Escanaba May Receive $750K for Water Infrastructure and $750K for Water Mains H.R. 6938 (Charles Wears an $8 Suit and Drinks $2 Cup of Coffee While Thinking about Fishing)

(Illustrative independent politician
supporting development
and the needs of the average person.)

Charles is not a a fan of politics
but feels new ideas might
help where people are
caught in cognitive loops of
partisanship. 

Charles is from the
hypothetical Feather Party which
is a philsophical thought experiment
on how an independent third party
might think about possible
legislation using a basic
agreed upon decision making 
matrix. A place for
independent minds. Such a
learning party is designed to tip
votes in the direction of
supporting the next generation
and making strategic evidence based
decisions. It caps donations
and doesn't work with 
special interests as per their
charter. It is is not an oppositional
part by nature. It is meant
for mental exploration and doesn't
at this time exist.
One could find reasons for
or against such a party so
it is just a discussion. No
right or wrong answer. Feel 
free to discard.

Let us say one thought on
fostering a new fish
hatchery in the Delta County
area. Would
it be beneficial or not? One of
the first considerations is ROI. 
If a project can pay for itself
through its own revenue (i.e. commercial
and recreational fishing licenses) as 
well as create long-term benefits
for tourism, fishing industry, 
Great Lakes health, new industries,
and other benefits it
will add to the economic
and social health. Who doesn't
want to take their kids fishing,
offer local fish cuisine, develop
an export market, clean protein,
 create tax revenue and help local 
commerical fishing industry? You
have to do your own analysis
and make your own decisions. 
I have not done one.
That is the point of this mental 
exercise to think about
how these things can happen and
how to foster knowledge
and awareness of the benefits
or detractors of legislation
from an independent viewpoint.
Economic Sustainable 
Reinvestment 

P.S. most of society doesn't 
have a lot of money
so Charles sometimes buys
his suits from Saint
Vincent de Paul
down on Ludington for
like under $8. Feel
free to donate to them and help
your community. Great
people down there. I have
been there a few times. Style
takes effort. Looks
as good as the rich people. 🙃 
If he can do that with $10
and had enough left over
for coffee at Eco Fuel
or Kwik Trips
what can he do with the 
national budget? 🤷

It was recently announced that $6.8 million has been secured for Michigan’s First Congressional District through the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act. This funding is welcome news, as many communities in the district could put these resources to good use.

Local Funding for Escanaba

For the local community, the following allocations stood out:

• $750,000 for the City of Escanaba to fund water infrastructure improvements.

• $750,000 for the City of Escanaba to upgrade water mains and service lines, reducing the risk of breaks and service disruptions.

These investments should help strengthen essential infrastructure and improve reliability for residents.

Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act

(Comment: The information below came out of the bill I used AI to help me find what I want but I did read it through and then just seek out the highlights. Double check it yourself because AI lies sometimes and to use it means you have do a reasonable review of its information. In this case I am just having it synthesize information.)

Other Notable Funding Areas

A few additional provisions in the bill also caught my attention:

• Grants for the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities, supporting cultural and educational programs. It is important to support the arts and humanities to help people develop awareness of cultural values and the expressions of people over the generations. 

• (Comment: Locally we do not get a lot of funding but it is nice to think about it Nutcrackers Impact-Forget the fitness trainer comment at the end but more on the impact of theater on health and society. Players de Noc in Escanaba is another great community entity that does everything from reading to musicals. They usually draw a big crowd. Feel free to donate at Players de Noc. I think of them from a cultural, tourist, quality of life, values, and community pride type organization. It is possible to measure some of the additional benefits but it takes time and research.)

NOAA and Fisheries Funding

The bill also provides substantial funding for NOAA operations, research, and vessels, which supports fisheries-related activities such as data collection, stock assessments, management programs, and workforce training.

(Comment: This raises an interesting broader question about long-term environmental priorities. It would be nice to see more support as the Great Lakes could arguably become one of the largest protected freshwater fishing resources in the world if more effort were placed on restoring native species and addressing invasive species challenges. As well as ensuring revenue generation in tax that first funds what is needed to develop the Great Lakes versus other purposes. Redirecting even a fraction of the vast disproportionate sums spent overseas for low return expenditures toward domestic environmental restoration could have a significant positive impact-short and long-term. Similarly, addressing issues in other places like ocean sewage pollution along the Tijuana–San Diego border could help preserve environmental and economic value on the West Coast. Perhaps finding a way to fix this leads to solutions in other places. We have some work to do. Maybe not?)

Specific Fisheries Programs Funded

 Key fisheries-related allocations include:

• Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery: $65 million to support salmon and steelhead conservation, including habitat restoration grants to states and tribes, allocated based on scientific merit.

• Fisheries Disaster Assistance: $300,000 to administer disaster assistance programs under the Magnuson–Stevens Act and related laws.

• Fishermen’s Contingency Fund: Up to $349,000 from collected receipts to support industry contingency needs.

• Fisheries Finance Program: Authority for direct loan obligations, including up to $24 million for quota loans and up to $150 million for traditional direct loans under the Merchant Marine Act.

(Comment: While the fishing industry in our area is not part of the bill, it is still important to think about these programs and if there is a way to bring a fishery and fish hatching to Delta County. Perhaps not in this bill but maybe in future legislation. It might be possible and it would help local tourism as well as foster our local commercial fishing into more regional exportation Entrepreneurial Clusters).

Read it yourself to learn about it and stay up to date. Knowledgeable citizens seek to understand before judgement. Try and create a decision making matrix where you look at these issues from a short and long-term impact that can range from economic and social impact all the way over to environment. What you put in your matrix and what lenses you use to evaluate legislation is up to you. For the most part just be informed and let your personal knowledge do the rest. It is nice to see Escanaba potentionally get a little money for its infrastructure. If you don't know about Escanaba it is an emerging hot spot that includes tourism, investment, wood products, entrepreneurs and much more. If you love the outdoors it is a great place to be! Make your own decision on the bill. This was meant to be neutral.

Passed the House, onto Senate and then President's approval. Here is some information on Current Bill Voting

H.R. 6938 – Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6938/text

Veteran Art and Executive Smarts: How Art Leads to Strategic Creativity and New Ideas (Free Art for Veterans UP)

Eric ponders the deeper

nature of art. Perhaps you

thought it was a useless

endeavor.....

“The experience of art

is a confrontation with the unseen

structures of society, knowledge, and

power, revealing deeper truths

about the world.”-

Michel Foucault (philosopher)

Art is a natural part of seeing our world in a new way and can create ways of understanding that monoperspective can not. While the piece below is for veterans based on what someone sent me I can say that in my experience art has been beneficial for strategic thinkers like executives as well as those who want a more full life. 

That said, the value of art is not limited to veterans alone. Whether you are a veteran or a civilian, working in an office, a trade, or any other profession, art can enhance everyday life. It allows us to connect ideas and experiences in ways we might not otherwise access, fostering creativity and new perspectives.

Some people are naturally drawn to creative expression, while others may feel less inclined toward it. Interestingly, art can be especially valuable for those who don’t see themselves as creative. Engaging with art encourages new ways of thinking, which can be essential when solving complex problems. This is true in business, the military, and nearly every field—problem-solving is part of the work.

The piece referenced below is available free to veterans, which is a great opportunity. Even for those who are not veterans, it’s worth considering the benefits of engaging in art. For example, if you spend much of your time strategizing, researching, or writing, your mind can become locked into a single mode of thinking. Taking just five minutes to add a small element to an art piece—even something imperfect or playful—can help reset your brain and make it easier to transition between tasks.

Art has also been shown to reduce stress and contribute to a healthier, more balanced life. In an increasingly AI-driven world, it can deepen our appreciation for what is uniquely human: creativity, emotion, and expression. Whether or not this particular resource is the right fit for local veterans, I try to support them whenever possible, and I encourage you to take a look and explore what it has to offer.

You may be interested in this piece. Good Decision Making and Painting

If your a vet just come and join this as it is around the UP. Also virtual....

Understanding Roof Ventilation in Modern Firefighting (Training Video)

(Illustrative)

Firefighting is a demanding profession that requires extensive training and continual practice. Communities rely on firefighters for far more than fire suppression alone; they often respond to car accidents, search and rescue operations, medical emergencies, and other critical situations as they arise. It is a noble profession—one that consistently serves the community in meaningful and visible ways. Few careers contribute to society as directly and undeniably as firefighting.

Continuous Learning and Safety

To be an effective firefighter, continuous learning is essential. Ongoing training not only improves performance on scene but also helps keep fellow firefighters and the public safe. Fire behavior, building materials, and response techniques evolve, and staying informed can make a critical difference during emergencies.

Understanding Roof Ventilation

The video referenced here focuses on roof cutting, a technique used to ventilate a structure during a fire. I regularly watch videos like this to better understand how these operations are performed, so that if I ever need to apply the knowledge—or simply recognize what is happening on scene—I have a basic understanding of the process. There are situations where firefighters must operate on rooftops to improve conditions inside a burning structure.

Roof Integrity and Firefighter Awareness

In the video, firefighters appear to be cutting between rafters to create ventilation openings and then tipping the cut sections over. A firefighter also uses a long pole to strike the roof, checking for soft spots. This step is critical, as roof integrity can weaken rapidly as fire consumes structural walls and joists. Firefighters often move across these roofs, and stability can change quickly.

The Purpose of Ventilation

It is important to avoid cutting in areas where flames are already venting aggressively through the roof. Proper ventilation allows smoke and heat to escape, improving visibility and conditions inside the structure. In smoke-filled environments, visibility is extremely limited, and even small improvements can greatly enhance situational awareness, reduce injuries, and increase the likelihood of locating victims or controlling the fire effectively.

*If you would like to donate to a great fire department in the UP that serves not only its community but also the communities around it then send a message to the right and I will put you in contact with the right people. Further, this department is bucking the trends and more young people are involved than I have seen in other places indicating it is a good working model. There are equipment and training needs you could support. 

Nice video....

The Difference Between Hate and Anger (The Story of the Clan)

(Illustrative)

Ever person has rights.

Good people know that. I thought

our founding mothers and fathers

already covered this. They

left us some notes, papers,

stories, and signatures

related to their sacrafices.

When they hate, you respond

with kindness. When

they corrupt you respond

with moral conviction.

Say "hi" and be polite

where ignorance is normalized.

Be kind for yourself

and not for them. They

have not developed as people

yet.

Their failures are not yours as

long as you supported

what was good and had

disdain for what was wrong. 

"Never does hatred cease by

hating in return; only through

love can hatred come

to an end. This is an unalterable law."

Buddha

This is an interesting piece on the difference between hate and anger, and the distinct purposes each serves. According to the discussion, anger is often about confrontation and, at times, resolution. Hate, by contrast, is more closely tied to the desire to neutralize others or make targets suffer. Where anger can be temporary and situational, hate tends to be sustained and destructive. In the Story of the Clan years of targetings and financial incentives for doing so would indicate more hate than anger (...along with corruption and other patterns of wrongdoing by some group members)

In our hypothetical story of the clan—used as a learning-focused thought experiment—this distinction is essential. Come to any conclusion you desire based on your personal beliefs. Thinking about it is enough. Hate is portrayed as an extremely corrosive force, one that can persist for years if left unchecked (or fostered as an unwritten policy of entitlement.). When adequate checks and balances are functionally absent, hate can become normalized within parts of a system, serving as an indicator of futures unknown (Time actually does answer all questions. The more time it takes to correct, then the higher the crimes of intentional negligence. History shows the past and the lessons we should learn so we do not carry the same mistakes into the future.  A type of metric. Time is a series of choices so make sure yours are doing good.)

In our example there was no one immune; except the perpetrators. Children were put at risks, people followed home, open manipulation, group targetings, the sick taken advantage of, threats of violence, staring people down, hostile group antics, allegations of sexual exploitation by some officials, secret courts and whistleblower target lists, a few corrupted law officers taught perptrators how to target people (Where did they learn it from?) and conflicts of interests with judges (some officials later caught in other misbehaviors that should have been investigated instead given sweet deals), rumor spreading, damaging employment prospects and pretty much anything you wanted to do against "those people" (Not always just "those people" and that included others. They damages their whole community in some ways because they want to please their bigotroes. Decline in relation to the Clans rise apparent but good people started to reverse. They did stop for a short time when they realized they could actually get busted but continued again once they realized there were no functional checks and balances in our story. Reassurances that their behaviors were sanctioned. False alarm on values. All normal again...).

The perpetrators have no real reason to hate the targets other then they were told it was the "cool thing to do" with a few manipulted pieces of information and people wanted things (greed and financial goals). The amount of people who came out and acted was an amazing site to see. The victims took with grace and encourage the system to adapt to protect the next victims and generation. Open attempts to harm targets, remove them from social clubs, and cleanse them out of the community even though they had more rights to be there then the perpetrators and have earned them many times over. Laws non functional protected by partisanship despite being highly illegal. The victims had to deal with aggression after aggression from people they had no problem with. The clan oriented courts were well aware of the wrongdoing but had their own religious and political perspectives and wanted others to learn "a lesson" on how things work in the real world. (That is the world they see but if we squint our eyes we can envision a better one. Work to protect institutions from misuse.). Dehumanization normalized, fostered and in the process of collectivization (not by accident).

Because this is a constructive scenario, we are free to imagine a different outcome. In our version, the system ultimately does adapt. It strengthens support for ethical officials and public servants, reinforces accountability, and develops mechanisms to identify and remove bad actors. Rather than collapsing under corruption and hate, the system learns, reforms, and begins to function as it was intended. It serves its people and trust moves upward (Trust is related to functionality). It honors the vast majority of good officials who stand by their oaths and communities. They are our heros and corrupted people should be removed no matter the institution or organization. When they hate, understand where it comes from and your duty to reply with truth and kindness. These issues can be resolved if you think about what is essential and helpful to everyone. Let us not repeat the past. Let us learn from our real time failures.

How might anger versus hate have different outcomes, velocity and duration when directed at targets? Hate and Anger are Different

Ocean Beach Pier Sunset Picture: Taking in the Moment With Coffee

If anyone is interested in this image, I’d be happy to print and send it to you. Much of the profits, assuming there are any, I give away—just send me a message to the right and let me know what you have in mind. $50 for something up to the poster level and I can quote you if you want special sizes. Feel free use the PayPal to send me your purchase need. You might want to include "OB Pier Sunset" so I know which one you want. 

I can offer posters, canvas prints, small or large formats, and custom sizes. Prints can be matted or left unmatted, depending on your preference. 

The photo captures beautiful markings in the sand, rich tones of orange, and a calm, inviting atmosphere—a place that feels perfect for a quiet stroll with a cup of coffee, taking in the moment.

OB Pier Sunset

The Potential Benefits of the Hypothetical Feather Party

When it is important to
listen to the average 
people.

We are at a point in society where we need to think more carefully about the long-term health of our political system and the outcomes of our choices. For much of our history, we have operated under a two-party structure. Occasionally, an independent candidate would emerge, draw some support, and then the system would largely revert back to two dominant parties. For the most part, this arrangement worked, and as a society we were able to accomplish what needed to be done.

The system was never perfect. People argued, criticized one another, and sometimes engaged in sharp rhetoric, but when it truly mattered, compromise was still possible. Over the past decade, however, something has shifted. Partisanship has become more entrenched, and special interests have grown more influential in shaping outcomes. It has become increasingly difficult to pass legislation that satisfies both sides. Basic reforms have stalled, leaving many people at risk, and trust in institutions has declined, as reflected in multiple public opinion polls.

At the same time, wealth has become more concentrated, and political influence has followed it. Decision-making increasingly caters to those with money and access. Today, one of the most reliable paths to political success is navigating a highly vetted process that favors strict party-line thinking, special interests, and wealthy donors. As a result, variability in thought has declined while polarization has increased. While elitism has always played a role in politics, the time has come for everyday people to have a stronger voice and for their needs to be taken seriously. We are not the peasants of the past; the public today is more educated and informed than at any point in history. The people should always be the ultimate stakeholders.

This brings us to a hypothetical “Feather Party”—a thought experiment exploring what it might look like if a third party consistently held around 15% of the vote and could tip outcomes one way or another. This party would represent ordinary people with strong critical-thinking skills—individuals with balanced perspectives and practical judgment. Imagine a system in which most policies receive roughly 50% support and 50% opposition from the two major parties no matter what was presented. A smaller, independent party could introduce flexibility, allowing its members to vote their conscience and bringing greater nuance into the decision-making process.

Such a party could also help elevate new voices into the political mainstream, especially if strict caps were placed on political donations . Its members would sell ideas, not their integrity. Contributions would be made because supporters believe in the party’s principles, not because they expect favors in return. If someone disagrees with those principles, they are free to support another party. In this model, the distorting effects of special-interest money and implicit self interest would be significantly reduced. The cost of campaigns perhaps less as there is no need to get a majority of votes except in local arenas where candidates are already known to the public on a more intimate level.

Importantly, this would not need to be an oppositional party. Rather than defining itself by ideology, it would rely on a decision-making framework that evaluates each issue on its own merits. The party would not be obligated to support or oppose legislation based on party loyalty, but instead to vote according to conscience, with an eye toward the betterment of society and future generations. Because it would not define itself against another group, it would not need to engage in constant infighting. There is no party to bash as each party member only votes what they believe. 

This brings the question back to the reader: would a party like this be beneficial? Maybe we are happy with the way things are today and if so we should continue forward without introducing a new factor Why fix what isn't broken? Some argue that it would simply siphon votes and complicate the system. Others fear that limiting the influence of money would prevent certain interests from achieving their goals(good or bad). Still others contend that special interests have always been part of political decision-making and always will be. Yet new ideas often produce new outcomes, and the purpose of such a party would be to create a stronger pipeline from everyday citizens to leadership, fostering a more balanced and grounded approach to policy. They round out the sharp edges of modern politics.

The choice is yours. If you believe the current system is working well, this may seem like a pointless mental exercise. But if you believe the status quo has real shortcomings, it may be worth considering—at least hypothetically—how an alternative like this might function. There is no right or wrong answer but just a moment to think about it. What matters is engaging with the idea, thinking it through, and arriving at your own conclusion. Accept or reject is all ok. 

Doing The Right Thing Even When Costly (The Story of the Clan)

 

Doing the Right Thing and Its Consequences

(Illustrative)
Lance knows people
are going to hate him
for their perceived understanding
of his religion, his life, 
his values, his politics,
and his beliefs. 
He knows such people hate others
as well. "Better than thou" language.
He made oaths and vows
a long time ago and knows the
difference between right and wrong.
 
He also understands history
and the struggles of people. 

Great societies are built
from people who have values
and will stand for them
regardless of the personal costs. 

He glances at his
persecutors and says "line up". 
No anger, no real resentment,
just new knowledge.
He knows the meaning of 
sacrafice. 

A notepad and some scribbles
are left outside by the door
just in case they want to
learn something. 
Lesson one: Be a descent human
being.
Students become teachers. 👆

Interesting article
Taking Time and Doing the Right Thing

Doing the right thing often comes with consequences that range from social ostracism to coordinated aggression. Despite these risks, ethical action remains essential from a philosophical standpoint. It is through principled behavior that stronger societies are built and institutions are improved to better serve their stakeholders. The Story of the Clan is a philosophical, theoretical, and hypothetical thought experiment that explores what happens when hate and corruption are allowed to operate unchecked. Take with a grain of salt.

---

The Breakdown of Accountability

In this story, a large group of individuals engaged in repeated misconduct. This included making threats, placing children at risk, openly joking about wrongdoing, undermining parents, and causing harm to minors, self-enrichment, etc. The group manipulated elderly and vulnerable individuals for financial gain, spread hate-based rumors, encouraged violence and intimidation against victims, retaliated against whistleblowers, and leveraged relationships within law enforcement to initiate false investigations while protecting their own members from accountability.

Over time, corruption became normalized. While this behavior did not reflect the vast majority of public servants—many of whom act with integrity and deserve respect—it did represent a small, interconnected network with a semi-documented history of similar behavior. These patterns were not adequately tracked, nor were objective or independent investigations conducted (Blaming and harming the victims is the best way not to change or get better. There is a reason why closed systems and their supporters do this.). In many cases, it was simply easier—and more socially acceptable—to reward or ignore bad behavior than to confront it.

---

Philosophical Foundations and Core Values

Philosophers tend to think at a different level. They often delve into the fundamental roots. Certain core values form the backbone of society. While people and cultures evolve, some principles should never be violated. Although those who defend these values may be in the minority, they believe deeply in doing what is right and in honoring their ethical obligations regardless of risk.

It makes no difference whether there are ten, one hundred, or one million individuals attempting to violate human rights, civil rights, religious freedom, political expression, or other forms of social cohesion. The moral response remains the same. History shows that allowing such violations to persist leads to long-term harm that far outweighs the discomfort of standing up in the moment. Yes there are consequences for being a good person.  (In this learning example so much aggression of various forms have been pushed on a philosopher with a free pass for all of it that the target has become increasingly knowledgeable of how it functions. That will be used to protect future people and children from such groups. Wisdom Can Come from Experience)

The philosopher is the person encouraging you to reflect and think before coming to a heuristic self-interested, social network sanctioned choice because reason over leverage is important (People who gravitate toward reason versus leverage are different breeds. Reason is a long-term solution that can be hard to implement while leverage is a short-term solution that may have long-term negative implications. Each one can be used at its appropriate time and place but that should be based on insight and a true north compass.)

---

Why People Take the Risk

Why would anyone take such risks with so few immediate rewards? Because they have studied history and understand society beyond what is conveniently presented in textbooks. While most people are fundamentally good and want to support their communities, those with dark-triad traits often exert disproportionate influence within dysfunctional social networks. When unchecked, these individuals can cause widespread harm (Self-interested individuals will always be present so checks and balances with a mixture of promoting the best and brightest can make a difference. Religion, science, philosophy, history and experience should teach us something about true leadership.).

There are also sociological and economic implications to consider. When victims’ rights are dismissed simply because it is easy or convenient, their concerns go unexamined and unresolved. Corrupt networks are then allowed to operate for years. Even when wrongdoing is exposed, perpetrators are often offered lenient arrangements or “graceful exits” rather than meaningful accountability (It is not about the shallow hal's getting in trouble...as that is the least of concerns. It is an issue much broader than that.). True institutional development requires correction and adaptation to a higher moral conscious. 🤔 Strong institutions must be fair, transparent, and aligned with the core values generations have worked to establish.

---

Sacrifice, Responsibility, and the Future

Standing for what is right is rarely easy, and the costs often outweigh the immediate benefits. Still, it is a meaningful sacrifice—one made for a fairer society, for the protection of others, and for the preservation of values passed down over generations. These philosophical principles were eventually codified into law because countless individuals sacrificed to make them real. Imagine if our founding fathers and mothers just gave up because it was convenient and expected. 😬

When you stand for those values, you honor centuries of sacrifices and safeguard the future for your children and grandchildren. How we view the world matters. Togetherness, kindness, fairness, freedom to worship, inherrent human value, and justice are not abstract ideals—they are the foundation of stronger institutions and more resilient societies. The choices is yours to make and time answers all questions.....