The Allegory of the Clan: Dehumanization, Human Nature and Institutional Accountability

The Allegory of the Clan is a hypothetical thought experiment exploring human nature and institutional performance when checks and balances are weak. It examines how corruption, prejudice, and unchecked power undermine human capital, institutional integrity, and societal growth. An article below is offered for discussion purposes.

In our thought experiment learning story, a group of bad actors within an institution targets minorities, exploits women, retaliates against whistleblowers, and engages in other illegal or unconstitutional conduct. Rather than representing the institution as a whole, these individuals operate more like a gang than legitimate public servants. 

(Illustrative Only)
Depicting how
social contracts
are rooted in 
human dignity.

Social contracts
are general rules
of treatment. 
There is good, 
order, and justice
in our social contracts
so our duty is 
to protect and preserve.
We call these oaths.

Those who do not
preserve these
contracts are not
qualified for 
important roles
no matter how much
campaign money or
vetting-A party neutral statement.
 It is the 
people who should 
vet them based on 
skill and merit.

It was well known that this gang, squad, group, or clan were harming others but no one stood up to act until the community did. When courts and officials tolerate misconduct or enable perpetrators to profit from victims' suffering, dehumanization becomes embedded in the system. Two different legal structures form; the in group and out group.

Feel free to change around these questions a little. They are just sort of interesting to ponder. Remember this is just for mental exercise.

Learning lesson: Dehumanization and corruption thrive when individuals exploit unwritten rules and expectations in environments where checks and balances are weak/absent. 

A Philosophical Question: How might incentivizing dehumanization lead to further dehumanization of others? Are there collective concerns?

Economic Consideration: Could the acceptance of dehumanization elements lead to second class citizenship? Could it lead to lower overall human capital performance?

Moral Questions: Do we have a responsibility to treat others with dignity?  How might dignity be part of the Enlightenment movement and social contracts? i.e. moral conscious

The Allegory of the Clan is open to interpretation. Accept, reject, or modify the story as you see fit. There are no definitive answers, and we can still envision a positive ending grounded in accountability and institutional improvement. Take it with a grain of salt.

Vote for the best and brightest and not the most connected or vetted.

A Process Account of Dehumanization: Extending the Framework with a Developmental Research Agenda

• The article reviews research on dehumanization, which refers to perceiving or treating other people as less than fully human.
• The authors examine how research on dehumanization has developed over the past 25 years and discuss different conceptual and methodological approaches.
• The article proposes a process-based framework for understanding dehumanization, focusing on how dehumanizing perceptions emerge and develop.
• The authors highlight the importance of examining the developmental origins of dehumanization, including how these perceptions may form and change throughout life.
• The article identifies opportunities for future research to better understand the psychological and social processes involved in dehumanization.
• The proposed developmental research agenda may help researchers investigate how dehumanizing attitudes emerge and how they might be prevented or reduced.
• Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of understanding dehumanization as a process rather than simply as a fixed attitude or outcome.

Vaes, J., Dapor, C., Meconi, F., Quadrelli, E., Roberti, E., Ruzzante, D., & Testa, A. (2026). A process account of dehumanization: Extending the framework with a developmental research agenda. Behavioral Sciences, 16(6), Article 867. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16060867

Rigoletto: Introducing the Arts San Diego Opera

Two things are worth considering: the good work the San Diego Opera does to introduce children to the arts, and the performances it brings to the community. Below is an excellent discussion of Rigoletto, which runs October 23–25.

Art is the culmination of human experience. It represents some of the best that society can produce through creative expression. Whether through music, painting, theater, or opera, there is something to be said for the skill, dedication, and craftsmanship that go into these art forms.

This is a first good operat to watch

I’ve included a few links below for you to explore.

Support San Diego Opera's Learning and Engagement Programs

Current Opera Shows San Diego

Honey-Mustard Chicken, Local Carrots and Diet Changes-Cabin Cooking and Eating

The other day, I cooked some carrots I got from the Marquette Farmers Market with a little butter and salt. They turned out great and paired nicely with the honey mustard chicken I made in a frying pan. It’s really simple to make: just marinate the chicken in a little honey, mustard, salt, and pepper. Sear it over high heat, then turn the heat down and let it simmer until it’s cooked through and juicy.

Pair that with a fresh salad, and you’ve got yourself a pretty good meal! Fairly healthy as well.

I also have certifications as a fitness trainer, yoga instructor, firefighter, lifeguard, and swim coach, along with a few others. So, if you ever need a little help with fitness, yoga, swimming, or anything along those lines, just let me know!

Simple Diet Changes Show Big Health Benefits, New Research Finds

• Small, consistent dietary changes can improve overall health and support long-term well-being, even later in life.
• Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins, and seafood can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Limiting ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats may support better health.
• Increasing fiber intake can improve digestive health, support heart health, and help regulate blood sugar.
• Choosing foods such as leafy greens, berries, beans, nuts, and olive oil may help reduce inflammation.
• Research suggests that improving eating habits after age 45 can contribute to a longer life expectancy by lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
• Healthy eating habits include drinking water instead of sugary beverages, replacing refined grains with whole grains, eating more home-cooked meals, and adding vegetables to meals.
• Eating slowly and avoiding late-night eating may help support digestion and healthier eating patterns.
• The main takeaway is that people do not need to follow a perfect diet to improve their health. Making realistic, sustainable changes over time can provide meaningful benefits.

Wiggins, L. (2026, April 20). Simple diet changes show big health benefits, new research finds. UF/IFAS Extension Taylor County. https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/taylorco/2026/04/20/simple-diet-changes-show-big-health-benefits-new-research-finds/

Consumer Price Index Rises .6% in September 2026

October 14, 2026

ESCANABA, MI-Energy is a primary driver of many prices, and CPI is up 0.6%. Other areas seeing increases include vehicles, education, airline fares, and medical care.

Illustrative Only
Has alternative energy
risen in price?

Would use of alternative
energy protect price,
supply chaings, and
national energy
independence?

Interestingly, medical care costs seem to rise almost consistently.  Insurance premiums in these fields continue to climb. This could point to a potential bubble, driven in part by an aging population but also by inefficiencies and incentives within the insurance and medical industries.

Either way, consumers should expect to see some higher prices ahead.

Consumer Price Index Summary: September 2026

• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.6% in September 2026, following a 0.4% increase in August.
• Overall consumer prices rose 3.7% over the 12 months ending in September, up from 3.4% in August.
• Gasoline prices increased 9.1% in September, accounting for more than half of the monthly increase in overall consumer prices.
• Energy prices rose 5.2% in September and increased 20.4% over the previous 12 months.
• Food prices remained unchanged in September. Grocery prices decreased by 0.1%, while restaurant and other food-away-from-home prices increased by 0.2%.
• Housing costs, measured by the shelter index, increased 0.4% in September and 3.2% over the past year.
• Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, increased 0.3% in September and 2.6% over the past 12 months.
• Other categories that experienced price increases included used cars and trucks, airline fares, education, recreation, and medical care.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, October 14). Consumer price index summary—September 2026. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm

2026 Poll on Higher Education Value: Education, Opportunity, and the Power of Grit

October 24th, 2026

ESCANABA, MI-A review of this 2026 poll shows that education remains important to most people and continues to be viewed as a key to personal growth and societal progress. While affordability remains a significant challenge, people still value higher education and want the opportunity to achieve their goals.

In my experience, grit is one of the biggest factors in success. Set a goal, pursue it with determination, and dedicate time every day to making progress. Whether in education, business, or life, consistent effort and perseverance can make a meaningful difference.

The path to success may not always be easy or affordable, but having a clear goal and the determination to keep moving forward matters.

Interesting statistics—and an important reminder that education and perseverance remain powerful tools for building a better future.

The State of Higher Education: Valued but Out of Reach

• Only 25% of adults without a college degree believe that most people have access to quality, affordable higher education, representing a 10-percentage-point decline over two years.
• Despite affordability concerns, 73% of adults without a degree believe earning a two- or four-year college degree is just as important today as it was 20 years ago.
• Student loan debt remains a significant concern, with 82% of borrowers reporting moderate or high levels of worry about their ability to repay their loans.
• College graduates generally believe their education was worthwhile: 71% say their education was worth the cost, and 93% would choose to earn their degree again.
• Colleges have opportunities to improve the student experience by providing better career guidance and mentorship. More than half of alumni wish they had received career coaching, while many report that student debt has delayed major life milestones. (Gallup, n.d.)

Gallup. (n.d.). The state of higher education. https://www.gallup.com/analytics/644939/state-of-higher-education.aspx

Institutional Accountability and Public Trust: A Thought Experiment (Allegory of the Clan)

Let us imagine a hypothetical society where wrongdoing becomes normalized and insider or powerful people protect one another from accountability. For this thought experiment, we will call it the “The Allegory of the Clan” example. Take with a grain of salt as it is a mental exercise and it is ok to interpret and reinterpret the information to have it fit within your mental filter and world view.

The Allegory......

In this scenario, people suffer years of mistreatment, including harassment, corruption, hatred, and sexual assault. Victims file complaints, but their concerns are repeatedly dismissed, and the courts fail to provide meaningful justice. Some officials may make honest mistakes, while others may intentionally misuse their authority to protect friends, advance political interests, or benefit themselves.

(Illustrative Only)

Imagine that judges face political pressure to rule in favor of certain people because doing otherwise could harm their careers. If personal relationships and political loyalty begin to influence decisions, the problem becomes bigger than individual cases. It becomes a threat to the fairness and independence of the entire system.

The central issue is public trust. When people believe institutions protect insiders rather than serve everyone equally, confidence in those institutions begins to decline. The damage to trust can be generational if it dips too low. So exploring moral conscious is encouraged.

Not every complaint is legitimate, and not every court decision is wrong. However, institutions must be willing to acknowledge mistakes, investigate credible allegations, and correct injustices when they occur. Judicial independence must also come with accountability. No one should be above the law, including judges and other public officials.

Allegations of politically motivated investigations, suppression of free speech, discrimination against religious practices, or the improper enrichment of personal associates should be examined fairly and based on credible evidence.

When institutions fail to protect people's rights and dignity, society must consider meaningful reforms. These may include independent investigations, stronger oversight, transparent decision-making, and electing leaders who prioritize the public interest over personal or political loyalty.

The goal is to enhance performance and perceived-actualized integrity. A healthy society requires courts and public officials who act fairly, protect individual freedoms, and treat people equally under the law.

Ultimately, rebuilding public trust requires honesty, accountability, and a willingness to correct past mistakes. We must neither accept every accusation as fact nor dismiss credible evidence of wrongdoing. Instead, we should insist on fairness, evidence, and equal treatment for everyone.

When institutions stop serving the people fairly, reform becomes necessary to protect justice, human dignity, freedom, and future social contracts. Or not? 🤷

*The Allegory of the Clan is a hypothetical philosophical thought experiment so take with a grain of salt. Feel free to accept, reject, change, challenge, agree, disagree, etc. with premises as long as you took a moment to think about it. 

Small Business Economic Trends in September 2026 Turned a Little Negative

October 13th, 2026

ESCANABA, MI.-Recent trends reveal a slight decline in small business optimism as local enterprise owners navigate a challenging economic landscape. Although labor costs have dropped, finding qualified workers remains a top concern for employers across the region. Compounding these workforce challenges, are sales, inflation, and an uncertain market.

We can help support small businesses by creating an environment where they can succeed does more than bolster the broader financial foundation—it sustains the vibrant main streets, downtown corridors, and local enterprises essential to building thriving communities.

NFIB Small Business Optimism Trends September 2026

• NFIB Small Business Optimism Index declined 0.8 points in September to 97.9
• The Uncertainty Index rose 1 point to 90, above the historical average of 68.
• Small business owners are cautious

National Federation of Independent Business. October, 2026 (Oct. 13th, 2026). SBET report. Retrieved [Oct 13th, 2026], from https://www.nfib.com/news/monthly_report/sbet/