America Is Great

As I discussed in my book Almost Finished, my professional career as a Real Estate Manager in the Bell Telephone System and as a Corporate Attorney for Humana Inc. for 39 years was an incredible blessing for a country and somewhat backward guy. I have no hesitation in saying that God blessed me with this career that I did anticipate or deserve, and he also blessed me with the opportunity to live in a country where a career like this is possible for someone of my background and heritage.

One of the more interesting opportunities I had as a corporate attorney was going to Washington on occasion to meet with attorneys at the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission in conjunction with proposed mergers and acquisition transactions. One thought always crossed my mind in every such meeting: Just how pleased and proud I was to live in a country where men and women on opposite sides of an issue could sit down and discuss important legal and business issues in a civil and respectful manner even during times of near complete disagreement. It took me back to my teenage years to stories my mother shared with me from her work as a court reporter in a southern Indiana Circuit Court. Many times, when a criminal or civil case had been given to the jury for deliberation, the opposing attorneys who had debated “tooth and nail” during the trial would inform my mother that they were heading to the local country club for a drink and to please call the country club as soon as the jury was prepared to announce that they had reached a verdict! A bit of uncommon collegiality in my opinion. But not so much in today’s politically charged world.

It is clear to me that America’s historical approach to the law is by no means universal among other nations where many legal, business, and social issues are fought out in ugly and sometimes brutal street fights. But I am more concerned with each passing day if we can preserve civility and decency in our country for our children and grandchildren. At a time when an autoworker and the President of the United States exchange angry expletives on a Michigan auto factory floor, I believe there is valid cause for concern. Let me discuss below some more examples of my concern.

As someone actively employed and engaged in the healthcare system for 39 years, I need no one to tell me that the U.S. healthcare system is fragmented and, in many ways, dysfunctional. In far too many cases, unnecessary medical care and prescription medication is provided and paid for while much needed care and medication is delayed and sometimes incorrectly denied. Sick people and taxpayers suffer. We are a great nation, and we can and should do much better than we are doing. Our elected leaders need to work to find solutions not slogans and sound bites for the next election cycle.

Apparently, Ivy League educated Luigi Mangione gave up on the healthcare system and exercised his frustration by “allegedly” murdering United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. Whatever misadventures Mr. Mangione had with the healthcare system following complications for back surgery, he had more than ample resources and family connections available to him to contest and pursue any grievances and appeals he had regarding any unsuccessful healthcare outcomes he experienced. But somehow a cold-blooded shot in Mr. Thompson’s back in the pre-dawn hours of Manhattan from a 3D manufactured gun was a better choice for him in expressing his frustration. And to be sure, many well-educated young elites in our country have agreed with Mr. Mangione and have come out in person to support him as he travelled to court appearances. They have also raised funds for his legal defense. Should this development be a matter of great concern for our nation?

The last several months have seen several violent clashes between ICE law enforcement officers and demonstrators opposing the Trump Administration’s immigration policies. I have shared my views on the Trump Administration’s Immigration policy in my October 25, 2025 blog letter to President Trump, so I will not rehash my views again in this blog. But what I would say here is that opponents of the Trump Administration’s immigration policies have every legal right under the First Amendment to protest them publicly, loudly, but peacefully within the bounds of the law. However, it was certainly disappointing and unnerving to see the violent confrontations in Los Angles and Portland, Oregon between protesters and ICE Officers. Where are the adults in the room for the protest leadership? Did they learn anything from the peaceful civil rights protests led in the 1960s by the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?  And while heartbreaking and gut wrenching, it was not a complete surprise that a fatal incident occurred in Minneapolis last week. Obviously, the investigation into the fatal shooting of an individual in an SUV by an ICE Agent is on-going to determine if the ICE Agent had a reasonable fear for his life at the time he fired the fatal shots. But in the meantime, is it appropriate to ask why anyone would think it’s a good idea to exercise first amendment rights to protest by blocking traffic with an SUV and complicating law enforcement work in an already white-hot political atmosphere? Is it prudent to ignore and refuse a law enforcement request to remove oneself from a vehicle and then drive forward and apparently make physical contact with a law enforcement officer?

In Romans 13:1 the Apostle Paul provides wise and Godly counsel when he urges Believers to be subject to governing authorities that have been instituted by God. He also makes clear that they should expect appropriate consequences if they fail to do so. That does not mean that law enforcement should not be held accountable if they abuse or misuse their authority, but in the instant their authority should be acknowledged and obeyed and addressed later in a judicial forum if necessary.

It makes me sad to say it, but I do not see the prospects for improvement in our polarized society until elected leaders emerge to take point as courageous leaders to address and seek to solve important issues in our nation in a constructive and civil manner and not weaponize these issues for some perceived political advantage. Respect for the rule of law should be mandatory and not be just an option for consideration. If someday the actions taken by those on the political fringe for personal and political gain tear a gaping hole in our democratic fabric, will there be any adults in the room to call this out and seek to redress it for what it is? Or will it even be too late?

God bless you and thank you for the privilege of your time in reading my blog.