Essays

My thoughts and ideas on various topics, including advice about writing and getting published.

Whataboutism, Moral Equivalency, and Reconciliation

How well does it work when someone points out something you have done wrong, only to have you turn around and point out a way in which they have failed? Does it help resolve the dispute, or does it inflame the grievances that stand between you? If it helps to answer this question, think back […]

Rethinking Political Space

Frustrated, confused, and misled by simplistic copy-paste “Us-Them” political labels like Left-vs.-Right, Conservative-vs.-Progressive, or even Libertarian-vs.-Liberal? Me too. After throwing up my hands for years, a thought occurred to me, yielding the 3D diagram below. I could spend many words explaining it. Instead, I’ll let you ponder it and, after careful consideration, let me know […]

Against the Looming Economic Impacts of Automation, Politicians Can’t Continue on Cruise Control

In response to much of the political debate about jobs being lost to China and Mexico—and other global punching bags—a meek, oft-ignored retort posits: “But… automation.” Indeed, automation has played as much if not a bigger role in job loss as wage disparities and protectionist (a.k.a., tariff-based) policies. Tinkering with market equality and retaliatory measures […]

The Complexities of Splitting Families at the US-Mexico Border

Two days ago, I wrote to condemn the Trump-Sessions policy that splits families at border crossings, referencing in passing the distressed world that has led us to this juncture. This messiness deserves a follow-up discussion. As some have (through conflation) pointed out, the housing of children is not a new practice. It happened, however, under […]

A Not So Happy Father’s Day at the US-Mexico Border

As I hear the stories of immigrant parents separated from their children at the US-Mexico border, I can’t help but be torn. On the one hand I want laws enforced, the integrity of our border protected, and humane, well-controlled immigration. The Rule of Law, foundational to this nation and essential to its continued survival and […]

Climbing Mount Equality ~ A Modern Parable

One hundred people stand at the base of one of the world’s tallest mountains. They have all been given equal access to the trail heads. No one is getting blocked. Yet, even before the climb begins, more than a few of them suspect they will never reach the peak. Some folks are simply better suited […]

Does Equality of Outcome Pass the Giggle Test?

Many of us giggled and grinned as, on our way into a marathon expo, we passed an exhibit above which a banner dared one and all to “Run Like an Ethiopian.” Under that banner, one fit city dweller stood on a treadmill, at the ready, his waist fitted with a belt attached to a sling […]

One Day Left in the Quantum Law, Book 1 #99cent Promotion

I wanted to make sure everyone knew: we have one day left in the Quantum Law: Containment 99 cent promotion! This is all part of the release party for book 2, Resettlement. And did I mention the print book giveaway? You can read more about this stories here…

Quantum Law, Book 2, Now Available for Preorder

I am pleased to announce that Quantum Law: Resettlement, book 2 of the Quantum Law series, is now available for preorder ahead of its September 6 release. If you haven’t gotten started yet on book 1, Containment, it’s time to catch up! To celebrate all this, I’m continuing my Quantum Law: Containment print book giveaway. […]

How it all started, how Our Cyber World got its Random

Hard to believe that over two years have passed since the release of DEAD BEEF, my first novel in the Our Cyber World series. Time flies when you’re story-telling. I’m glad to report that together with the prequel Random Origins story collection, DEAD BEEF is free this weekend. Yes, that’s right. You can pick them […]