Short History Lessons
Prior events teach us lessons for our decisions today.
From the Decisions Newsletter
Signs of Weakness
The signals may be subtle, but resistance to lawlessness is rising and meeting with success.
From the Decisions Newsletter
National Security and Social Security
Both are critical to our nation’s future. Our leaders are proving to be unreliable.
From the Decisions Newsletter
American Embarrassment - Part II
A real and effective opposition means fewer ping-pong paddles.
From the Decisions Newsletter
American Embarrassment
Withdrawal from the world does not make America great. Freedom thrives for Americans when we support and defend fellow democracies, not by supporting authoritarians.
From the Decisions Newsletter
Upholding Norms. Breaking Norms.
Even among those with whom we disagree, we are part of the same community, the same nation. The norms we uphold together give us vision and vigilance to keep our communities and country strong.
From the Decisions Newsletter
Standing Up
The truth can get through when people stand up. What are we standing up for?
From the Decisions Newsletter
Making Decisions: Individually and Collectively
The decisions are up to us, whether we act by ourselves or together.
From the Decisions Newsletter
Honor the Truth Seekers
Better decisions are made when we ensure we hear the minority view. Suppressing the minority view is the opposite of seeking truth; it’s about seeking and maintain control.
From the Decisions Newsletter
Bonus Post: Passing of a Public Servant
RIP Ed Jones – Thousand Oaks Mayor and Ventura County Supervisor
Bonus Post from the Decisions Newsletter
Democracy in Thousand Oaks: The Meaning of Representation
This essay is Part 3 in a three-part series on American & Californian democracy viewed through the lens of one modern American city: the microcosm of Thousand Oaks.
In this third installment, we focus on what is meant by representation and whether the actions of local boards to fill vacancies truly honor that concept.
Democracy in Thousand Oaks: The Right to Vote
This essay is Part 2 in a three-part series on American & Californian democracy viewed through the lens of one modern American city: the microcosm of Thousand Oaks.
In this second installment, we focus on the right to vote by reviewing the 2005 and 2012 decisions to forgo elections, and the efforts of voters to guarantee their place in city democracy.
Democracy in Thousand Oaks: The Integrity of Elections
This essay is Part 1 in a three-part series on American & Californian democracy viewed through the lens of one modern American city: the microcosm of Thousand Oaks.
In this first installment, we examine the integrity of elections by reviewing the 1994 Council contest. In this race, a field of 16 candidates competed for three seats, and the Council majority sought to place its thumb on the scales leading up to Election Day.
Democracy in Thousand Oaks: Why Democracy?
This starts a three-part series on American & Californian democracy viewed through the lens of one modern American city: the microcosm of Thousand Oaks.
In Our Elections, Remove the Bias
There is a valuable community interest in groups hosting debates for candidates.
There is a valuable community interest in groups endorsing and supporting candidates for these offices.
Trying to do both presents conflicts of interest and is disrespectful to the voting public. Here are ways we can change that.