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Sink invaders into the high seas

For decades, illegal drugs from all over the world — and particularly from Central and South America — have come into the United States. As decades have passed, illegal drugs have become more and more lethal. The drug trade is no mere set of commercial transactions. It is no mere set of illegal commercial transactions. It is a criminal enterprise. Yet it’s more than a mere criminal enterprise. This is an invasion of the United States of America, an invasion that has taken more lives than this country lost in any of its wars. Correction: In any of its other wars. It is ...

A Brooklyn weekend of gathering together

The many years ago that I lived in New York City, I never made it to Brooklyn. I didn’t ever have a compelling reason to go there until last weekend, and I wished that I didn’t have to attend the gathering. It was different than any funeral I’ve ever been to. Last month, my nephew, Michael, died suddenly. It took a few weeks to corral family schedules and create plans for what turned out to be a loving memorial. I seldom get to see my nieces and nephews. It seems we only get together now for weddings and funerals – one of the challenges of a scattered family. My late ...

U.S. working through shutdown

Well, it’s shutdown time in Washington. Despite U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s remarks based on tired Democratic talking points this one can be blamed on Senate Democrats who claim they are seeking to protect “pandemic era” Obama Care tax credits when in fact they are lining up behind Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer in his effort to block a possible primary challenge by Alexandria Ocasio Cortez in 2028. This time average Americans seem unconcerned about the shutdown knowing their lives will be unaffected. The Trump administration sees this as an opportunity to shrink ...

Beautiful Bill has some ugly outcomes

During a recent Cabinet meeting, our president suggested rebranding his 900-page One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). A familiar movie from the 1960s, “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” might be a suitable title: good for some, bad for others. For example, the bill makes permanent a provision known as the 100% bonus depreciation. This provision allows corporations to purchase corporate jets, yachts, and machinery and write off the full cost in the year of purchase. Initially part of Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and set to expire soon, it would now become permanent. A ...

Difficult decision of downsizing

When you get to be my age, if you haven’t already, you start to think about downsizing the footprint of your life. It makes common sense to do so—the kids are grown and on their own, you are tired of mowing the grass and maintaining the house, and you just don’t need as much room anymore. But, there is more to it than that. You are also becoming aware that you won’t live forever, and having things more simple in your life is good, not only for you, but for your family, for your friends and for those around you. Some of this is also health driven. Your body and back just ...

Pomfret’s move leaves void

The town of Pomfret’s office move seems all but finalized. Town officials seem pleased by the much larger space the new office provides, and I’m sure any fishermen on staff will be pleased with the creek access behind the building. But there’s reason to be concerned by the move for any residents. For instance, it seems to be being downplayed by all parties that Pomfret Town Hall will no longer be in Pomfret. When I had heard there was a plan to move the hall, I had assumed the new location would be better centrally located in Pomfret to better serve our community as the ...