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/

Continuing to Trim The Economic Sails-Labor Market and Inflation

Who doesn’t love a good sailing analogy? It’s helpful to follow economic news and data releases to understand how people perceive the economy and what they expect might happen. There are still inflationary risks, which supports the case for restrictive monetary policy. At the same time, policymakers must remain flexible and adjust their approaches as market conditions evolve.

(Illustrative Only)
Produce more 
and spend less.

Ultimately, one goal might be to develop human capital to the greatest extent possible and find ways to combine human creativity with technology in the modern economy. A highly creative and skilled workforce often requires ongoing education and retraining. Companies also have a responsibility to ensure they are maximizing the value of human contributions within their systems.

There is a significant push toward adopting new technologies, and while that is important, we must not overlook the human element. Economies are interconnected systems, and each component has a role to play. When one part falls out of balance, it can hamper the broader system. 

By maximizing human capital and finding new ways for institutions to support and develop it, we can strengthen overall economic fundamentals and positively influence a wide range of economic outcomes.

(Illustrative only)
Making their way from
Rapid River to the
big markets in 
Escanaba. 
Access to markets
and shipping transportation
can lead to improved
exports and employment
prospects.

Trimming the Sails: Communicating My Reaction Function

• Cleveland Fed President Beth M. Hammack used a sailing analogy at the NABE meeting to explain how monetary policy adjusts course while navigating toward maximum employment and price stability.

• She emphasized that a policymaker's reaction function provides a transparent framework for evaluating incoming economic data rather than a rigid rate path forecast.

• Hammack highlighted monetary policy lags, warning that prolonged elevated inflation risks anchoring higher inflation expectations.

• She noted that current economic conditions warrant maintaining a restrictive monetary policy stance to return inflation to the 2 percent target.

• She stated her policy stance remains conditional, open to adjusting if labor market conditions weaken significantly or inflation pressures reaccelerate.

Hammack, B. M. (2026, October 12). Trimming the sails: Communicating my reaction function [Speech]. Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. https://www.clevelandfed.org/collections/speeches/2026/sp-20261012-trimming-the-sails-communicating-my-reaction-function

Delta County Board of Commissioners Meeting (10/6/2026)-Bills and Stuff!

October 12th, 2026

DELTA COUNTY-MI. Staying on top of the local news helps us understand what’s happening throughout the county. There are a lot of interesting developments, including a new kayak rental kiosk, which sounds like a great idea and something I could see myself using. Other important topics include open meeting issues, preliminary fiscal year 2026 revenue and millage discussions, contracts, financials, veterans’ issues, audits, and health insurance.

(Illustrative Only)
The squirrel
community of
Pioneer Park.

I was reading something on
what fiscal health and came
across this. Thought
it was sort of interesting as
we think of ways encourage
thriving in our communities.
Posting doesn't mean 
agreement or disagreement,
or anything else, 
it just means it is interesting.
Decoding the Relationship Between
Economic Growth and Fiscal Health

Easier said then done.

These are important issues, and it appears the county is diligently navigating the challenges. So far they appear to be on a descent path. We have to remember that every level of government has bills to pay and expenditures to manage. Ultimately, the goal is to bring in more revenue than is spent. While governments aren’t businesses, maintaining that kind of financial discipline is essential to long-term fiscal stability.

When a county generates a surplus, it can begin building resources for projects that may generate additional revenue, improve quality of life, and enhance the community as a whole. That’s a natural part of sound financial management, and some communities are better positioned to do this than others. Delta County has a lot of untapped potential. i.e. something like investing in marketing to attract start-ups and small manufacturers could lead to greater revenue growth in the future.

Overall, the region’s various levels of government seem to be making progress, but it’s important to continue paying attention. Strong fiscal management can help attract investors, and the right investment can make a meaningful difference in a community’s future. 

Forget bills, Who wants bills? 🤮Yep we all got bills.

A summary of the transcript below....

Let me know if there are any corrections. You can also view Delta County Budget Proposals. 

Pioneer Trail Park: A new kayak rental kiosk (the first of its kind in the Upper Peninsula) has been installed near the boat launch for public and traveler use, featuring smartphone payment options and annual memberships.

Cornell Township Addressing: Finished new addressing and ordered fire signs; form letters and checklists are being mailed to affected residents.

Legislation: Noted Michigan Senate Bill 271, which would amend the Open Meetings Act (OMA) to allow public officials to participate remotely in meetings if an in-person quorum is met (though remote attendees cannot vote).

Financials: Shared preliminary fiscal year 2026 revenue and expenditure reports.

Veterans Affairs Committee Bylaws: Approved amendments updating upcoming vacancies and establishing a four-year term requirement, ensuring open public advertisement for expired terms rather than closed renewals.

Meeting Cancellation: Voted to cancel the upcoming October 20, 2026 meeting due to a lack of agenda items.

Bill Approvals: Approved the payment of county claims totaling $1,320,512.00 via roll call vote.

2026 Millage Apportionment Report: Accepted the report detailing tax and millage rates, noting estimated allocated operating revenue of $8,111,878.16, extra-voted funds of $5,095,327.40, and bond debt of $799,668.45.

Contracts & Agreements:
Approved a Trane contract master agreement for building services at $28,037.92.
Renewed the MSU/SAF airplane static display loan.
Approved an airport hangar tenant request for rent adjustments corresponding to prior maintenance costs, aligning with standard CPI adjustments by January 2027.
Amended the Surveyors contract for seven additional corners.

Budget Resolutions: Rescinded and subsequently re-adopted via roll call the 2026–2027 general budget resolution to correct millage figures.

Health & Federal Policies: Adopted a hard cap resolution for employee health insurance benefits and approved Finance Policy 9.10 (Federal Awards) and Policy 9.24 (County Land Sale Purchase Policy) to streamline single-audit compliance and land transactions.

Rule Changes: Introduced proposed amendments to change procedural rule updates from 10 days to 5 days (matching board packet timelines) and reorganized section 4.5 ("functional areas"), setting final discussion and votes for the October 13 meeting.

Board Appointments:
Reappointed a member to the Data Board.
Appointed two members to the Building Authority (with a Commissioner abstaining).

Audit RFP Award Discussion: Reviewed six responses for the audit RFP, highlighting favorable, comprehensive inclusions. 

🎭 Hear ye, hear ye, fellow theater buffs! 🎭-Calendar Girls Auditions at Players Tonight!

October 12th, 2026

ESCANABA, MI.-Gather ‘round, ye poets, eccentrics, thespians, and lovers of all things theatrical! There’s an audition happening tonight for the show below, and I thought some of you might be interested in giving it a go.

I have the pleasure of knowing many of the actors and being involved, and I’m always happy to spread the word about the great work they do. Unfortunately, I’ll be traveling, so I won’t be auditioning myself this time. (Alas, even the most dedicated thespians must occasionally exit stage left for real-life obligations. 😄)

But if you’ve ever fancied treading the boards, unleashing your inner drama queen or king, or simply seeing what happens when creative people gather in a room with scripts and significant amounts of caffeine, this might be your moment!

And if performing isn’t your cup of tea, you can still support the organization by buying a ticket to a production or making a donation.

Community theater is about so much more than putting on a show. It brings people together, provides an artistic outlet for local talent, teaches us something about ourselves and society, tackles challenging life questions, and gives the community a shared experience. It also helps support local restaurants, nightlife, and tourism. In other words, the benefits extend well beyond the footlights!

Honestly, this is one of the strongest community theater organizations I’ve encountered—even compared with theaters in much larger cities. The talent, creativity, and dedication are genuinely impressive, and it’s a real gem for our community.

So, who’s ready for their dramatic close-up? 🎬 Check out the audition information below, get involved, grab a ticket, or show them some support. The arts thrive when a community shows up for them—and every great production starts with someone willing to take a chance!

Movies will make you famous; Television will make you rich; But theatre will make you good.” -Terrence Mann

The Joy of Simple Tomatoes From the UP Farmer's Market (Cabin Cooking)

I took a trip up to Marquette the other day, and I couldn't resist picking up a bunch of fresh heirloom tomatoes at the farmer’s market for six bucks (Technically $5.75 because I negotiated him down by what I had in my pocket.)

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When I got back, I asked myself, “What am I going to do with all these?”

So, I kept it simple: I chopped them all up and made a classic tomato salad. Even though we’re into fall, it was fantastic—though it’s hard to beat in the peak of summer. Maybe as I get older, my appreciation for a really good tomato just keeps growing.

My Simple Heirloom Tomato Salad Recipe:

• Fresh heirloom tomatoes (chopped fine, almost like a juicy salsa)

• A splash of vinegar & a squeeze of fresh lemon juice

• A drizzle of quality olive oil

• Garlic & a pinch of diced onion

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Mix it all together, and that’s it! By keeping the extra ingredients light, you let the natural, rich flavors of the heirloom tomatoes take center stage.

Why Cooking Still Matters

I love to cook—whether I’m at home, at the cottage, or out on the boat. Cooking is one of life’s simple pleasures. It isn’t about spending money (though eating at home certainly saves a few bucks); it’s about health, mindfulness, and taking a moment to slow down and appreciate the world around us.

Knowing how to cook real food is fundamental to our survival and well-being. It’s a crucial skill we need to pass along to the next generation before we microwave and process ourselves into a shorter, less healthy lifespan. 😬🙊tooo late!

Beyond being delicious, fresh tomatoes are packed with powerful antioxidants that do wonders for your overall health and longevity.

Ready to Start Your Health & Fitness Journey?

As a fitness trainer, yoga instructor, lifeguard, and firefighter, movement and wellness are core to everything I do. If you’re looking for guidance on your own fitness path or want some virtual fitness advice, I’d love to help!

The study is below...

Tomatoes: An Extensive Review of the Associated Health Impacts of Tomatoes and Factors That Can Affect Their Cultivation

• Environmental growing conditions such as water availability, light intensity, temperature, and growing media significantly affect the quality, yield, and nutritional profile (including antioxidant and carotenoid content) of tomato crops.

• Tomatoes are rich in essential phytochemicals and nutrients, notably lycopene, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and various phenolic compounds that act as powerful antioxidants.

• Regular consumption of tomatoes and tomato products is associated with potential health benefits, including anticancer properties, protection against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and management of diabetes-associated oxidative stress.

• Incorporating tomatoes into the diet can positively influence the gut microbiome, support skin health (such as protection against atopic dermatitis), aid in exercise recovery, and contribute to immune modulation and fertility.

• While dietary tomato consumption is beneficial, the review also notes potential adverse effects linked to the overconsumption of concentrated tomato products or isolated lycopene supplements.

Collins, E. J., Bowyer, C., Tsouza, A., & Chopra, M. (2022). Tomatoes: An extensive review of the associated health impacts of tomatoes and factors that can affect their cultivation. Biology, 11(2), 239. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11020239

Poll Finds Most Americans are Skeptical of Government-How Might a hypothetical Feather Party of Independents Help?

The article below suggests that trust in government could be improved, and we need to explore ways to improve it. Trust affects both the social and economic sides of society, influencing human capital, civic engagement, and overall development. When people trust their government, everyone benefits. Let us encourage what is good in society and in life. 

People want to feel that their voices are heard and their needs are represented. Some feel that big money and political interests have too much influence, leaving ordinary people disconnected from the process. Finding ways to reconnect people with their government is essential. It is a matter of reorienting focus to the broader stakeholders of society.

(Illustrative Only)
Decisions should
be for the people.

A more simple way of
politics and life.

Fostering a more
 natural way
to govern.

By the people
and for the people.

One idea is to create a third party made up of independent members who are free to vote according to their own judgment rather than party lines. Members could share a common framework for evaluating issues without being told what conclusions to reach. Thus, they begin to help round out decisions without rigid party expectations.

Could this approach work? How much public support would it need? Could good ideas and strong candidates compete with big-money advertising and political connections? Maybe or maybe not.....

There are no easy answers, and the goal is not to prove one side right or wrong. It is to encourage open debate and thoughtful voting, with a focus on choosing the best and brightest leaders rather than simply the most politically connected. It is neither for or against any party or politician. It is just an avenue of thinking. 

Here were a few things that were sort of quickly brainstormed....

The "Feather Party" Concept: Restoring Trust and Independence

• The Problem: Public trust in government is declining, and the current partisan narrative might not be offering all the solutions.

• The Premise: Explore a hypothetical, loosely affiliated "Feather Party" made up of independents.

  • Core Principles: Guided by foundational values like protecting the Constitution, freedom of speech and religion, and the long-term health of society.

  • Flexibility: No strict party-line voting; individuals use a shared decision-making matrix but retain the freedom to vote however they choose.

Key Questions for Public Debate

1. Nuanced Trust: It is possible to generally trust government structures and checks/balances while acknowledging that selfish individuals and bad actors will exist.

2. Campaign Finance & Transparency:

   • Large, dark, or foreign money heavily skews elections and policy decisions.

   • Feather Party Idea: Reject large donations and enforce strict transparency. Rely on the strength of ideas—which the media and public naturally share—rather than expensive ad campaigns.

3. Ethical Guardrails: Open questions worth debating include banning stock trading by officials and strictly outlawing foreign or under-the-table subsidiary campaign money.

4. Protecting Free Speech: Crucial to all of this is protecting the freedom to debate these issues openly, safely, and without fear of retaliation or targeting.

The Feather Party: A Blueprint for Rebuilding Trust

• The Concept: A hypothetical, independent movement (not a rigid political party) designed to give everyday citizens—working-class, middle-class, and free-thinkers alike—a direct voice in government.

• Core Goal: Reconnect government to the needs of ordinary people rather than special interests.

• Key Principles:

  • Independent Decision-Making: Members use a shared set of principles (like constitutional rights and long-term societal health) to evaluate policies, but retain total freedom to vote their conscience.

  • Campaign Finance Reform: Reject large donations to eliminate legalized corruption and ensure decisions aren't swayed by wealthy donors or organizational advantages.

  • Focus on the Environment: Shift the political climate away from toxic partisanship and toward an environment where trustworthy decisions can be made.

Note: This is just a conceptual exercise to spark open debate. Disagreement and alternative ideas are entirely welcome. It is not necessarily an opinion but an exploration of a path.

Marquette Law School Poll Finds Most Americans Are Somewhat Skeptical of Trusting Government, While Confidence in Institutions More Generally Varies Widely

• Americans express skepticism about trusting the government, reflecting concerns about the government's reliability and ability to act in the public's best interests.
• Public confidence varies widely across institutions, suggesting that Americans do not view all major institutions with the same level of trust.
• Trust in government and other institutions is an important indicator of how people perceive political leadership, public services, and the organizations that shape society.
• Differences in institutional confidence may reflect public experiences, perceptions of institutional performance, and broader concerns about accountability and transparency.
• The poll provides insight into public attitudes toward government and other institutions, highlighting the importance of maintaining public confidence through effective leadership, responsible decision-making, and transparency.

- Doctors received the highest confidence rating, followed by the U.S. military, police, and local schools. Congress, artificial intelligence companies, and Facebook received among the lowest ratings.

Franklin, C. (2026, June 25). Marquette Law School Poll finds most Americans are somewhat skeptical of trusting government, while confidence in institutions more generally varies widely. Marquette Law School Poll. https://law.marquette.edu/poll/2026/06/25/marquette-law-school-poll-finds-most-americans-are-somewhat-skeptical-of-trusting-government-while-confidence-in-institutions-more-generally-varies-widely/