Author Archives: Jim

The death of the phone call

Posted on February 7, 2020 by Jim

When my phone rings I rarely answer it. That’s a big cultural change for me, because I spent much of my career working for a telephone company where answering the phone (within three rings in a tone of unflagging courtesy) … Continue reading →

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A threat to our democracy

Posted on January 24, 2020 by Jim

In the Senate impeachment trial, the Democrats have been saying repeatedly that President Trump is a threat to our democracy and must be removed from office before he steals the 2020 election. My senators and Congressional representative, Democrats all, have … Continue reading →

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Japanese honeymoon

Posted on September 6, 2019 by Jim

We had a picturesque apartment on the lower floor of a house on a steep hillside, half cave and half treehouse. A step down from the entrance hall to the living room, two steps down to a kitchen with windows … Continue reading →

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Observations on immigration

Posted on July 21, 2019 by Jim

Immigration ought to be a no-brainer. Control the border with Mexico. Decide who gets in and make it easier for them to do so legally. Deport the criminals. Grant legal status to my cleaning lady.  But nobody’s thinking along those … Continue reading →

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Censorship, privacy and monopoly

Posted on June 2, 2019 by Jim

One of the many political controversies swirling around is the role of social media such as Facebook and Twitter in poisoning public discourse and fanning the partisan flames. Censorship of political opinion is a growing concern, along with the influence … Continue reading →

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Good times in the war room

Posted on April 30, 2019 by Jim

My war room experience was with the telephone company. The principle of a war room is to bring all the decisionmakers together in once place to bypass bureaucracy and act quickly. This concept makes sense for utility companies that must … Continue reading →

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Farewell to newsprint

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Jim

When I walked out to the driveway, my morning newspaper was missing. Again. No problem: The Albuquerque Journal has an electronic edition and I read it on my iPad, as I do when I’m out of town. Then it occurred to … Continue reading →

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Impeach the President. Please.

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Jim

It’s time for Congress to impeach President Trump. Democrats have been teasing us with impeachment porn for two years now. Congressmen claim to have evidence that’s “beyond circumstantial” that Trump colluded with Russia to steal the 2016 election but, inexplicably, … Continue reading →

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Missing the bus

Posted on January 22, 2019 by Jim

Public transportation is controversial in my adopted home state of New Mexico. The Rail Runner, a commuter train line from Belen to Santa Fe, is hemorrhaging money and losing ridership. In Albuquerque a new bus rapid-transit system is more than … Continue reading →

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A graceful exit

Posted on December 14, 2018 by Jim

The recent announcement of General Motors plant closings brought back memories of my career with Illinois Bell. During my 22 years at the company, sweeping changes in technology and the court-ordered breakup of AT&T resulted in serial downsizing. During my … Continue reading →

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