Tag: fall2014

In 1911, following yet another financial panic, United States banks had a dodgy reputation. So, the trusty U.S. Postal Service began offering savings accounts and other financial services, backed by the government’s full faith and credit. Deposits reached $1.2 billion during the Great Depression. But the teller windows closed in 1966 when banks were offering...

“Those who fail to learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.” Few people aren’t familiar with this quote from philosopher George Santayana. But does history repeat itself because we fail to learn from it, or is it because history follows an unbreakable pattern we are doomed to repeat? The answer is crucial since,...

It was in 2004, with Washington trumpeting the forthcoming Iraqi elections that would put Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in power as a means to establishing democracy, when then-Vice President Dick Cheney declared the Iraq War to be “behind us,” and Maj. Gen. Raymond Odierno predicted “we have six to 12 months left of this insurgency.” It was also in...

“Anyone who has ever looked into the glazed eyes of a dying solider on the battlefield will think hard before starting a war.” — Otto Von Bismarck, first chancellor of Germany, 1867 We have to keep asking. There has to be an answer. Why is it so easy to fool the majority of humankind into...

The new independent film, Zizi and Honeyboy, based on my book, “What Zizi Gave Honey Boy: A True Story about Love Wisdom and the Soul of America,” has just been completed. I’m thrilled and honored. My dear, wise and loving Aunt Zizi, may her soul rest in peace, is played by Doris Roberts, who starred...

Look at the people ruling the people. The people who we, the people, allow to lead us and who the masses look up to and bow down to: Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, Herr Chancellor, His Excellency, His Majesty, The Queen. Such lofty titles, such big egos and with nothing to show for them but...