April 2020 – Clearpastures

The Death of Influence

Post Author:Shifrin
Post published:April 29, 2020
Post Category:Politics

Since the end of WW2, US influence throughout the world has been pervasive, accepted, and even entreated. Various world events now are piling that into a coffin and Trump is…

Reopening

Post Author:Shifrin
Post published:April 17, 2020
Post Category:Social

Reopening the country without appropriate protective gear and strategies will endanger lives more than is necessary. For those who choose this, such as the Michigan protesters, it is their risk…

The Cost of Preparedness

Post Author:Shifrin
Post published:April 15, 2020
Post Category:Science / Social

The lack of US preparedness for the coronavirus pandemic has been shameful and unnerving. On the policy side, it started with Trump ignoring plans given to him during his transition…

10 National Issues (Parts 9 & 10)

Post Author:Shifrin
Post published:April 12, 2020
Post Category:Politics / Social

Here is the final installment. Foreign policy. As the only current world superpower and arguably with the strongest economy and government system, what is the US’ role in the world? …

10 National Issues (Parts 7 & 8)

Post Author:Shifrin
Post published:April 11, 2020
Post Category:Politics / Social

The next to last installment. Information age issues – truth, privacy, and foreign intrusion. The internet and social media are having fundamental effects on all aspects of society. Its presence…

10 National Issues (Parts 5 & 6)

Post Author:Shifrin
Post published:April 10, 2020
Post Category:Politics / Science / Social

Here is the next installment. Environment and climate change. The US EPA employs 14,000 people and has a budget of $8.5 Billion (about 0.2% of federal expenditures). State environmental agencies…

10 National Issues (Parts 2-4)

Post Author:Shifrin
Post published:April 9, 2020
Post Category:Politics / Social

Herein are the next 3 parts of the continuing discussion. Economic inequities, poverty, and taxes. There are about 18 Million millionaires in the US and the top 1% of wealth-holders…

10 National Issues (Part 1 of 10)

Post Author:Shifrin
Post published:April 8, 2020
Post Category:Politics / Social

This post and the next few will deal with 10 of the most pressing issues facing our nation, one or a few at a time to make it more digestible.…

Taxes

Post Author:Shifrin
Post published:April 7, 2020
Post Category:Politics / Social

Simpler Tax, Balanced Budget. Can we fix our byzantine tax code and the national deficit? Many states already have balanced budget requirements, why can’t the Feds? Maybe debt is good…