Freedom, Corruption, and the Moral Compass of Justice (The Story of the Clan)

(Illustrative Only)

Symbolic of the need for

greater insight into the 

the mental slavery of

distorted ideology, corruption

and hate. We free

them by enlightening them.

Justice, freedom of speech, 

freedom of religion, civil

rights and human rights 

were concepts of the Enlightenment.

Enlightenment and Human Rights

"We can easily forgive a child

who is afraid of the dark;

 the real tragedy of life

is when men are afraid of the light"

Plato

Let’s continue our philosophical thought experiment on hate, corruption, and the moral disorientation that can lead to failures in justice (Initially anway). This exercise, called The Story of the Clan, is open for discussion—you can change elements, draw your own conclusions, or even disagree with its premises. Take with a grain of salt as it is for learning and exploration purposes.

In this example, a group of people used their positions and connections to enrich themselves by targeting others—those who were often different in race, religion, politics, or social background. But it wasn’t just about differences. They also put youth, vulnerable individuals, whistleblowers, and good citizens at risk, eroding trust in the institution. Misbehavior brought clear financial and social rewards for this rogue group.

The vast majority of officers, however, are dedicated, honorable, and serve their communities with integrity. They deserve support, and people should be encouraged to train and become officers themselves. This discussion is not about good people doing good work, or those who make honest mistakes—it’s about intentional wrongdoing and the “bad apples” that the system struggles to address, often due to misperceptions both inside and outside the institution.

In our society, freedom of speech and religion are foundational. Race, religion, and political perspective should not lead to first and second class citizenship. Our cultural, social, and economic systems rely on shared values and boundaries that define who we are. Yet some exploit their roles to push harmful ideologies for personal gain. Such behavior is misaligned with our values and is morally and legally wrong—whether it stems from personal flaws, foreign ideologies (i.e. not based in our social contracts, implicit cultural values, or artifacts), or other influences.

Correcting this begins with people committed to the true purpose of society—patriots in the broad sense. Those who value history, ethics, science, compassion, and core societal principles can act as a corrective force. In this example, they learn, adapt, and better serve their communities. They become more effective at stopping wrongdoing, but the first step is always cultivating a moral conscience and consistently doing what is right.

Discussions about the independence of courts and preventing corruption also apply here. Courts should not be misused to advance ideology or hate. When electing officials, judges, or other leaders, consider the most capable and principled—not just the most connected or partisan. Honorable officials serve their communities; dishonorable ones serve themselves. If they want the job a little too much just stop and think of why. To serve is a responsibility and should not be taken lightly.

The following is a summary of the article Courts, Corruption and Judicial Independence

• Courts are meant to fight corruption, but many people believe courts themselves are corrupt.

• Corruption includes bribes, political pressure, and pressure from senior judges.

• When people think judges can be influenced, they lose trust in the justice system.

• Governments sometimes misuse anti-corruption rules to remove or intimidate judges they dislike.

• Solutions include better pay for court staff, clearer ethical rules, more transparency in how cases are handled, and independent systems for reporting and disciplining corruption.

• A major challenge is reducing corruption without weakening judicial independence.

 

The Outrageous World of The Producers (March 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14): A Theater Deserving of a Standing Ovation!

(Illustrative Only)

We’re down to the final two weeks before the show! This week is rehearsals, next week is tech week, and then—boom—showtime. Everyone involved has been working like absolute theater superheroes. They’ve been there almost every night: building sets, painting, rehearsing, and memorizing enough lines to make a Shakespeare actor sweat.

And the cast? A wonderful mix of younger folks, older folks, and everyone in between—teaching each other, swapping stories, and keeping theater alive in our community. This show even has a bit of historical flair… plus it’s really funny. A little raunchy, too—so you should be the appropriate age (and ideally the appropriate maturity level, but we can’t help you there).

Support your local theater! These people have poured their hearts, time, and probably most of their sanity into this production.

As for me, I’m one of the local actors—but not in this show. I’m backstage this time, helping move giant set pieces around. Yes, moving pieces around has a type of group choreography. Yes, I’ve already put some scratces on me and the set. No, I regret nothing. The set won!

There’s another show coming in the fall that I will be auditioning for. Auditions should be in late May. I got a sneak peek at the script and—trust me—it’s going to be interesting in all the best ways.

So stay tuned to the Players’ website and Facebook page. Make a night of it: grab dinner, see the show, then enjoy a nightcap at one of our great local spots. If your touring in Escanaba, as a budding tourist destination, consider getting a ticke. 

The Tickets and Summary of the Show

Tickets are selling quickly, and Players is ready to close the season with a hit. Mel Brooks transformed his 1968 cult-classic comedy into the award-winning musical The Producers, and the cast has been hard at work bringing it to life.

The story follows a desperate Broadway producer and his anxious accountant as they scheme to profit from the worst show ever made. Their plan? Stage a widely inappropriate show, swindle their sweet elderly investors, and hope it all collapses. Naturally, chaos, mishaps, and plenty of laughs ensue.

Show Dates:
March 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Matinee: March 8 at 1:30 p.m.
Doors open 30 minutes early.

Tickets:
Available online or at the Bonifas Arts Center front desk (Tue–Sat).
All performances held at the Bay College Besse Theater.

Support Players De Noc with 50/50 tickets before the show and $1 souvenir buttons during intermission—cash encouraged.

Recommended for ages 13+ due to some mature content. Bring the "checkie" if you want to donate to the Players de Noc Theater.

More info & tickets: https://playersdenocinc.ludus.com/index.php

VA Research Findings on Agent Orange, Parkinson’s Disease and Opioid Use

 

(Illustrative Only)

Research plays a crucial role in improving lives, and new discoveries can benefit people well beyond the Veteran community. For Veterans, ongoing research helps support healthier, happier lives, especially for those who return from service with physical or psychological injuries that can lead to additional challenges. Continued support and funding for research strengthens the scientific community and helps multiple populations. Below are some of the recent findings from the VA Office of Research and Development, which you can explore further in the article.

Summary below of the article VA Research Wrap Up: New findings on Agent Orange, Parkinson’s disease and opioid use

• a VA Boston study found a possible link between exposure to Agent Orange and a rare form of skin cancer called acral melanoma, showing that Veterans with documented exposure had about 30 % higher odds of developing this type of melanoma compared with both healthy controls and Veterans with more common melanoma forms, marking the first time this association has been reported.

• Researchers led by a team at a New Mexico VA site investigated the gut bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris, finding it much more common in people with Parkinson’s disease and showing that the bacteria can cause a build-up of alpha-synuclein protein and suppress an enzyme important for dopamine function, suggesting a possible role for gut microbes in the development of Parkinson’s disease.

• Iowa City VA investigators used a mouse model to study opioid withdrawal and found that prolonged withdrawal triggers changes in brain synapses related to an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase 4, and that giving the heart disease drug acetazolamide blocked that enzyme’s expression, prevented those synaptic changes, and reduced opioid-seeking behavior, indicating potential for repurposing this drug to treat substance use disorder.

*This article is for a project for veterans. 

Campfire Goulash: Chaos in a Pot and Much More than Slop!

 

This goulash chili is shockingly easy to make—so easy that even a raccoon could probably do it if it had opposable thumbs. Grab a can of beans, a potato, a little onion, some beef, tomatoes, maybe toss in some extra vegetables if you’re feeling fancy, a bouillon cube, and a handful of pasta shells.

Throw everything into a pot, bring it to a boil, and give it a stir so it looks like it actually belongs together. Then turn it down to a simmer. I simmered mine for about an hour, tossing in garlic, some chili powder, and whatever else tickled my fancy. Honestly, you don’t really need a recipe here—if you want exact instructions, just Google “chili.”

The best part? If you’re camp cooking, you basically only need a pot, a knife, and a few canned things you probably already have lying around. Didn’t bring meat? No worries, you’re either a vegetarian… or a very forgetful camper. Just swap in extra beans and veggies—it works. I once did something like that with some monks in the California mountains. No meat, just good vibes and hearty beans.

Camping chili: easy, forgiving, and slightly magical. Also, it makes you feel like a wilderness wizard.

Comments on Pesonal Income and Outlays, December 2025 (Sam Improves His Savings Rate and Invests in a Side Business in Escanaba)

(Illustrative Only)

Sam realizes he is not 
rich so he adjusted his
person spending to save more,
and started a side business
making maple syrup 
and sells that
through an agreement with one of
the stores downtown Escanaba.
It helps brand the area
and he can pick up a little 
money using his
property. An exportable 
product. 

Think of a few ways
you can make side money
and put that away or
reinvest in your side
hustle.

Looking at December 2025 personal income and spending, the economy is stable but not growing much. Over the year, growth is modest, and it’s important to remember that high earners can skew the data. Many people don’t have the same disposable income as they did in prior generations, which is something that needs attention.

 (Getting more and more but leaving people with less in part from aggressive marketing and selling things we don't necessarily need. Awareness can lead to stronger personal choice versus automatic response. Neuroeconomics. What I'm reviewing is clusters is partly related to deeper human choice and innovation through subtransactions.).

The savings rate is historically low at 3.6% of disposable income, so increasing it is important. Budgeting carefully and focusing on essentials—like cooking at home instead of eating out—can help save money (Be creative with other ways.). Savings can then be invested to grow wealth over time.

Raising wages is another key factor. This can happen through education, learning new skills, starting small businesses, or policies that support workers and small- to medium-sized businesses. Adapting to new technology and being flexible in your work can increase your value and income.

Job mobility can also help if wages aren’t rising where you are. But higher income doesn’t automatically mean more savings—people often spend more when they earn more. Change the pattern.

Summary of Personal Income and Outlays, December 2025

• Personal income rose 0.3% ($86.2 billion) in December 2025

• Disposable personal income increased 0.3% ($75.7 billion)

• Personal consumption expenditures went up 0.4% ($91.0 billion)

• Personal outlays rose $90.2 billion

• Personal saving was $830.8 billion, saving rate 3.6% of disposable income

• Real PCE (inflation-adjusted spending) increased 0.1% ($11.5 billion)

• PCE price index (inflation) rose 0.4% month-to-month, 2.9% year-over-year; excluding food and energy, rose 0.4% MoM, 3.0% YoY

• Data includes updates for October and November 2025 due to government shutdown

Exploring Broad-Based Capitalism and Economic Perspectives

(Illustrative Only)

A downtown thriving
because there is less concentration 
of wealth and more
small business capital. 
The concept of more
resources for the development 
of small and medium businesses
becomes highlighted. 
One may also focus
on exportation of products and 
services to help the trade balance. 
Over concentration may
limit market nimbleness,inovation,
and long-term performance
through decision making
and opportunity
thereby slowing societal
and economic participation.
There are natural mechanics at 
play.
Economic Needs Fulfillment
Evolutionary Economics
The Potato Eaters

This article is meant for philosophical discussion and explanation. The topic came up recently during a casual conversation about the advantages and disadvantages of different economic systems. People pointed to issues such as the cost of healthcare and education, limits on free speech through narrowly accepted narratives, the rising cost of living, fairness in justice outcomes, and struggling downtowns. These were seen as symptoms of an over-concentration of power, wealth, and opportunity, which shapes how people experience the world.

There is no single right or wrong answer—just an open, free-flowing discussion. It is ok to disagree as the point is discussion and not necessarily conclusion. Perspectives naturally differ depending on whether someone is wealthy, middle class, poor, educated level, or a small business owner. Each group views these challenges through a different lens.

From this conversation, the idea of broad-based capitalism emerged. The concept suggests that when money circulates more freely across different social classes, it strengthens innovation, supports growth, and creates a more balanced economic environment. Not to mention social stability. Natural cycles should lead to regeneration at community levels and a balance between the large companies and the smaller mom & pop that serve everyday people.

Capitalism and Socialism

Capitalism and socialism have been debated for a long time, and people often feel strongly about one side or the other. Capitalism focuses on free markets and individual choice, allowing people to make decisions and shape their own economic path. Socialism, on the other hand, involves greater government control and a more collective approach to distributing resources. Neither system is perfect, because each offers benefits while also creating risks and limitations.

Strengths and Weaknesses

In capitalism, people have more freedom to build businesses, make investments, and choose how they want to work. However, wealth can become concentrated among a small group, leaving workers with fewer protections and fewer financial benefits. Socialism aims to reduce this inequality by having the government manage more of the economy. Supporters believe this can create fairness, but critics argue it may reduce innovation, limit free trade, and weaken economic motivation. This discussion is not meant to resolve the debate—only to highlight the ideas that often fuel passionate political arguments.

Broad-Based Capitalism

A concept that helps reframe the discussion is “broad-based capitalism.” This idea focuses on spreading economic opportunity more evenly by strengthening small and medium-sized businesses. As wealth becomes concentrated, it becomes easier for those at the top to stay there, and harder for new businesses to enter the market. Supporting smaller enterprises encourages innovation and helps build wealth within local communities. It also broadens the economic base rather than allowing only large corporations to dominate.

Long-Term Risks

If wealth continues to concentrate among a small group, society may drift toward having two economic tiers with limited mobility between them. Small and medium businesses may struggle to grow, while large corporations gain more influence over government policies. Over time, these corporations may move operations overseas, merge with competitors, or decline, creating new economic vulnerabilities.

Why Broad-Based Capitalism Matters

Broad-based capitalism offers a path that keeps the strengths of a market economy while reducing some of its weaknesses. By ensuring that wealth circulates more freely and that new businesses can emerge and thrive, society becomes more resilient and dynamic. This approach encourages innovation, supports communities, and avoids the pitfalls of extreme concentration of wealth—providing a more balanced and sustainable form of capitalism.

The following was taken as a summary of the article Capitalism vs. Socialism: An Overview. This is the traditional discussion but you may want to read.

What the debate is about

• Two major economic systems that differ in who controls resources and how they’re shared.

Capitalism (main ideas)

• Private ownership of goods and services.

• Free market competition determines prices and success.

• Supporters say it encourages innovation and consumer choice.

• Critics say it can cause inequality and concentration of wealth.

Socialism (main ideas)

• Government (or society) controls production and distribution.

• Resources are shared more based on contribution.

• Supporters say it reduces inequality and provides social services.

• Critics say it can limit personal initiative and create inefficiency.

How they interact

• Most real countries mix both systems in various ways.

• The debate shapes political and economic policy around the world.

The Role of Justice in Economic Development: When the People's Concerns Make More Sense

(Illustrative Only)

Ancient Rome

and the average people

arond an institution

of jutice.

Aristotle-

The weak are always

anxious for justice

and equality. The strong pay

no heed to either.

Justice is fundamentally important because it creates a level playing field in society. Everyday transactions—whether economic or social—rely on trust. Just as social movements or interest rates can influence economic behavior, justice shapes how people make decisions and act. When you enter into a contract or buy a product, there’s an expectation of fairness. Crime and corruption erode that trust, damaging both individuals and the broader economy.

Supporting good officers and officials who serve their communities honorably is crucial. But we cannot support those who cheat the system, because they break down these essential transactions of trust, leading to poor economic outcomes.

Data is helping us understand the justice system in new ways. Courts are starting to connect information that was previously isolated, revealing possible patterns that explain why trust may be declining—especially among the next generation. Improvements are possible: removing “bad apples,” making diverse hiring decisions, and ensuring top-down policies don’t favor the wealthy or well-connected over the average person, so on and so forth.

Justice systems exist to serve everyone, not just those within the institution, politicians, or the wealthy. Most do the right thing but not everyone. When there’s a gap between public perception and what is promoted at the top, there’s an opportunity to align the system with the needs of the people. By supporting what works, eliminating what doesn’t, and continuously improving, we strengthen both economic and social development at their root.

The study below highlights how changing data can reveal disparities and problems within the justice system. If judges and politicians recognize these opportunities for improvement, meaningful progress is possible.The Role of Development in Justice

• Strong courts help the economy by enforcing contracts, supporting businesses, and protecting people.

• Efficient justice systems reduce crime and build trust in institutions.

• Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can solve disputes where the rule of law is weak.

• Digital tools and data make courts “data-rich but information-poor,” creating chances to improve efficiency.

• Using data can help evaluate reforms and address post-COVID-19 justice needs.