This all seems quite familiar by now. The new normal in American politics is a continual series of manufactured crises over what used to be fairly routine budget processes, like annual fiscal appropriations or raising the debt ceiling. These procedural choke points are held hostage... Continue
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“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” So reads the Second Amendment of the Bill of Rights, one complete sentence expressing a complete thought. Despite grammar... Continue
Halloween, elections, Thanksgiving, Christmas and then taxes … it’s just too much! This is supposed to be the “most wonderful” time of the year, but I get worn out just trying to keep up. And, all of this during the shortest days and coolest weather.... Continue
Time can be visualized as a branched structure of causes and outcomes, beginning with interactions between the simplest subatomic particles all the way up to the current composition of the cosmos. All that exists and has ever existed is interconnected by this vast array of... Continue
Because we are imaginative and creative, people naturally idealize situations, others and ideas. When we idealize, we elevate something and imbue it with a sense of perfection. When we idealize love, virtue, compassion, truth, beauty and the like we feed positive emotions. When we idealize... Continue
The election of 2012 sets the stage for an emerging seismic political realignment. Skeptics will note the basic contours of our deeply dysfunctional political scene is still at status quo ante: a skillfully gerrymandered Republican majority in the House of Representatives, driven by a hyper-partisan... Continue
Buddhists believe that within the circle of Samsara into which we are born there are six realms, one of which is the god realm. Classically, the god realm is one in which bodiless beings experience total satisfaction for 1,000 years, only then to run out... Continue
Dear Bonnie, I was audited and found out that I actually had been over-reporting my income. I’m self-employed and I keep pretty decent records but apparently I goofed up. I keep my books on QuickBooks but I’m not sure I’m recording everything properly. Can you... Continue
When a natural event like Superstorm Sandy wreaks havoc and destruction it provides an opportunity to reflect on our preoccupations and priorities and how out of whack they so often are. Disaster strikes and suddenly we realize what’s truly precious; it’s not American Idol, the... Continue
With limited funds to pay for advertising, Sonoma Valley nonprofit organizations usually rely on sending information via email to local newspapers to inform the public of their news. Since nonprofit activities comprise such a large percentage of Sonoma Valley happenings, The Sonoma Sun wants to... Continue