Escanaba Harbor Boat Launch and Marquette Lighthouse in Pictures

I love the outdoors and enjoy photography because it allows me to capture the different places I visit and the activities I do. Sometimes I’m lucky enough to sell a photo, but for the most part, it’s just a hobby. Right now in Michigan, it’s cool—around 50°F—but the sun is shining, and that makes a big difference. Yesterday, I visited the lighthouse in Marquette, and today I went fishing at the Escanaba Harbor. I didn’t catch anything, but it was peaceful. The beach was flat, the wind was mild, and it was a great place to relax and enjoy part of the day.

Escanaba Harbor Boat Launch

Marquette Lighthouse

How Legal and Judiciary Systems Impact Business, Economy, and Social Outcomes

The importance of 
law to economic and 
social development.

People often think of the economy in terms of dollars, numbers, indicators, and other quantifiable measures of activity. While most social and economic activities can be quantified with some foresight, that doesn’t mean all factors influencing economic and social development are captured by these metrics. It’s important to remember that metrics often emerge from research—and research is typically driven by interested stakeholders who fund it. As a result, entire paradigms of understanding can be overlooked simply because the field is constrained by the existing measures and fails to recognize that most relevant metrics have yet to be discovered or applied.

The following article discusses how judiciary systems impact economic and social aspects of the economy and the benefits of strongly funded courts, greater understanding of how activities impact a wider metric, and the development of such systems to their highest states. There appears thus far in reasons and other places that the legal systems has a significant impact on the economy. The publication below seems to fall in line with other research that the quality of these systems marks the health of society.

For some time, I have been exploring the relationship between economics and institutional structures. How we process information, engage in commerce, foster human capital, and uphold contracts all have significant impacts on outcomes. Less tangible factors—such as how people treat one another, the perspectives of the judiciary, or the alignment between institutional purpose and outcomes—are also critical, though difficult to measure. These qualitative dimensions may have broad implications for human capital development and societal progress.

Ideally, all systems—particularly judicial systems—should operate efficiently, accurately, and with the goal of producing the highest possible outcomes. Depending on who you ask, that may happen frequently or only occasionally. In practice, limitations such as funding, staffing, and procedural complexity can slow judicial processes, sometimes leading to poor decisions and outcomes with far-reaching economic consequences. The cost of justice and the complexity of law could be other factors (This is why I always think in terms of purpose first and language usage in law second- philosopher perspective. I learned some of that in my labor relations days. Others might think of language of law and then its purpose secondary in a type of legal gamemanship-A technocratic perspective).

In general, the legal system of any nation, state, or community profoundly influences the enforcement of business and social contracts, the deterrence of crime, and fosters overall public trust. When such systems function effectively and people believe justice is administered fairly and accurately, it strengthens confidence, reduces violations, and promotes economic-social stability. The legal system serves as a backstop—one of the key foundations supporting legal, economic, and social orderliness.

The article below is particularly interesting because it examines how the speed of judicial case processing can influence economic development. As case resolution times increase, there appears to be a corresponding negative impact on economic health. Think of how this aligns with other research and how it begins to formulate a conception of the necessity of systems development and updating.

Timely Justice as a Determinant of Economic Growth-The Financial Markets Group

The Story of the Clan: Let us relate this to a hypothetical, philosophical, theoretical thought experiment about hate and corruption so take with a grain of salt. If a court ruled in favor of its tribal members, political parties, religious preferences, racial bias, etc. that would naturally have a negative impact on society and economic development. From a business standpoint those within the in-group are going to be favored and those in the out-group would not be and basic assumptions would form around those realities. In literature, favoritism seems to relate to corruption and corruption and hate utilize similar moral compromize and justifications. Ensuring the best and brightest (includes a level of integrity) in any field versus the most connected are the way in which we should view these important roles because they have the highest societal outcomes.

The Story of the Clan: Judicial Corruption and the Social Psychology of Injustice

Two of the most destructive forces in any society or system are hate and corruption. Hate provides the motivation to mistreat others, while corruption creates the pathway to do so. The Story of the Clan is a hypothetical, philosophical, and theoretical thought experiment designed to explore how hate functions and what modern corruption might look like in practice. Take with a grain of salt.

People generally rely on the courts to uphold justice. However, when those courts become entangled within a matrix of corruption, the need for reform becomes a pressing issue.

Consider the following as a learning example: A group of friends realized they could enrich themselves financially through unethical means. Not the first time. They socialized and worked closely with a few law enforcement officials and began targeting others. Some of the same members of the group were also involved in sexual misconduct. Expanding further through a wider social network found that some may have been tied extreme misconduct elseware. The level of coordination was well practiced and indicated patterned behaviors. When individuals reported the wrongdoing, they were quickly retaliated against. A socially connected judge with extreme ideological beliefs not only turned a blind eye but also ordered actions that violated human and civil rights—appearing to do so with the intent to harm others and benefit members of their own social network and perceptions of societal value.

Throughout history, when great harm has been inflicted collectively upon others certain similar breakdowns in judicial integrity might have occurred. Courts began rewarding friends, undermining shared civic values, disregarding constitutional protections, and misapplying justice for different invented categories of people. No willingness to correct violations of social contracts. Other victims who came forward could have been protected, but instead, tainted courts were used for the benefit of a social “clan,” reinforcing extreme religious and racial beliefs as the unwritten laws of the land (Remember this is only a learning example).

Because this is a theoretical learning exercise, consider the following questions:

1. What would be the impact on society if it became clear that certain individuals or behaviors are above the law, while others are punished for doing the right thing?

2. How might such intentional misconduct affect public trust in institutions?

3. In what ways could extreme racial, religious, political, or ideological values distort judicial decision-making?

4. What might it mean for society if wrongdoing is ignored and more victims continue to come forward without justice? 

5. What is the impact on general societal performance if there are no avenues of recourse, redress, or correction? 

Two interesting articles, 

What is Hate?

Code of Conduct for Judges

*This is a philosophical thought experiment to explore ideas and concepts so feel free to disagree, or propose alternative perspectives, or chance down different lines of logic. It is an exploration of possibilities.

Two Things to Do Around Escanaba-Hiking and Fishing Might Help Executives Think Anew!

Escanaba Harbor Mouth

The business world can be tough—boardrooms can feel like battlefields, and new ideas can be as hard to squeeze out as water from a turnip. When you need to recharge and gain a fresh perspective, take time to step away. Go for a hike or spend an hour fishing. Personally, I like to get outdoors as often as possible because it helps me reset and see things more clearly.

We live in a fast-paced, chaotic world where we’re constantly chasing the next deal or project. But when we step outside that rhythm and allow the mind to rest, great ideas often emerge. It usually takes about fifteen minutes for the brain and body to adjust to a calmer environment—once they do, your thinking begins to shift. Unforced ideas bubble forward.

Days River Trail

Here’s an example. I was brainstorming new products to help grow my small “good works” business. The more I earn, the more I can give back. Frustrated and stuck, I decided to go fishing. Within minutes, I noticed the stillness of the water, the cool air, and the warmth of the sun on my face. For a brief moment, I felt connected to what life must have been like for our ancestors—fishing, foraging, and living in rhythm with nature. Suddenly, the chaos faded, and everything felt simpler and more natural.

In their lives they didn't worry about such things and when they did they were on a small scale. Bamn a small but important idea emerged...... 

The influence of natural environments on creativity

 

Market Bread Picture Sells-High Reviews and Ratings

Someone purchased this Market Bread piece, but unfortunately, I no longer have the original file. For now, it’s only available directly from Market Bread . I might still have it saved on a drive somewhere. It would look fantastic displayed in a restaurant or bakery. According to reviews, this piece earned around 4.66 out of 5 stars from 68 reviews, while the postcards received about 4.91 out of 5 stars from 631 reviews.

You can check out some of the pother pictures in The Walking Path Gallery

The Economics of Engagement: Highlighted Through the Story of the Clan

Having full economic engagement from both employees and society is essential to fostering the highest-performing organizations and economy possible. Just as a car cannot operate at full speed if only four of its eight cylinders are firing, an economy cannot reach its potential without fully engaged human capital. A fully engaged workforce drives higher performance, productivity, and innovation—making it clear that maximizing human potential wherever possible simply makes sense.

Consider the concept of “quiet quitting.” This occurs when people feel their efforts are not adequately recognized or rewarded in the workplace, leading them to reduce their contributions. Although often discussed as a modern phenomenon, it has likely existed across generations. In the past, a factory worker might have slowed down on the assembly line; today, in a knowledge-based economy, it might mean withholding one’s best ideas.

Another scenario arises when favoritism or nepotism shapes workplace opportunities. In such environments, individuals who possess greater skill or talent may recognize that advancement depends more on affiliation than merit, leading them to disengage. As a result, the organization’s most capable individuals may not perform to their full potential because the system rewards the wrong criteria.

For various reasons, employees may not always be fully engaged. Yet, as leaders, the more we can encourage people to contribute their ideas, creativity, and innovation, the stronger our economy becomes. Increased participation leads to more invention, diverse perspectives, and new ways of solving problems—all of which drive economic growth. While the value of engagement is not always easy to quantify, it is certainly measurable and meaningful.

The following piece, The Economics of Engagement, explores this concept in greater depth. It presents research and evidence demonstrating that full employee engagement leads to higher performance and offers insight into the types of studies conducted in this field.

Applying to the Story of the Clan:

Let us consider this within The Story of the Clan as a philosophical and theoretical thought experiment exploring what happens when intentional wrongdoing leads to lower or higher societal performance. In this story, laws were manipulated to protect misconduct, and those who came forward to report it faced retaliation, targeting, and false accusations. Hate-based rumors were used to block employment and social participation (ostracization), while those same rumors hindered investigations that could have protected future victims. Ultimately, it was the community that had to take action—initiating investigations through information requests, removing allegedly corrupt officials, and demanding transparency—because many decision-makers within and outside the Clan had lost sight of the higher purpose of law.

In this example, excluding certain members of society while favoring other (in-group/clan) led not only to deep disparities but also to a diminished capacity for collective progress. The values and moral resolve of the people eventually helped correct the wrongdoing that had limited their growth. In standing up for what was essential, they discovered renewed social and economic benefits that strengthened their sense of community and created new opportunities for the future. While research continues to explore the relationship between full economic engagement, the integrity of social contracts, and societal outcomes, this story illustrates that these elements are deeply interconnected. We should judge leadership on their ability to create opportunities for maximum engagement and success.

Oct. 16th, 2025 Escanaba City Council Meeting: Double Chip Seal, Solar Energy, Housing, Grants. (The Invention of the Solar Roller)

Inventors Corner: How Ideas are Created!
Jed heard about the city discussing
roads and saving money using solar. 
While out bow hunting, relaxing
from a tough day as CEO of his start-up,
an idea struck him much like Newton
with an apple. Except
this time it was a pine cone!
Good ideas can come from anywhere!
Excited he drove his pick up home as
fast a two rut country road would allow.
He stopped his truck in the driveway and
 ran into his shed, pulled parts
off his lawn mower, grabed an old barrel, 
yanked the solar panel off the electric fence,
dragged in a few cement bags and invented
"The Solar Roller"!
Saves money on fuel, paves streets, can
be manufactured locally. :)
A free idea!
The Science Behind Creativity

This was one of the more interesting meetings, as it covered a wide range of topics—from the cost of repaving to the cost of energy. As people begin exploring ways to save money while improving impact, they often discover considerations they hadn’t thought about before. Whether discussing street maintenance or grant utilization, cost awareness remains key. Building financial cushion whenever possible allows additional funds to be directed toward other development initiatives. Anytime people can find new ways to save money they should be encouraged like they are here to come forward. Those ideas are then vetted through discussion.

The City of Escanaba has done an excellent job staying financially stable while upgrading much of the town. With new vacationers, cruise lines, infrastructure, landscaping, and community activities, the city has clearly moved the needle—attracting more marina visitors, condos, and investments. Watching the meeting video reveals valuable discussions about creative options and strategies for staying under budget. Investors and enterpreneurs interested in start-ups might want to consider the openness and thorough discussion on how to improve the town. They all seem to be working on creating a positive impact.

p.s. Some nice spots downtown still for a store front. 

October, 16th Agenda City Council