Guardians of the Guardians: Sacred Values in an Imperfect World

The Story of the Clan is a learning narrative—a thought experiment that asks what happens when justice trips and falls in the mud. In this story, initially there is no meaningful correction, no accountability, and no protection for victims. Corruption was not hidden; and was openly known and long tolerated. It survived because it was wrapped in clan loyalty, group advantage, and the quiet agreement to look the other way. It is also a story of triumph and realignment to a truer north star.

Representing a modern
philosopher discussing
how good people are
the guardians of guardians.

If you read history and philosophy
you will come to understand that 
certain values are sacred and 
central to symbolic processing
and cultural perceptions. They
influence societal trajectory.

Be good to each other, think about who
you support, and encourage
the highest standards of those
we place in entrusted positions.

We have responsibilities
beyond ourselves and 
personal gain.

The harm done in such a system cannot be measured in full. Lives are altered, trust is broken, and communities slowly weaken. Yet even in this dark setting, there is a turning point. Ethical officials, law enforcement officers, ordinary citizens, and victims themselves eventually begin to push back. Much of the corruption is exposed and overturned—though never entirely erased. What made it so difficult to confront was not just power, but bias: a deep discomfort with people seen as “outside” the in-group.

The lesson is a familiar one. Corruption carries a heavy social cost, and its effects linger long after the acts themselves. When sacred values are treated as optional, decision-making narrows. People of integrity and competence are pushed aside, replaced by those who are connected, loyal, or convenient. The same institutions draw public concern year after year, and yet real change is delayed, often because indifference feels easier than reform. Natural adaptation restricted by ideological overendulgence.

Corruption persists where checks-and-balances are weak or non-existent. Those who exploit systems know exactly when rules will not be enforced and when accountability is unlikely. In those moments, they act freely—creating victims, silencing dissent, gagging discussion, retaliating against whistleblowers and punishing those who defend principles that earlier generations strove to establish. Rights and responsibilities fade into the background. Decline follows. Growth returns only when people decide the cost of silence is too high.

This is not an ideal world—and neither is ours. We are imperfect people living in imperfect choices with imperfect factors (Perfection is a goal that can never truly be found but should be sought.) Still, history offers a clear pattern: when corrupted officials drift away from the purpose of their social contracts, economic and social decay follow. When corruption is confronted—when it is named, challenged, and corrected—growth tends to return. That growth spreads more evenly, strengthening communities rather than concentrating power within favored groups.

This is why integrity matters so deeply in public service. Courts, officials, and all who hold authority carry a responsibility not just to rules, but to shared values. Responsibilities lie in the purpose of law and not just its technical gaming (Too many lawyers and and not enough philosophers). There will always be those who seek personal gain through manipulation, partisanship, or extremism. A healthy society does not eliminate these forces entirely—but it refuses to normalize them. 

We should not overlook those who show up every day and do the right thing. These are the citizens and officials who believe in something greater than themselves. The strength of a society depends on choosing the capable over the connected, the principled over the partisan. Progress is built through habit—through repeated, ordinary acts of responsibility—not through chance. History reminds us that wise leadership can open periods of growth, dignity, and shared advancement.

As you reflect on this story and the study that follows, consider how corruption is ultimately weakened—not just by laws, but by a higher moral order/conscious. Each of us has a role in protecting the values that hold communities together. Small actions matter. How we treat one another, how we speak up, and how we participate are real measures of civic character. Your vote matters. It helps shape a system where people, promises, and contracts carry more weight than clans, bands and parties.

Every generation inherits unfinished work. Those before us carried the load as far as they could, and now it is ours. We may have moved the ball only a distance, and the next generation will face challenges of its own. Perhaps our responsibility is to leave them stronger institutions and clearer defined values that will put them in the best strategic place. There will always be those who try to bend aspects of systems for personal gain. Pro-social acts can be as small as helping out a neighbor and donating to some good cause. Many times it is as simple as a smile and a little understanding that fosters good will. Thoughtful people are guardians of guardians so think about what is most important.

This piece is interesting,

Social evolution leads to persistent corruption

*This is a philosophical thought experiment so take with a grain of salt and feel free to debate, disagree, or change the factors.

Art You Can Afford, Critique, or Spill Coffee On (Navigating a Positive Day)

 

Omar realizes
that if his art
is going to sell
it has to be unique in 
some way.
Stick figures might
not sell well.

Another art piece has emerged from the gallery and is now available for the modest sum of $40 on Etsy—or a bargain-basement $35 if you message me directly or use PayPal. As we all know, art is never really worth anything until it suddenly is, which explains why most artists are poor and most people who buy and sell art are mysteriously very confident.

This piece could make a wonderful gift for a relative you don’t particularly care for, or it might serve beautifully as a coffee coaster with an attitude. Either way, it’s versatile and it might resonate with you.

You might also choose to reflect on the brightness of each moment and ponder the navigation of a positive day (I thought that would appeal to the people who like good kharma, do yoga and buy art.). I realize that sounds like an in-depth critical analysis of what is, at its core, a time-based doodle. But if you’re seeking profound insight, consider this: if you wake up each day and think one positive thought—about yourself, the people around you, or something you appreciate—it tends to set the tone for everything that follows.

And while I don’t sell much art, here and there I’m grateful for the people who pause, smirk just a little, and briefly imagine taking this masterpiece home—placing it squarely in the living room where all guests are forced to admire it. A shining example of impressionist art that only those who “get Picasso” will truly understand the likeness.

Ha! 😄

Navigating a Positive Day Lighthouse Acrylic Painting

Glassdoor Report Highlights Worklife Trends 2026: Leadership, Forever Layoffs, and New Talent

According to economic research published by Glassdoor on employee work-life trends, several key points stood out. First, employees report feeling disconnected from leadership. Second, forever layoffs appear to be on the rise. Third, new graduates are generally being paid at a reasonable level. There are additional trends in the report, but those are best explored by reading it directly.

When your appreciated
enough to be layed off in 
little bunches! 🎕

It is the little things that
count! 💖🤗

Keep your CV up-to-date and 
keep learning. Consider
a side gig as well. 
You just never know and 
it is better to be prepared as 
much as possible. 
Been there before!

Leadership plays a critical role in guiding organizations, and there may be a broader trend in the survey's of general distrust. To know this more clearly one would need to pay attention to other surveys on trust in society, social trust, trust of institutions, trust of authority, etc. and just look for general similar trends. It may lead to more questions but you can see if this is isolated to workplace or has other factors involved.

There has also been an increase in layoffs, though so far it resembles a slow drip rather than a sudden wave. These have been dubbed "Forever Layoffs". Tracking this trend can help determine whether it reflects a natural recycling of jobs—where certain roles decline while others grow—or something related to the general economy. This is why it’s important to consider hiring trends alongside overall employment numbers.

Finally, the fact that graduates are finding jobs is an encouraging sign. A healthy economy needs fresh minds and new ideas entering the workforce. If we want to build strong human capital, putting these individuals to work modernizing and improving industries is essential. While it typically takes a few years for new graduates to gain enough experience to meaningfully influence their environments, their entry into the market is a positive step forward.

Glass Door Report Worklife 2026 Report

Firefighters Serving Their Community One Cold Candy Cane at a Time (The Requirements of Becoming a Firefighter)

We recently held a Candy Cane Drive where fire trucks drove around town collecting food for those in need (Donated to a local organization). Events like this not only support the homeless and food-insecure in our community, but also help raise awareness about firefighting and the positive role people play in keeping their communities safe. It also gives families a fun opportunity to come outside, see the trucks, and even watch them as they roll down the street with lights flashing honking their horns.

Representing a firefighter
handing out candy.

Joel noticed
a reindeer has been
eyeing this candy cane for
the last 2 miles! Since reindeer
don't have canned food
he figured he might just
let him have this one
on the house. 

At Gladstone Christmas
Tree lighting a few weeks ago
 Joel ate the reindeer kibble 
that Dew Drop handing out
 instead of giving it
to the reindeer.  😬
He thought about actually
giving the reindeer some
but it was so darn 
good!


Small Northern Towns Survival Tip:
 Never eat all the
reindeer's candy kibble. 

Walking miles in turnout gear may not sound like fun to everyone, but for those of us who love our communities and enjoy staying in decent shape, it’s right up our alley. The temperature was around 14 degrees F that evening, and after spending much of the day downhill skiing, I was just about thawed out on my drive back from Marquette Mountain when I pulled into the station—just in time as the trucks were heading out.

This year’s turnout seemed especially strong. People truly enjoy coming out, getting their candy cane, and donating food. In the end, what matters most are the small things we do for one another and the kindness we share. With costs rising and many people not earning more, efforts like this make a real difference. That kind of impact can’t be bought or sold. It doesn't come in bitcoin form. It is the real stuff human-to-human interaction. People helping each other.

Walking in temperatures around 13–14 degrees Fahrenheit does require physical stamina, and firefighting in general calls for a reasonable level of fitness. As firefighters get older, there are opportunities to take on roles such as driving and managing trucks or pumps. Still, hauling equipment and keeping pace with the crew means you’ll feel that cold air in your lungs no matter the age (When you can keep up with the young whipersnapers, age is only an arbitrary number. ha ha! I almost believed it for a second. 😏).

There are certain criteria for becoming a firefighter, and being in good physical shape is one of them. So keep hitting the gym and try to avoid too many heavy carbs. I hold a fitness trainer’s license, so if anyone is interested, feel free to send me a message. There are other requirements as well, which you can learn more about in the video below. One of the most important criteria, though, is simply showing up and helping out consistently.

We are trying to buy new equipment so if you have a few personal or corporate dollars you would like to give as a tax free donation let me know and I will point you in the right direction. 

Holiday Spending Up According to Naitional Retail Federation: Rethinking Holiday Spending and Its Economic Impact (Small Business)

Holidays tend to drive increased consumer spending, which can have a significant impact on the economy. For many companies—especially small businesses—the holiday season can determine whether they finish the year in the black or the red, since they often operate on very thin profit margins.

I encourage people to buy as much as they reasonably can from small businesses that create and sell their own products. Supporting small businesses strengthens our communities and helps foster the next generation of entrepreneurs. Research consistently shows that innovation and small businesses are closely linked, making this support beneficial to society as a whole.

A healthy economy also depends on balance—between large, medium, and small businesses. When the economy becomes too top-heavy, the playing field is distorted and competition suffers. On the other hand, if businesses are too small, they may lack the efficiencies needed to compete globally. Balance allows the economy to move through normal boom-and-bust cycles that ultimately drive long-term growth.

This holiday season, as you consider your spending habits, it’s worth noting that much of the increase appears tied to things such as sporting goods, clothing, digital products, and groceries. From November 1 to December 31, consumer spending reportedly rose by about 3.7% to 4.2% compared to 2024, with total spending exceeding one trillion dollars. Trend charts and spending breakdowns help put this growth into perspective.

As for me, I plan to be more selective about what I buy this year—focusing on purchases that genuinely enhance life and enjoyment, rather than simply trying to keep up with the Joneses. My Christmas gifts were already bought. However, from a metric standpoint this is a positive sign. I'm curious how much is going on credit card and how much comes from savings?

National Retail Federation November

Escanaba City Council Meeting(December 04, 2025): Railroad Ties, Low-Fat Chip Seal, Storm Water and Job Opening

Jared thinks good things are happening. 
Now he knows what happens
to all those chips that make it
past his beard and fall
on the ground. They seal the roads! 
It also explains why the roads
have so much salt on them
in the winter. :)

The city invested in its water systems
and there are new opportunities 
for entrepreneurs downtown.

The organic gluten free low 
carb chip road should be patented.
Innovation!

Watching towns grow and develop opens our minds to how these processes work and how people support their communities. As we observe this, we begin to realize that change is constant, yet it often continues moving in a constructive direction. We can see similar momentum at the county level, where leaders and residents are starting to shape a shared vision. While that vision may not be fully defined, there is a growing awareness of how individual choices affect one another, along with plenty of opportunity for stronger economic coordination.

Below are a few bullet points and an agenda for those who would like to dig deeper. Providing these agendas is important because it allows residents to access the same information city leaders use when making decisions.

We’ve also seen examples of people proposing new ideas—finding ways to save on road costs, rethinking development strategies, bringing businesses back to downtown, and showcasing community events, among others. Not all of these topics are covered in this particular meeting, but if you watch the meetings over time, clear themes begin to emerge, along with a better sense of the city’s direction and long-term vision.

I’ve included a few additional resources below that I found interesting while browsing online this morning over my daily cup of coffee. You can also read more about many of these ideas in our local favorite, The Daily Press (Also a good place to advertise. I got the electronic version for pretty cheap.).

December 4th, 2025 Agenda

-Some discussion on saving money through chip seal.

-Railroad tie processing location. 

-Electric Rates and solar pannels. 

-Storm and wastewater improvement.

-City Manager stepping down. He did a really good job so far and it would have been nice to keep him.

It’s worth considering whether these resources offer any real advantages. Sometimes they do, and sometimes they may not.

That said, our town already has much of what many industries look for, including a skilled workforce, a community college, a port, strong quality of life, reliable roads and rail, high-speed internet, a hospital, and—most importantly—great people who take pride in taking care of their community.

MEDC-Strategic Sites: Looks like you can list available industry sites.

Opportunity Zones: Looks like it has focus on development. A cluster could be a similar concept but very focused on building anchor industries that can influence the rest of the environment as it ramps up creating market resilience, adaptability, and higher market value.

Michigan Main Street: Looks like a framework for developing downtowns.

It Was a Dark Foggy Night: A photo and the global art market 2025!

The sunny day
border is not with the
picture but I used it 
here to show contrast.

I added this foggy bay photo to my gallery. If you happen to see it and think, “Yes, my living room needs a strong sense of impending mystery,” feel free to message me to the right. I can probably get you a full-resolution, poster-size print for around $35—because art should be affordable (or it is not that good).

I do photography and art mostly for fun and as an excuse to wander outdoors pretend I have done this many times before. These days, of course, magazines and newspapers can just generate images online without paying anyone, so the dream of being discovered and wildly overpaid remains safely hypothetical. Still, the art world seems to be doing just fine—strangely without my involvement.

This photo features a foggy bay and marina at night. It’s moody, eerie, and looks like the exact place where a insightful person would pause and question their life choices. I thought it was interesting enough to include in the gallery, so feel free to browse at your leisure and judge quietly. It seems my humor and sense of art is a little wry.

Foggy Sailing Harbor Photo

The Walking Path Gallery

Global Art Market 2025