Tag: Politics

When Leadership Fails: A Diplomatic Disaster on the World Stage

Last Friday, the world witnessed one of the worst interactions between leaders in recent memory on national television. The behavior of this country’s leaders was, without a doubt, an example of counterproductive and poor leadership.  Counterproductive leadership falls into five categories: abusive behaviors, self-serving behaviors, erratic behaviors, leadership incompetence, and corrupt behaviors.1 Last week, we … Continue reading When Leadership Fails: A Diplomatic Disaster on the World Stage →

Meritocracy

Meritocracy—a word that has been bounced around a lot lately. We’ve heard it frequently during U.S. senate confirmation hearings in the past few weeks. But what actually is meritocracy? Well, my trusty Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as: "A system, organization, or society in which people are chosen and moved into positions of success, power, and influence on … Continue reading Meritocracy →

Book Review: The Forgotten Americans

For the past 20 months or so, I have read several books focused on the subject of marginalized citizens. This interest partly comes from my desire to understand how social scientists, political theorists, and historians perceive our current problems and the solutions they propose. Books such as Poverty, By America, Evicted, There Is Nothing for … Continue reading Book Review: The Forgotten Americans →

Old Mistakes, New Agendas: The Futility of Censorship and Control

The human race is pretty amazing with its ability to endure difficulties and struggles. History shows that resiliency (the ability to meet, learn from, and not be crushed by the challenges and stresses of life.1 ) is deeply ingrained in our DNA. But sometimes, I wonder why we tend to repeat past mistakes. It’s as if, somehow, our brains … Continue reading Old Mistakes, New Agendas: The Futility of Censorship and Control →

A Commentary on the Political Status of Puerto Rico

On July 26, I wrote a post discussing the 72nd anniversary of Puerto Rico's Constitution. In that post, I indicated that I would follow up with another piece to share my personal insights and thoughts on the topic of Puerto Rico's political status. To start, let me summarize our history. Christopher Columbus arrived on the … Continue reading A Commentary on the Political Status of Puerto Rico →

Philosophical Reflections: on Life, Freedom, and Governance

I’m currently reading The History of Philosophy by A.C. Grayling1 and am at the part where the author describes the philosophical thoughts of Baruch Spinoza, born in 1632 in Amsterdam. Grayling explains Spinoza’s ideas about the best life and the purpose of the state (or government). Below are some parts that caught my attention. Regarding … Continue reading Philosophical Reflections: on Life, Freedom, and Governance →

Memorial Day Weekend Travel and Air Traffic Controllers

This past weekend, people in the United States traveled to see loved ones and to enjoy the unofficial start of summer. In my case, I stayed home, resting and reflecting on the meaning of Memorial Day, and participated in a 5K run in honor of those who are no longer with us. I hope you … Continue reading Memorial Day Weekend Travel and Air Traffic Controllers →

Book Review: Evicted – Poverty and Profit in the American City

“Evicted - Poverty and Profit in the American City" by Matthew Desmond is the second book I've read by this author, and what a compelling narrative it offers. Desmond's exceptional ability to connect social issues with the real people facing them is extraordinary. The book, well-researched and a Pulitzer Prize winner in 2017, recounts events … Continue reading Book Review: Evicted – Poverty and Profit in the American City →