American courage equal to our latest crisis

Franklin Roosevelt famously asserted in his first presidential inauguration address the only thing Americans had to fear was fear itself. That was saying something in 1933. When the Great Depression reached its lowest point, nearly half the banks in the country had failed and 15 million people were out of work. Roosevelt understood, though, the […]

There’s some good news in help for local businesses

Perhaps the only thing that makes bearable the threats of the coronavirus outbreak on Grand Valley businesses is the blessed assurance they’re not alone in facing this crisis. Just as quickly as the growing effects of the outbreak became apparent, a variety of local organizations geared up their efforts to provide resources and support. Businesses […]

Does anybody know what’s really going on?

Admit it. You have no clue whatsoever about the coronavirus. It’s the only logical conclusion I can come to after two plus months of information, misinformation, intentional lies and politics about this latest corona-type virus foisted upon the world by — yet AGAIN — China. As a matter of fact, the last part of my […]

Diving into business? Some dos and don’t

I just flew in from Mexico. And, boy, are my arms tired. Actually, permit me a bit more precision. I returned at the beginning of March from a scuba diving trip to Cozumel. My arms aren’t tired from what was a pleasant commercial airline flight, but rather lugging nearly 50 pounds worth of dive gear […]

’Tis the season to ponder taxing government role

Tax season can be … taxing. Considerable effort and expense goes into compiling paperwork, complying with tax codes, computing the amount owed and finally paying federal and state taxes. Taxation funds government. But what should citizens fund? The Declaration of Independence defined one role of government: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all […]

What owners want: Poll reveals top business issues

Square/Gallup recently published the results of a poll of small business owners measuring their engagement in the 2020 presidential campaign. Square/Gallup reported that 60 percent of small business owners said they pay “a lot” of attention to the campaign, while another 30 percent said they pay “some” attention. It’s not surprising to see small business […]

In trying to tax the rich, everyone pays the price

The political Left has a tough time with economics, especially the economics of taxation. Specifically, they’ve put forth all kinds of proposals to “tax the rich,” as they like to put it, and believe only the rich will pay. But that’s not how taxes work. When politicians put forth ideas like imposing a “wealth tax,” […]

What are you waiting for? I hope it’s not inspiration

It’s time for another column in which the curmudgeonly newspaper editor reveals his trade secrets — and, hopefully, some insights that could prove useful in greater pursuits. The moral of my latest story? The importance of NOT waiting for inspiration to strike. Ironic, isn’t it? I want to believe — fantasize, actually — my columns […]

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