Norway MI. Little Fairs and Lots of Fun!

 Norway MI. puts on a pretty nice fair. Lots of fun and just the right size about 45 minutes from Escanaba. 

The Story of the Clan: Justice and the Fragility of Systems (Philosophical Thought Experiment)

Justice is a cornerstone of society—the glue that holds communities together. Some officials uphold justice with integrity, while others undermine it, often influenced by their social, racial, religious, or political perspectives. How they view the world, others, and who they believe deserves access to taxpayer-funded institutions shapes their actions. When hate and corruption take root, reasoning disappears, law loses its higher purpose, and the system itself risks default. Let me introduce to you The Story of the Clan......

Representing a philosopher 
teaching that the law must have 
high moral conscious. It is to serve
the needs of communities and not
social or political networks.

Let us explore what a total justice default might look like. In such a world, the central principles of society are abandoned. Inalienable rights are eroded, wrongdoing is celebrated, and the powerful shield themselves from accountability. Children are endangered, the elderly manipulated, public resources siphoned, human rights violated, hate crimes normalized, and courts used to protect the corrupt. All the bad stuff you can think of. 🙈🙉🙊😬

The Story of the Clan is a hypothetical, philosophical thought experiment designed to explore what happens when moral conscience collapses and authority is abused. It offers insight into how criminal and unconstitutional behaviors might undermine institutions meant to protect the people. It also reminds us of the urgent need to confront corruption and hate at their root before they metastasize. Gross negligence cannot be our chosen path.

In this learning scenario, victims are silenced, whistleblowers targeted, and witnesses harassed to protect a corrupt network. Clan-based courts gag victims to preserve extremist agendas. Justice is denied because lives are dehumanized—and once that happens, nearly any atrocity can be rationalized. A possible precursor to more collectivized hate.

Consider a modern parallel to the Milgram Study: ordinary people following corrupt officials who instruct them to harm others. Such obedience can be magnified when racial, religious, political, or cultural divisions are exploited, turning good people into bad people and bad people into good people through narratives. Knowing full well that mechanisms of accoutability are wholely intentionally inadequate.

Doubting the power of prestige: obedience to authority beyond institutional and research justifications

In this climate of corruption and hate, more victims emerge while perpetrators act with impunity. Yet, concerns grow. Communities begin to reject compromised officials, sparking movements for reform. The lack of institutional checks and balances forces ordinary citizens to take responsibility, and gradually, change emerges. Those elected to positions and those entrusted with preserving certain values frightened in reporting or standing up to poor actors within their networks. Community protectors had to do the heavy lifting while some officials stood by and created obsticles.

“The beginning of wisdom is a definition of terms. ” Socrates

This is, of course, a philosophical exercise—not a prediction. Still, it raises important questions worth reflecting on:

1. What would a complete justice default look like—locally or nationally? History offers examples, and uncorrected local breakdowns may foreshadow larger national failures. If we accept it at one place why would we not accept it in other places?

2. What checks and balances can protect the public? How do we strengthen the many good men and women who already act with integrity so that corruption does not flourish unchecked? There are good people serving with integrity but it only takes a few toxic personalities to warp cultures and develop secret unwritten rules (i.e. these unwritten expectations are designed to keep crimes against the public quiet. Not making a distinction between accident and on purpose.).

3. How can communities hold officials accountable? Through voting, recalls, oversight, and activism, how might citizens ensure that no one remains immune from consequences? Keep in mind official reports of misbehaviors were shared among perpetrators and the witnesses, victims, and whistleblowers were openly targeted or silenced. Perpetrators were then sheilding by the courts to protect their misbehaviors. Their negligence led to new victims. 

4. What level of dehumanization allows officials to ignore victims? How many lives must be harmed before complaints are taken seriously, and how can we prevent witnesses and whistleblowers from being silenced? Why do they keep defaulting to a hate and corruption based agenda? Is there something about those who hate and are willing to misuse their authority that blocks them from understanding their behaviors (A more cognitive and personality approach.)

5. What does a highly functional justice system look like? How might institutions foster growth in diverse communities by applying universal values equally to all, ensuring accountability at every level? Consider that some swore oaths to protect certain liberties and the country in general and there are some that will undermine that to help their friends or beliefs. Is it important to remove bad actors when they have been left in the same positions to commit more crimes or who believe protecting such misbehaviors is a higher calling then protecting the public? What happens if there is a general wider concern about "immunities" and "higher than the law" in some social networks? Especially if additional victims were created from those illegal protections.

We like to think such a collapse could never happen because officials always act with integrity—or so corrupted officials claim and so is the assumption (The vast majority do the right thing but it would not be wise to assume everyone does.). But philosophy urges us to ask deeper questions: What is the true purpose of law? How do we prevent its corruption? And how do we ensure that justice serves all people equally? What types of checks on power, or separation of powers, might help?

Law is, at best, a shadow of higher truth—a framework striving toward fairness but never fully reaching it. Philosophy helps us reimagine that higher standard, challenge complacency, and chart a path toward systems worthy of the people they are meant to protect.

“I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think.” Socrates

*The Story of the Clan is a hypothetical, philsophical, theoretical, learning thought experiment so take with a grain of salt. Consider alternative perspectives. We will eventually write in a positive ending. This is also a way of teaching ethics.

Choosing the Right Business Location: Escanaba, MI. and its Entrepreneurial Resources

Let’s say you're ready to launch a business—you've got the creative spark, some capital (or access to it), and the ambition to build a thriving company—or even a future empire.

You’ve been gathering insights, studying global market trends, and now, you’re poised to take the leap.

You may want to read:
👉 Who is more likely to start a business? Analysis of the factors influencing undergraduates’ entrepreneurial intentions

But where should you launch?

Location matters. You have to weigh factors like rental or purchase costs, export potential, community culture, lifestyle, access to raw materials, proximity to skilled labor and other businesses—your location will significantly impact your odds of success.

Consider Escanaba, Michigan. Here’s why it stands out:

Zoning & Permits

• The [Zoning Ordinance & Current Zoning Map] outline land-use rules, permitted uses, setbacks, and zoning districts within the city Escanaba MI+1.

• For permits like zoning compliance, signs, fences, or changes in property use, visit the [Planning & Zoning department], which handles these applications and provides key documents like the [Zoning Permit Application] Escanaba MI+1.

• Delta County’s [Building & Zoning Department] processes building permits—useful if your site crosses city-county boundaries deltacountymi.gov and Delta Conservation District.

• Typical permit fees in Escanaba include zoning compliance, fence, sign, and change-of-use permits—generally ranging from $30 to $500 depending on scope Radioresultsnetwork.com.

Business Licensing & Registration

• While Michigan doesn’t require a general state-level business license, local permits—such as licenses for signage, peddlers, or pawnbrokers—are managed through the [City Clerk’s office] Escanaba MI.

• Registering your business name (Assumed Name/DBA) is handled via the [Delta County Clerk] deltacountymi.gov.

Financial Incentives & Grants

• The City has outlined various [Development & Finance Incentive Tools], including Brownfield, Downtown Development Authority, tax abatements, and state-supported programs like the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act Escanaba MI.

• Escanaba is recognized as a Redevelopment Ready Community (RRC), signaling streamlined planning and access to state-level grants through MEDC https://www.uppermichiganssource.com.

• Downtown entrepreneurs can apply for up to $25,000 in “Match on Main” grants, funded through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (as of early 2025) Escanaba DDAhttps://www.uppermichiganssource.com.

• The Central Upper Peninsula Small Business Support Hub, backed by a $3.4 million MEDC grant, provides regionally coordinated resources including coaching, funding options, and referrals Marquette.

• For broader state-level financial support, the [Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)] offers grant and loan programs like the Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) and the Strategic Site Readiness Program (SSRP) MEDC.

Regional Support & Infrastructure

• The region benefits from the Delta County Airport, which offers scheduled flights to Detroit and Minneapolis, cargo services, and general aviation facilities—boosting logistical connectivity Wikipedia.

• The Superior Trade Zone supports regional planning coordination and economic development initiatives Superior Trade Zone.

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Summary Table

Category	Resource & Benefit
Zoning & Permits	Access laws, maps, and permit apps (city & county)
Licensing	Local business and name registration (City Clerk, County Clerk)
Incentives	Grants, tax abatements, and financing (city, MEDC, Match on Main, RRC certification)
Regional Support	Small Business Support Hub, Superior Trade Zone, regional planning/coordinators
Infrastructure	Airport access, transportation links, logistical advantages

Society and the Story of the Clan (Hypothetical Thought Experiment on Hate and Corruption)

Society is a collective of people that builds systems and institutions to better manage social and economic relationships. Systems managed with integrity generally outperform those that are not, as they foster trust and collaboration when designed to serve the broadest number of people.

The Story of the Clan is a hypothetical, philosophical thought experiment about what might happen if we abandon our social contracts and collective purposes, lowering our moral consciousness.

---

The Story of the Clan

Representing a clan/flying monkeys
targeting others and undermining
systems for gain.

In this story, justice has completely collapsed (In theory). Unalienable rights and laws are violated in order to shield and protect wrongdoing. (It is worth noting that this is only a thought experiment, with elements of foreshadowing about what society may or may not tolerate. i.e. if you accept it in one place you likely will accept it in others.)

The perpetrators are manipulative and exploit the elderly, children, communities, and social networks—using allies as “flying monkeys” to carry out harm. They operate within a wider corrupted network that has harmed others in the past and avoided accountability in closed clan systems.

Race, religion, political beliefs, social connections, and even freedom of speech are twisted into excuses for threats, extreme behaviors, and coordinated aggression. Despite repeated opportunities to confront corruption and protect victims, systemic failure allowed misconduct to continue. Instead of meaningful growth, witnesses, whistleblowers, and victims are targeted to keep them silent.

---

Lessons and Leadership

What we learn from such a story depends on our perspective, shaped from childhood onward through deeply held assumptions. Some of these values are positive, others negative. Ultimately, each person must ask: Am I inclusive or exclusive in my beliefs? (In general it is best to be optimist and inclusive)

True leaders foster unity and shared purpose. We call this a people indivisible. Corrupted leaders thrive on division and exclusion. One of the greatest risks society faces and one of the weaknesses often exploited. (The lesson here should be to see each other as having inherent value and do your best to make sense of community and create a deep value systems. It is important to develop as many connections as possible so false narratives and hate rumors don't divide).

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Philosophical Questions

• Trust and inaction: If officials knew about wrongdoing but failed to act, how would that erode trust? Consider both the general trust that underlies social exchange and the specific trust that institutions will act justly. Correcting wrongdoing helps ensure we don't become complacent.

• Shielding misconduct: What if wrongdoing was intentionally hidden out of fear that exposing it would reveal even greater corruption? Imagine bad actors who know how to manipulate the system so the outcome nearly always favors them—leaving victims and the community behind (That is why it is called corruption as an outcome of waste.).

• Supporting integrity: How can we support good officials who protect communities with integrity while removing extremists and corrupt actors? Honorable service should be respected, but corruption must be rooted out. Wise stewardship does not play “footsie” with the darker elements of human nature. (It is important to have the greatest respect and encourage good officials because they help defend others against bad officials that lack effective checks and balances.).

• Checks and balances: How might appropriate checks, balances, and efforts to repair harm show whether institutions are serving society’s greater good—or failing it? Reflect on the original purpose of these systems and how outcomes may diverge when integrity is lost. The proof is usually in the outcomes. This is why we are going to write a positive ending but it may take a minute.

• Perceptions of corruption: Why do some minimize the impact of corruption and hate while others magnify it? Could it be that some individuals are simply dispised for their race, religion, political beliefs, values, friends, etc.? Consider how narratives—positive and negative—shape perception, while truth often lies somewhere in between. Which side of truth do you want to be on?

• Positive Endings: Truth creates efficiency and therefore it leads to higher order thinking. Philosophers often think of truth. There is the technicalities "the game" and the truth "the purpose". No matter which way the story ends there will be a change. A small slight adjustment in how we view things and the importance of taking in a full perspective of problems so we can find solutions. 

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Closing Reflection

The Story of the Clan is, at its core, a philosophical thought experiment about corruption, hate, and the consequences if short sight thinking supplants long term outcomes. It is meant just to explore ideas and there is no true right or wrong answer. It is the reflective exercise that counts. Feel free to disagree.

Research Indicates Firefighters Face Dangerous Levels of Fatigue

Firefighting is an inherently dangerous occupation, with risks that increase the longer personnel remain on scene and as fatigue sets in. Most fires last for hours, and in some cases, limitations in skill or training mean certain firefighters are relied upon more heavily than others.

This underscores the importance of ensuring adequate rest. Working one long shift is difficult enough, but performing multiple back-to-back shifts can significantly reduce awareness and performance. Allowing firefighters to rest for a few hours—even on/near-site—can help maintain alertness and safety. Equally important is having sufficient staffing and resources so that responsibilities are not stretched across too few individuals.

Research shows firefighters face dangerous levels of fatigue in the field

*If your interested in donating to a great fire department in the Upper Peninsula that is helping their community and fostering fire safety in the area consider contacting to the right. Tax deductible.

*Part of a different project I'm working on.

The Hypothetical Feather Party: The Purge

Let us continue exploring the idea of a Hypothetical Feather Party—a loosely affiliated bloc of independents who increase their influence within the political system. Let us say we are discussing what a two party system with a little more grease between parties might look like? What might happen if 15% or more of all elected positions were held by free-minded independents with no concrete political affiliations?

Before you get started. There is no right or wrong answer. There is just a discussion on "what ifs" and how that changes systems, markets, and patterns.

Think of this as a type of “purge,” not in a destructive sense, but as a public young adult (and others) effort to promote as many independents and unaffiliated candidates as possible into key positions. Would crossing the 15% threshold make a noticeable impact (We haven't actually debated the 15% amount but that is more or less a number that seems influential)?

Potential Advantages:

• Fresh perspectives and new ways of thinking

• Reduced partisanship and greater cultural flexibility

• Increased debate and deliberation

• Diminished power of straight-ticket voting

• A shift toward more bottom-up ideas and solutions

• May (assumption) improve long term decision making

• Reduction of foreign influence 

• Anything you can think of.

Potential Disadvantages:

• Uncertainty in voting patterns and decision-making

• Risk inherent in untested approaches

• Difficulty in advancing new concepts without broad coalitions

• Possible short-term disruption in some policy execution

• Unknown adjustments to the economy. 

• Anything you can think of.

While these ideas are hypothetical, one can imagine how they might play out in different contexts. Change often brings both benefits and drawbacks. The outcomes are uncertain, but the mere introduction of change can alter the environment—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. Instead of all "yes" or "no" in discussion a few more "maybes" could potentially help open up possibilities.

The real purpose of this exercise is not to predict exact outcomes, but to encourage reflection. How might such a shift impact governance, decision-making, culture, social networks, and even overall economic health? Better, worse, the same? More importantly, what does this thought experiment reveal about our own beliefs in the face of a changing political landscape? 

“It is true that we are called a democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many and not of the few.” – Pericles, Funeral Oration (431 BCE)

*Take with a grain of salt as this is a philosophical discussion. One can agree or disagree as needed or even propose whole new ideas...or none at all. All ok. The point is that you reflected....and that makes the difference.

Q2 2025 US GDP Rises More than Expected 3.3%

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose 3.3%, surpassing expectations. Several factors contributed to this growth:

• Consumer spending increased more than anticipated.

• Real final sales to private domestic purchasers rose.

• Imports dropped significantly.

• Exports declined slightly.

Reviewing GDP reports provides valuable insight into the overall market.You can learn about GDP at What is GDP?

3.3% Gross Domestic Product, 2nd Quarter 2025 (Second Estimate) and Corporate Profits (Preliminary)