The Importance of Upholding the Constitution (Learning Through the Allegory of the Clan)

(Illustrative Only)

While some seek to discount
our social contracts
others will continue
to uphold their oaths. 
The vast majority try 
and do the right thing
and some have no loyalties.
Vote your conscious
and for those who will 
uphold our sacred values. 

 The Constitution and the oaths connected to it are just as important today as they were at the beginning of our country. These oaths help guide people toward a shared understanding of how we treat one another, how government should function, and what responsibilities we all have within society. When people swear these oaths, they are not simply pledging loyalty to institutions or documents. They are making a commitment to one another and to future generations in order to protect the principles that define who we are as a society.

Merit should not be based only on wealth, popularity, status, or education. It should also be measured by a person’s commitment to the well-being of society as a whole. There are many factors that should be considered in merit and it isn't the connection, politics or identity that should make the difference. In modern democracies, ambition and success are important, but so is responsibility to others and respect for the rule of law. Those we are above the law or circumvent the law to harm others are doing the rest of society a disservice. Checks and balances are needed as believing or not believing in it has a proof in pudding outcome.

We can view the Allegory of the Clan as a hypothetical and philosophical learning example showing how hatred, prejudice, manipulation and corruption can distort a justice system through social influence, financial incentives, and closed-group loyalty. The sick, elderly, kids, vulnerable women and just about anyone can be mistreated when the essential purpose of core laws are discarded.  While the vast majority do the right thing and should be applauded some do not and coudn't care less about the harm they have caused others or the bigger questions they raised. The important lesson is that societies can learn from these failures and work to better protect future victims while improving institutions over time. Progress may not erase every injustice, but it can move society in a better direction-the sacrifice. The courts have an obligation to correct when they find wrongdoing and illicit gain.

What makes this learning example significant is that many of the actions involved would violate the very principles protected by constitutional oaths. Violations of human rights, civil rights, freedom of speech, religious liberty, and equal opportunity are unconstitutional. Attempts to silence, exclude, or target people based on identity or belief undermine the values those oaths are meant to defend. Any advantage gained through such actions cannot be considered appropriate. Some can be convinced to undermine shared social contracts with the right hate narrative (the isms) and we have seen this from time to time in history. Checks and balances along with a commitment to improvement can help. That is not possible if we have the wrong type of people in the wrong positions. 

This also reminds us that upholding constitutional principles is not always easy. It is often easier to compromise those values when pressure, fear, or personal gain are involved. People do it all the time except sometimes its pretty clear some have dropped their oaths. Still, every person—regardless of position, wealth, or status—shares a responsibility to uphold these principles as faithfully as possible. Without that shared commitment, our institutions become little more than empty structures instead of living systems built on trust, responsibility, and mutual respect. Those who help us think deeper about these issues are preserving the democracy. We learn, change, and get stronger in the fulfillment of our societal purpose. Vote for the best and brightest and not the most connected if you would like to strengthen and shield generational liberties. 

*The Allegory of the Clan is meant for learning purposes as a thought experiment so come to whatever conclusion you desire. 

What Is the Object of the Constitutional Oath?

• The article examines what public officials mean when they swear an oath under Article VI of the U.S. Constitution to “support this Constitution.”
• The authors argue that the constitutional oath binds officials to the same Constitution that has existed since the Founding era.
• The paper challenges the idea that a completely different “living Constitution” replaced the original Constitution over time.
• The authors distinguish between constitutional amendments and the creation of an entirely new constitutional system.
• Historical figures such as Justice Hugo Black, Senator Jacob Howard, and Thomas Cooley emphasized that officials are obligated to follow the Constitution as originally understood.
• The article explains that constitutional meaning should remain stable unless changed through constitutional amendment procedures established in Article V.
• The authors present evidence showing that modern officials repeatedly describe themselves as taking the “same oath” as earlier officeholders, including George Washington.
• The paper notes that Americans commonly refer to the U.S. Constitution as the world’s oldest still-operative written national constitution.
• Supreme Court Justices frequently speak collectively about “the Constitution,” suggesting a shared and enduring constitutional object across generations.
• The article argues that disagreement about constitutional interpretation does not mean different groups are following different constitutions.
• The authors emphasize that the constitutional oath creates both legal and moral obligations for public officials.
• The paper concludes that constitutional flexibility must be rooted in the original Constitution itself rather than created outside of the constitutional framework.

Bernick, E. D., & Green, C. R. (2023). What is the object of the constitutional oath? Penn State Law Review, 128(1), 1–68. https://www.pennstatelawreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1.-Bernick.pdf

Firefighting Tactics: Ventilation, In-Out Suppression, and Fans

(Illustrative Only)

Don't forget to support your
local fire departments. 

Most are often tax-deductible.

We are relying more and more
on part-time and volunteer
departments. 

 It is important for firefighters to stay current with their training, continue learning, adapt their tactics, and improve efficiency and effectiveness. This applies whether you serve full-time, part-time, or as a volunteer firefighter. A 2026 study highlighted several important strategies, including the use of simultaneous interior and exterior fire suppression rather than relying solely on exterior suppression. These coordinated tactics can help reduce fire spread while also increasing the chances of rescuing occupants who may still be inside the structure.

The study also emphasized the importance of strategic ventilation. Properly timed venting can significantly reduce heat, smoke, and toxic gases, improving interior conditions for both firefighters and victims. Once the fire is knocked down, coordinated ventilation can help push remaining heat and toxins out of the structure more effectively. This requires training and coordination—firefighters must understand where and when to vent, how to direct smoke away from potential victims, and how to control airflow to improve conditions as quickly as possible.

If you are interested in supporting an Upper Peninsula fire department through a tax-deductible donation—especially as a business, company, or foundation—your support can make a meaningful impact. Many fire departments continue to struggle with recruitment, but some departments are beginning to see encouraging trends, including increased involvement from younger volunteers. In one department, early recruitment success created momentum, generating more community interest and bringing in additional members. That department is already moving in a positive direction, and community support can help continue that progress and strengthen local emergency services for the future. 

If your interested in donating send a message to the right or contact me at muradabel@gmail.com. I do some volunteer part-time firefighting and seek to find grants and revenue to keep a great department growing. 

New FSRI Residential Fire Study: Updated Tactical Guidance for Firefighters

• Firefighters are encouraged to use both interior and exterior suppression at the same time when fires are large or already spreading outside the structure.
• When conditions are rapidly changing, crews should consider ventilating or isolating distant rooms early to improve chances of survival for trapped occupants.
• Ventilation decisions should be more intentional, focusing on controlling heat and smoke movement rather than opening up the structure too early.
• After the fire is knocked down, using hydraulic ventilation can help clear heat and toxic gases faster to improve safety during overhaul and search.
• Overall, the guidance emphasizes faster coordinated actions, better control of air flow, and adapting tactics based on real-time fire behavior.

UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute. (2026, March 12). UL Research Institutes releases new technical report as part of its study of fire service residential home size-up and search & rescue operations project. FSRI. https://fsri.org/news/ul-research-institutes-releases-new-technical-report-part-its-study-fire-service-residential

Ocean Beach Cloudy During the Sunset Photography

Here is another photo you may enjoy. This image was taken during sunset in OB, and I especially like the way the colors reflect throughout the scene. If you are interested, feel free to make an offer by contacting me or sending a message using the form to the right. muradabel@gmail.com

If you are unsure what to offer, a good starting point is around $60 for most standard print sizes, including delivery. If you would like the photo framed, send me a message and I can provide a quote based on the frame style and quality you prefer.

You  may check out the Art Page Here. You can also review other pictures in My Google Gallery

*As a side note I was approved through a juried review and offered membership into one of the local art associations. Will talk about that later. 

OB Cloudy Sunset

Choosing A Career on Skill, Personality, and Probability

Choosing a career matters not only for long-term happiness but also for overall performance. When evaluating whether a career is a good fit—especially for someone aiming for leadership roles—it helps to consider both skills, personality and probability.

Start with your skills and abilities: what you’ve already learned, what you can develop, and where your natural strengths lie in was that lead to probable long-term employment. For example, if you’re strong in analytical thinking and data, you might gravitate toward fields like accounting, data analysis, or database management. If you’re more mechanically inclined, careers in engineering, drafting and design, or the skilled trades may be a better fit.

Personality also plays a role in where you thrive. While the relationship isn’t perfect, research on the Big Five traits shows that personality can influence job performance and satisfaction. For instance, someone who is less extroverted may feel more comfortable—and perform better—in roles that don’t require constant social interaction. That said, comfort isn’t everything. You can build new skills over time, and stepping outside your comfort zone can support long-term growth.

A good career fit often involves finding work that feels engaging and enjoyable, while also allowing you to stay focused and adapt over time. Jobs that offer variety and opportunities for development tend to support both satisfaction and growth. It’s also worth recognizing that many people will change careers multiple times, gaining new skills along the way.

A practical approach is to start in a field that aligns with your interests and strengths, a field that has a high probability of longevity, while staying open to new opportunities. Over time, your career path can evolve as you continue to learn, adapt, and refine what works best for you. Skill, personality and probability should have some relation for a right fit. 

If your interested in some of my insight and advice send me a message to the right or use my email... muradabel@gmail.com  

Personality–Job Fit Across the Professional Lifespan

• Examines how personality–job fit, based on the Big Five traits, relates to well-being, job stability, and career development
• Uses large, nationally representative German samples (over 18,000–30,000 workers) and advanced statistical methods
• Tests three key ideas of fit theory: that fit is pleasurable, self-regulated, and changes over time
• Finds no strong evidence that exact personality–job “match” (perfect congruence) leads to the best outcomes
• Identifies that higher levels of extraversion and openness are associated with better well-being and lower job turnover when jobs demand those traits
• Shows that personality–job fit improves gradually over the professional lifespan, suggesting adaptation or better job selection over time
• Suggests that personality influences career satisfaction and retention, but optimal outcomes do not require a perfect match
• Highlights the importance of considering personality traits in career decisions, hiring, and job design
• Encourages future research on how individuals actively shape their work environments to better fit their personalities

Juchem, C. M., Denissen, J. J. A., & Asselmann, E. (2026). Personality-job fit in terms of the Big Five across the professional lifespan. European Journal of Personality. https://doi.org/10.1177/08902070251409430

Delta County Board of Commissioners Joint Meeting with the Airport Advisory Board 4/30/2026

(Illustrative Only)

We are tourists
and hope to have a good
time. I heard there are two
beaches, places to eat, 
museum, hiking-biking trails,
fishing, music venues,
a casino, local native
culture and a lot more. We
also heard there are like 4
downhill ski places within
an hour+. 

Maybe we will move here
and start a small business. :)
We work online anyway.

This county airport meeting is particularly important as the local area—Escanaba, Gladstone, and Delta County—continues to reestablish itself in the global market. With increasing investment and tourism, the airport will play a key role in attracting future investors, supporting commuters, and welcoming visitors to the region.

Ensuring the airport is safe, compliant, and operating efficiently is the immediate priority. A well-functioning airport builds confidence for businesses and investors who rely on reliable access for themselves, their employees, and their customers. It also supports broader economic growth by making the area more accessible and competitive.

Looking ahead, there are opportunities to enhance the airport experience in ways that support tourism and community engagement. For example, simple additions like a scannable community map could help visitors quickly access information about local attractions, events, and services. Features like this can make a strong first impression and highlight everything the region has to offer. While those ideas are worth exploring, they are secondary to the current focus on compliance and operational stability.

It’s encouraging that progress is being made to resolve existing issues. Many of the commissioners are new, and their willingness to address challenges directly reflects forward momentum. From an investor’s perspective, this kind of responsiveness and commitment to infrastructure is a positive sign, as it signals that the region is serious about supporting long-term growth and accessibility.

Summary of the Meeting

Administrator Dalvo reported that the FAA is concerned about 10 years of repeated safety and training violations. While management turnover is partly to blame, the FAA now requires a long-term fix to avoid further penalties.

Management Restructuring

The board proposed splitting airport duties into two main roles:

• Airfield Operations Manager: A new role focused entirely on safety, equipment maintenance, and FAA training.

• Airport Manager: A restructured role focused on bringing in money through grants, marketing, and fixing outdated leases.

Budget and Wages

The new structure costs $86,000 annually. However, the current manager found over $47,000 in lost revenue by correcting old contracts. This means the actual cost to the county is currently around $38,800, with more revenue expected soon.

Key Concerns

• Staff Morale: Board members worried that changing job titles and wages might cause good employees to leave.

• Communication: The Advisory Board asked for better updates, as they felt left out of some recent decisions.

• Future Hiring: Members noted that wages must stay high enough to attract qualified people in the future.

---

Reference

Delta County Board of Commissioners. (2026, May 6). Joint meeting of the Board of Commissioners and Airport Advisory Board [Meeting transcript].

Global Gateways: How Airports Drive Economic Development and Sustainability

• Airports are central to the global economy, supporting around 86.5 million jobs and contributing about $4.1 trillion (3.9%) to global GDP.
• In 2023, airports handled roughly 8.7 billion passengers and nearly 100 million aircraft movements, highlighting their role in global connectivity and mobility.
• Airport ecosystems generate employment both directly (airport operations) and indirectly (retail, hospitality, construction, and services).
• Investment in airport infrastructure stimulates economic growth; for example, increased spending is linked to higher passenger traffic and greater economic activity.
• Airports enhance regional development by improving connectivity, which can increase foreign direct investment, GDP, and employment levels.
• They serve as critical lifelines for remote and rural areas by enabling access to healthcare, education, food, and global markets.
• Airports also support global trade and tourism by facilitating the movement of goods and people across borders.
• Sustainability is a growing priority, with airports investing in renewable energy, emissions reduction, and technologies like sustainable aviation fuels and electric aircraft.
• Programs such as Airport Carbon Accreditation have helped hundreds of airports reduce emissions and move toward net-zero goals.
• Collaboration across the aviation sector is essential to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability.

Air Transport Action Group. (2025, May 13). Global gateways: How airports drive economic development and sustainability. https://atag.org/blog-posts/global-gateways-how-airports-drive-economic-development-and-sustainability

From Growth to Sustainability: Why Small Businesses Matter in Local Wealth and Tax Generation

(Illustrative Only)

Let’s discuss the value of small businesses in community redevelopment. A good starting point is to look at your own town and consider how these ideas might apply. Many small communities across the country are working to balance budgets and compete in a global economy. One effective approach is to think about how anchor businesses and small businesses can function together, and how revitalizing small businesses can drive local tax revenue and economic growth.

Large retail chains do play an important role. They attract visitors, provide convenient shopping options, and can signal economic momentum. Escanaba, for example, has developed into a local shopping destination with big-box retailers, new start-ups, industrial investment, and a growing number of visitors and new residents. Overall, the community is on an upward trajectory.

At the same time, balancing that growth with a focus on downtown redevelopment is essential. Attracting entrepreneurs and supporting small businesses can significantly strengthen local economies. Revitalized downtown areas not only enhance the visual appeal of a community but also create hubs of activity that draw both residents and visitors. Strong downtowns are often a defining feature of thriving communities, offering unique shops, services, and experiences that keep people coming back.

Illustrative Only

Small businesses play a key role in this process. While some succeed and others do not, their presence creates energy, variety, and opportunity. Vacationers are drawn to these vibrant, locally distinctive areas, and residents benefit from a stronger sense of place and community.

Economically, spending at local businesses has a multiplier effect. Rather than profits leaving the area, more of that money stays within the community. Local businesses often source supplies nearby, employ local workers, and contribute to the local tax base. This circulation of money supports additional economic activity and long-term growth.

For communities like Escanaba, redevelopment strategies that encourage small business development can be especially effective. These might include offering low-interest loans, providing coordinated support systems, and encouraging clusters of small businesses that reinforce one another’s success. When entrepreneurs are supported and connected, they are more likely to thrive.

In the long term, investing in small businesses not only strengthens the local economy but also enhances quality of life and fosters a stronger sense of community. This combination of economic and social benefits makes small business development a powerful tool for sustainable growth. The questions being 1. how to attrack new start-ups and 2. how to help them grow?

The Local Multiplier Effect: How Spending Locally Strengthens Communities

• The local multiplier effect refers to the increased economic benefit that occurs when money is spent at locally owned, independent businesses rather than large chains or online retailers.
• Locally spent money circulates within the community multiple times (often 2–4 times more), generating greater local wealth, jobs, and charitable contributions.
• Independent businesses contribute more to the local economy because they purchase goods, hire services, and pay wages locally, unlike non-local corporations.
• Research shows that about 52.9% of revenue from local businesses recirculates locally, compared to about 13.6% from chain stores.
• For example, $100 spent at a local business can generate about $45 in additional local economic activity versus about $14 from a chain store.
• The effect includes three components: direct (initial business spending), indirect (business-to-business transactions), and induced (household spending from earned income).
• Over multiple spending cycles, local spending creates a “multiplier,” increasing total economic activity (e.g., $1,000 can generate $1,430 locally versus $428 in a nonlocal system).
• The local multiplier effect is widely used to support “buy local” campaigns and community-based economic development strategies.

American Independent Business Alliance. (n.d.). The local multiplier effect: How independent locally owned businesses help your community thrive. https://amiba.net/local-multiplier/

Rise in Judicial Complaints: Exploring Possibilities for Improvement Through the Allegory of the Clan

We will continue exploring justice and its impact on economic and social cohesion through the Allegory of the Clan—a thought experiment that highlights both failures and opportunities for justic reform and its impact on social and economic development.

(Illustrative Only)

Your role in our
society is to preserve our 
essential values, protect
social contracts, and 
advance order and 
social cohesion. Those
are a few factors in 
broader societal development.

"When one is deprived
of ones liberty,
one is right in blaming
not so much the man
who puts the shackles on
as the one who had
the power to prevent him,
but did not use it."
Thucydides

In the story, trust declines as a large group dehumanizes victims and strips away their rights, leading to human and civil rights violations. Although these abuses slowed significantly, they persist due to widespread indifference and a willingness to look the other way. Horrendous displays of intentional harm through callous cruelty and corruption. The financial and social benefits for engaging in misbehaviors and dehumanization a powerful motivator. For years, those targeted had little protection, allowing harmful behavior to become normalized. Failure to correct puts at risk current and future vitims. Clap their hands the easiest thing to do is dump it on the victims; it is almost always the easiest thing to do and why it is common. Different discussion for a different day.

Over time, greater awareness of the wrongdoing leads to reform. Stronger checks and balances are introduced, improving accountability. These changes produce broader benefits: a stronger sense of community, increased investment, lower crime, rising household income, and an overall upward trajectory that stands out compared to similar locations.

The allegory also examines why such breakdowns occur. Misconduct is driven not only by dishonesty and manipulation, but by deliberate actions like hiding evidence, protecting allies, and incentivizing harm against others. Sometimes political ideology and special interest get their fingers in there. In this case, weaknesses in the judicial system allowed these behaviors to persist unchecked, giving some individuals a false sense of entitlement to violate core principles. Two different classes of citizenship (i.e. we have seen this in history) and indifference to victims rights.

Recognizing the positive effect of good, non-partisan, enlightened judges we can also recognize the growing criticism of those who actively engage in misconduct. We have a chance to think anew as new opportunities rise. Freedom of speech helps us learn and wisdom helps us know what we should learn.  For now if you want to make change and ensure the system is functioning to its fullest of capacity then vote for the best and brightest and not the most connected. We are nothing more or less than our shared beliefs so don't let people undermine that for isms, politics, or money. Time will answer all questions.

Rise in Judicial Complaints Linked to Increased Public Criticism of Judges

• Judicial misconduct complaints against federal judges increased by about 23% over a recent 12-month period.
• Court observers suggest the rise is partly driven by growing public criticism of judges and court decisions.
• Increased awareness of how to file complaints may also be contributing to higher reporting rates.
• Public officials’ rhetoric criticizing the judiciary may be influencing public perception and complaint activity.
• Experts note it is difficult to pinpoint a single cause, but the trend reflects broader scrutiny and engagement with the judicial system.

Robert, A. (2026, March 4). Rise in judicial complaints related to more public criticism of judges, court watchers say. ABA Journal. https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/rise-in-judicial-complaints-related-to-more-public-criticism-of-judges-court-watchers-say