Political violence is, unfortunately, increasing. Each incident raises questions for me that go way beyond the individual at the center of the story. These moments are not just about one politician, commentator, or activist; they’re about the climate we’re all living in and the direction we’re sadly heading.  

Last weekend Joanne made me one of her perfect sandwiches.  So perfect that I was compelled to blog its (her) praise.  

As the elevator doors opened, I saw the smoke billowing in the distance through the wide windows facing south behind the receptionist’s desk. It was the morning of September 11, 2001.As I take a few moments today to commemorate and contemplate, my thoughts begin with the memory of where I was and those first and following moments, hours and days.

When I started my business 18 years ago, all I had to know was how to talk to people, use a phone and be able to mail CDs in stamped, self-addressed envelopes to people too far away to meet in person. It was much simpler then and I don’t think I'm alone in having to stay on top of a rapidly changing business landscape. 

I don’t know how I fell into such luck to be your Tuesday blogger – rather than any other day of the week.  Being your Tuesday blogger means that every year I get to tell you all about our golf outing.  

This past weekend, we celebrated my mother-in-law’s, Marion’s,  ninetieth year of life. It was an incredible celebration bringing together family, from near and far, as well as people with whom she has maintained friendships with for over eighty years.  

Just over a week ago, I attended another show with Marisa. If not for that week’s proud parent moment covered last Sunday, today’s blog would have appeared that day.

America once thrived on a spirit of working together for the greater good. When people wanted change, it came from individuals banding together, mostly within the law. The America I grew up in was built on freedom, shared purpose, diversity, compassion, law-abiding, and peace. It was okay to disagree and argue, so long as we ultimately compromised and moved forward.   Today, fear is wielded as a tool of control to exploit our institutions for self-interest. Our challenge appears simple to me: choose unity and a greater purpose, or lose what once made us strong.