Investing with Purpose: Supporting Society and Communities (Farm Stock Example)

Investing, even on a small scale, is important for building wealth over time. It also serves another purpose. Markets are shaped largely by interest and expectations of return. There is investment that fuels industry growth, and there is investment in the stocks for financial return (Investment in activity or investment in stocks). How and where we invest has implications for whether money makes its way back into communities and what industries are fostered. Consider, for example, small and organic farming stocks (It could be just small farm, or small business, or other.).

A penny earned can be a penny invested.

Maybe we should start
thinking about investing
in communities again 
and getting young people
 back on farms and downtowns
chuck full of start-ups.

Escanaba is a small
town that has experienced 
multifaceted growth.
Investment can be used
to enhance community
 foundations.

I dabble in the market from time to time outside of retirement accounts. It isn’t a lot of money, but when my penny jar fills up, I cash it in and buy something that can generate a return rather than letting it sit and lose value. In my mind, I can either invest in stocks that create bubbles and quick returns, or I can invest in industries I’d like to see develop and grow. Life is short and I can't take money with me.

On a larger scale, where we invest collectively often determines which industries receive funding, and therefore which expand or decline. That isn’t always based on what benefits society, but on what yields the highest returns. This is part of the reason why so much money flows abroad while we struggle to create mechanisms that help people invest in their own hometowns, communities, and country (Some of this problem can be solved by better local investment mechanics and pathways.).

Recently, I went looking for stocks focused on small farmers and sustainable farming in the U.S. There are a few funds where you can invest any amount—from a couple dollars a share to hundreds or thousands. I buy these stocks mostly to explore ideas and understand how they work, so don’t take any stock-buying advice from me; those decisions are entirely yours.

I ended up investing in a fund—not because the name matters, but to see how the stocks in it might grow or decline. As a small experimental portfolio, it has grown about 120% since I started it. One company I chose produces local food greens in the U.S. and appeared to have strong practices. Its performance has been relatively flat despite achieving up to 19% revenue growth and reducing costs significantly. To me, a company that has revenue, continually lowers expenses, is U.S.-based, and focuses on sustainable practices is worth watching, even if it doesn’t attract much market attention. After all, investment can create entirely new markets when enough money moves in a certain direction.

In this case, my penny jar was worth about the cost of a nice dinner. Instead of spending it, I bought a few stocks so I could observe and learn from them.

The point here is simple: even small amounts matter. Invest to build wealth, think long-term, and invest in what aligns with your values, interests, and communities.

This article is interesting if you want to know more about small farms,

USDA Small Farms

Tipping the Scales: The Power of Independent Voices (Hypothetical Feather Party)

Politics is a natural part of life from before ancient Greece and Mesopotamia, and people have every right to hold opinions—whether similar to or different from those around them. Yet today, politics has become increasingly partisan and some believe toxic. You are either on one side or the other, and neither side necessarily reflects the full range of public opinion (If you listen to people without promoting your beliefs they will share theirs and you can learn. Listen first and judge later.). Focusing more closely on objective decision-making and the needs of current and future generations might help shift this dynamic. Could a third party help?

Representing people
sharing their inner beliefs.

Let’s consider an example. Within political parties, members are often expected to vote strictly along party lines, even when they believe the opposing side has a reasonable point or a valuable addition to a bill. But decisions must be made for everyone in alignment with deep duties, which means we should avoid the extremes on either side. Good people are leaving politics behind entirely and we need them. Out of frustration with polarization, many people may be becoming more open-minded to a third party, and this shift is worth exploring philosophically.

About a year ago, I came up with an idea called the “Hypothetical Feather Party.” Its purpose wasn’t to dominate politics but to think of ways to help such as tip votes and create a middle pathway in political discussions and decisions. This party would not be strictly conservative or liberal, nor would it base its decisions on those frameworks (outside the narrative). Instead, it would evaluate issues as objectively as possible, using scientific reasoning and practical analysis aligned with local needs and the long-term strategic health of the nation.

Here’s a second example where a third party may help.  Over the past few decades, we’ve seen a significant concentration of wealth and an increasing influence of large corporations. While major corporations offer many benefits, a balance between small and large enterprise is essential for sustained innovation. People still need opportunities, hope, and the belief that if they start a business or introduce a new idea, they have a genuine chance to succeed. Excessive economic concentration undermines that possibility. The average person's trust is declining and they may feel left out (...at least that is what I hear from people but you may have your opinion.).

Let us also think about a third example. Extreme partisanship impacts the way people perceive each other and how they make decisions using institutional power. Hyperpolitics can lead to misjudging others not based on their merit but perceived differences, can give cover for mistreatment of the "other"/out group (any "ism" can collectivize under the wrong pressures), misuse of public authority/institutional position for ideological gain, and might even violate some of the most basic values if various perspectives are not considered. A third party steps outside of common narratives and perhaps a more of an objective perspective (Much like a arbitor that is not trying to seek party gain but support for certain central values. You might have a better example than me. ) 

So what might a third party look like? Imagine a group not defined by rigid voting blocs but by a loose affiliation of independent voters committed to representing younger generations and expanding their opportunities based on shared central values. You don’t vote for an ideology—you vote for the quality of decision-making, for candidates with steady judgment who choose what benefits the greatest number of people. Such a party may preserve important social contracts (i.e. freedoms of religion, speech, etc.) and values passed down through generations. It would aim to be the “voice of reason,” offering space for those who feel pressured to conform to one ideology or another—even when doing so may not help society.

In essence, such a party would introduce a useful third viewpoint—one that doesn’t force its agenda but votes its conscience. Campaign donations would come with no implied expectations, only trust in the candidate’s ability to make sound decisions. With even 15% of the voting population, such a group may be able to meaningfully tip outcomes or block poor legislation regardless of traditional conservative or liberal leaning positions. In today’s partisan gridlock, a thoughtful third party could “grease the wheels” by bringing an objective perspective. Independent voters often do this already, grounded not in highly curated party messaging but in their core values and beliefs. They could become more organized.

Representing a politician
with a cold. 
Maybe some homecooked
soup and a heartfelt
conversation with 
family (the people) can help.

Historically, third parties have struggled because in part of the overwhelming power of money, campaign donations, and entrenched interests. Ironically, these same forces have contributed to the polarized—and sometimes toxic—political atmosphere we see today, where special interests often outweigh the voices of ordinary people. Decision making could be impacted by gridlock yes and nos where maybes might work better. A loosely connected party, free from these pressures, might be the cure for our political sniffles. Its loyalty would lie in strengthening the nation, preserving economic and social health for future generations, and maintaining essential shared values.

What do you think about the values, strengths, challenges, and opportunities for a loosely connected third party? I call it the Hypothetical Feather Party, but the name really isn’t what matters. Next time, vote Hypothetical Feather Party! In other words, vote for people who vote the issues—not the politics. Good idea or bad idea? Feel free to share your thoughts. 

Consider this article, 

Americans See Need for Third Party, but Offer Soft Support

When Narratives Justify Wrongdoing: Understanding Corruption’s Roots

Corruption is something society should never tolerate, as it carries a wide range of costs and consequences across different situations. Much like a common cold, corruption spreads quickly among people who are tempted by the same pressures and desires—particularly the need for belonging and the desire to be respected within certain circles. These motivations often drive individuals toward corruption for personal gain, and at times this behavior blends with the psychology of hate.

Representing the darker
self- perceptions of entitlement
that leads to
corruption and hate.

(Hate can come from any person, race, religion or
background if they choose that path.

Notice the background. Kind of
cool.)

"The corruption of the best
things gives rise to the worst."
 - David Hume

While psychological theories often discuss the darker aspects of corruption and hate, they rarely connect the two, even though both share a distorted sense of self. When someone takes from another person or from society illicitly, they place their own desires above the greater good. Likewise, when someone harbors hatred toward entire groups, it reveals a belief that their own needs, perceptions, and social networks outweigh the rights and dignity of others.

Hate and corruption thrive within narratives that justify inappropriate actions sometimes directly against certain codified values. When people internalize these narratives—about themselves or others—they begin to make compromises. It often looks like this: although the stated purpose of a law is to protect society from corruption, someone might convince themselves that a certain group is less worthy of fair treatment, and therefore feel justified in bending or breaking the rules to uphold their own value system.

This is a distorted lens, and individuals may not fully recognize it. Yet it is rooted in how they view themselves and how they weigh their own needs against the needs of others. Narcissists, criminals, and those with dark Machiavellian traits can easily exploit these weaknesses, leading to actions that are both harmful and deeply destructive. Only after the damage is done—after time has passed and new people replace the old—do we often realize the full extent of the wrongdoing. Rarely do get to do it in real time to study it.

However, all of this can be avoided, in any place or time, if we reflect seriously on what is essential for societal progress and the preservation of human integrity. Whether we look to oaths, institutions, moral or religious teachings, ethics, or strategic principles, we find that society is built upon foundational values that must be protected, strengthened, and upheld.

Hate and corruption each carry two distinct harms: the wrongful act itself and the effort to shield or justify that act. Strong and resilient people, institutions, and leaders understand this and work to create environments where destructive behaviors become less likely to take root. If they aren't doing that then they are not doing their duty to the broader stakeholders of society.

Those who fail to value moral conscience or a true ethical compass are unlikely to foster goals that benefit everyone. Encouraging, protecting, or normalizing hate undermines any society. Instead, we must aim to build efficient and resilient systems by reducing corruption, holding bad actors accountable, and promoting unity, fairness, and indivizibility—conditions that maximize human potential and support the free exchange of ideas that drives development.

You may find the referenced study on corruption particularly interesting, as it explores why people are more likely to engage in corrupt behavior when it becomes normalized. 

How the Perception of Corruption Shapes the Willingness to Bribe: Evidence From An Online Experiment

Riding the Wave of Technological Change: AI and National Productivity (Creative Destruction)

Technology has been advancing at a rapid pace for decades, especially since the internet came online. Some of us were early adopters and grew alongside the digital era as it evolved. The next generation will need to become equally comfortable with AI, which is built on the technological progress of previous decades. As technology continues to accelerate, its impact on the workforce will grow as well.

Let’s look at some of that impact.

First, the article below suggests that increases in labor productivity may double. This is good news for advanced economies, but it also means that these countries will continue to adapt and innovate, pushing technology even faster through competition among major manufacturing and intellectual industries. Many tasks will become simpler and more automated, saving people significant time.

Riding the wave of technology
change.
Kawabonga!

Second, we must continue to develop human capital to keep pace with advanced technology. This means workers will need ongoing training and education—often while maintaining full-time jobs. Few people can afford to take years off mid-career to return to school, so they will need flexible solutions that support continuous learning. This is where professional training programs and online education become essential.

From an economic perspective, both markets and technology are constantly evolving, and we must adapt to keep up. Jobs will change as older products and services are replaced by newer, more efficient ones—an example of creative destruction (Very good economic article so you might want to read it.). The pressure to adjust will be felt not only by individuals but by companies, institutions (fast change) and leaders as well.

The key takeaway is that a willingness to update one’s knowledge and take ownership of one’s future will determine who adapts and who falls behind. We will also need future leaders that are increasingly comfortable with technology and change. Very little will remain the same, and even that will change more quickly than before. Consider creating your own roadmap for understanding emerging technologies and applying them in ways that advance your goals, as well as those of organizations and society.

Updated technology requires updated human capital and modern infrastructure. We are likely to experience significant changes in the near future, and each of us must decide whether to ride the wave like a surfer—or be swept away by it.

Estimating AI productivity gains from Claude conversations

The $500 Lesson: Chasing Down an Old Car’s Electrical Gremlin (Hunker Junker Restoration)

The $250 bandit!

Working on a car can be a lot of fun—as long as you don’t let the frustration get to you. Not even a week ago, the blower stopped working because the module burned out. Unfortunately, this was the second time that module failed, and each one costs about $250. The first failure wasn’t my fault; it simply burned out on its own.

Since the car is old, I assumed the component had just aged out. Old cars are notorious for electrical issues—rust, brittle wires, and parts that were never meant to last 40 years. I searched all over the country and finally found what’s called a blower module. They don’t make them anymore for this model, so I had to rely on an aftermarket company—apparently the only one still producing them.

Fixing cars is part fun
and part practical

I bought the part, installed it, and everything worked fine for a few months…until the weather turned cold. One day it failed again. That’s when I realized the component itself might not be the problem. Maybe there was a short, or a bad relay. Most sources said the relay was in the engine bay near the blower, but one mentioned it could be behind the glove box.

I took apart the glove box, and sure enough—there was a relay. I ordered a new one, hoping to save myself from buying another $250 module, since the relay itself was only $27. But when it arrived, it didn’t fit. I returned it, asked around, and everyone swore the car should have that relay.

What made it even stranger was that the second relay I tried almost fit—but not quite—so back it went. Meanwhile, the cold weather was settling in, and without a blower, the heat barely moved into the cabin. The blower was stuck on high, but only because something had burned out.

I checked with a good buddy of mine who’s been fixing up cars for years and does fantastic work. Compared to him, I’m an amateur. He looked it up and confirmed that the car should indeed have a relay. So I went back to the parts store to return the second relay. The guy behind the counter said the same thing—the car takes a relay.

But then we started talking about the strange chipboard module from 1985, and something I’d read online about the relay and blower resistor possibly being on the same board (not mentioned for this car or year.). He asked whether the car had climate control. And that was the key: this particular car came with optional climate control that didn't normally come with this car—advanced technology for its time—and the system combined components in a way modern parts don’t replace. They don’t make anything identical anymore. So after a wasted week and a half, I ordered my second $250 blower motor resistor/relay module.

Worried I’d just burn out another one, I checked the car thoroughly for shorts or loose wires. Finally, I looked at the fuse box and realized the prior owner had stuck a 25-amp fuse in there. The box isn’t labeled, so I wasn’t sure what size was supposed to be used. According to the manual, it should be a 20-amp fuse. Using a larger fuse would let the blower run too hot for too long, eventually frying the module.

The last thing I wanted was to spend a third $250, so I put a 15-amp fuse in instead. Some might disagree, since a lower fuse can limit max output, but this car already had a strong heater. Dropping to 15 amps made sense to me—it ensures the cheap fuse blows before the expensive module does.

So far, so good. The new blower module works, and that’s important in the Upper Peninsula, where winters are brutally cold. Yes, I lost about $500 and a week and a half of time, but if I had taken it to a mechanic—paying for diagnostics and repairs—I suspect the bill would have been $800 or $900. Mechanics have overhead to pay. Fixing it at home doesn’t cost me anything but time and a bit of frustration.

I put the old module on the shelf. Maybe one day I’ll find the little burnt-out component, solder in a new one, and have a backup. You’re either a car person or you’re not, and I genuinely enjoy tinkering with old cars when I get the time. This one should be finished in a few months, and I’m already looking around for either a 1950s Santa-style truck or a cool old Land Rover to fix up—something I can put a winch on and take hunting, fishing, and winter driving. Meanwhile, I’ll keep enjoying the luxury of this Riviera for nights out in downtown Escanaba.

It's a Wonderful Life Radio Show-Players de Noc-December 19th (Better than Broadway and Free!)

 It’s a Wonderful Life is a Christmas favorite and a long-standing tradition. This live radio-style show draws a large crowd each year, and admission is free. It’s one of the ways this theater gives back to the community during the holidays. Considering how many productions they stage throughout the year—often selling out—this feels like the cherry on top of their seasonal activities.

What are the holidays if you’re not going to enjoy them fully? I know plenty of people who stay home and end up missing the many festive events happening not only in this community but in neighboring ones as well. You don’t want to be too busy, of course, but catching a few highlights—like the Christmas lighting in Gladstone, the parade in Escanaba (which I can’t attend this year), and this show—adds so much magic to the season.

Picture this holiday scenario: You have visitors in town, and you decide to head to a local restaurant for dinner and cocktails. You’re dressed well and in good spirits, so you decide to top off the night with a beautiful Christmas show. After your last hot cocoa—whether that’s plain, crème de cacao, crème de menthe, or something in between—you head over to the theater.

Tune into the holidays!
We didn't have VR immersion. 
We had to show up
but it was a rich experience!

When the show ends, you step outside to find a light dusting of snow. Everything looks bright and peaceful. The downtown lights look like a tunnel You’ve had a wonderful evening: enjoying the town, taking in free entertainment, and spending time with family and friends. That, after all, is what the holidays are about. So pull on your Christmas sweaters, scarves, hats, and mittens, and enjoy the true spirit of the season. 

As a final note, if you’re interested in being part of this production, auditions are coming up—check the theater’s webpage for details. Bonifas is better than Broadway because here you can experience the joy in and outside the theater-the immersive experience.

It is a Wonderful Life-Players December 19th

Normalizing the Unacceptable: How Hate Thrives Through Corruption

 Acts of hate have been with us for a very long time may reach back to the beginning. For one reason or another, people divide themselves based on race, religion, politics, or even sports teams. Rarely, however, does hate become so normalized that the lines between hateful behavior and social acceptance of that behavior blur (Generally people know it is wrong no matter how laws are applied.). At that point, one might wonder which is the greater crime—the hateful act itself, or the willingness to accept and normalize it. Let us move into a philosophical discussion just for exploratory purposes only.

This is where corruption often enters the picture. Hate is an emotional response that can arise for many reasons, but it is frequently a deep psychological projection of a person’s inner turmoil. When such narratives offer others a convenient outlet or justification, the spread of hate increases. It doesn’t matter the religion, race, politics, country, or era—this is a universal human phenomenon (This is why we also create laws against it. While laws are imperfect they should not be seen as a game.).

Developed societies strive to move beyond rudimentary, heuristic thinking and toward higher values that elevate us above our simple beginnings (Laws can be used to create higher or lower expectations to raise or smash each other). One mindset clings to superficial differences; the other aspires to noble principles. Ideally, people would be judged by merit rather than by underdeveloped perceptions of difference. However, history is full of less than ideal based the the decision making of imperfect people (We are all imperfect in some ways but it takes special type of person/group to willingly dump their imperfects on others in an intentionally harmful way.).

But because not everyone seeks to improve themselves or elevate others, societies need checks and balances. Where these are absent, corruption thrives and undermines foundational anchors. We guard against corruption and hate not only because they are destructive, but because they are fundamentally dishonest forces that distort a society’s sense of fairness. There are often many more swept under the carpet victims as hate is only a tool for something much more dark that can be applied against others using various tools (i.e. why corruption is often associated where hate has been normalized. It has to do with social structures and which voices they are listening to within certain circles of influence.Those voices create social expectations that manifest into the unwritten rules. The people within those groups know the behaviors is wrong but have justified it in some way.)

We all have a vested interest in reducing division and fostering cooperation. Societies function through shared cultural principles and collective engagement. Those who harbor hate often care little for cohesion; they tend to be motivated instead by power and domination. Societies often slow down as divisions are created because the microtransations decouple with the division (There is some support in literature that societies that experience the most corruption and hate often decline in most instances. You can look at a corruption index and see how GDP and corruption can be associated. The same concept could be applied to individual places that shrink due to the presence of corruption and the display of emotions related to hate.) When such dynamics are tolerated or normalized, more victims inevitably emerge—these patterns do not appear overnight.

It would be deeply troubling to witness decline of justice—filled with winks, nods, and quiet compromises. Under the influence of hate, and enabled by corruption, people can say and do things that move beyond the grotesque into the morally culpable. With no internal checks or ethical backstop, they rely solely on institutional checks and balances that are themselves imperfect, shaped by both accurate and inaccurate worldviews. In cases where people are quick to harm and slow to correct reveal the presence of troubling unwritten values that have made their way into outcomes. This is why we should always be serious about who we place in what positions (i.e. best and brightest versus most connected" because they have societal obligations toward a wide group of stakeholders. The most connected must reward those who put them in that position. They are inherently different loyalties. A person who is very good at their job, and people know it, owes no loyalty to anything but the principles and their performance. Do you start seeing my argument here?)

The study below is interesting in this context as it discusses thrill, defensive, retaliation, and mission ideology as catalysts (In our hypothethetical philosopical example of 'The Clan' we see all of them at play at one point or another by different members.). It explores the motivations behind hate and its broader impact. Good people know the difference between right and wrong, and research like this helps us reflect on the long-term consequences of hate—especially when corruption rewards it, allowing the entitled few to benefit while society loses some of its best. However, we don't need this research to tell us what values we should have as we can learn from history and experience. Look inward.

Psychological causes and effects of hate crimes