enjoy capitalism equally today. The problem comes when those who already have access to resources, land, or other assets are given additional legislative or societal power to gain leverage over other people. This is not a free market. This is crony capitalism with unbridled free markets.  Capitalism separated from morality is a beast ready for blood. It tears the fabric between people and lifts a few while simultaneously and necessarily squashing many people. You might d...

Despite the fact that I home school my two boys, I believe in public education. I think that public education is fundamental to the well-being of our country, and our lack of care and attention to many districts throughout the country is a disservice towards a thriving republic. Local taxes and national taxes should support children of all backgrounds, regardless of what the local community provides back in instant return on investment. Brainless Sameness  by Bob Sornson tackles the inefficiencies in much of American education. It is more of a survey book looking at what brought us to our current state where both children and teachers are failed in education. He also offers ideological shifts met with practical solutions to navigate the path toward better education. The broad solutions he encourages us are proven solutions which could translate into a healthier society. Sticking to an antiquated adaption of Horace Mann's educational system lies at the root of our problem i...

Photo by  Louie Castro-Garcia  on  Unsplash Like most people, there are time when I want to check out mentally and stop listening when someone is talking.  Last night I had one of those experiences. I was ready to go home, my eyes were tired, and it had been a long day.  Then I asked a question.  One of the guys I had played games with suddenly became far more talkative to me than he ever had been. I had already wondered that night if this person was capable of saying something that wasn't sarcastic or negative. I found out he was capable of this simple feat! He began to passionately share with me about his daughters, and then one of his favorite games. He talked for at least fifteen minutes without saying a single negative thing. I was amazed. I struggled to contain my tiredness, but I made a mental note to stay close physically to the conversation and to continue to make eye contact. By the end of the conversation, I could tell he had shared m...