A reflection on growing up with parents shaped by the Great Depression and WWII, and how their experiences taught the dangers of fascism. From family memories to the events of January 6th, this piece urges readers to learn history, recognize warning signs, and understand why standing against authoritarianism is a lifelong conviction.

Crime statistics can be misleading if we don’t understand the math behind them. Using per-capita data shows that smaller cities can have far higher murder rates than major metros, even with fewer total crimes. This reflection walks through real numbers to show why population matters—and why understanding what we hear in the news is more important than ever.

Once, political differences didn’t prevent respect, cooperation, or family. Through memories of spirited debates between a Republican father and a Democrat uncle, this reflection contrasts today’s divisive climate with a time when disagreement didn’t erase decency. In an era of loud voices and forced sides, it asks what kind of leadership—and country—we choose to stand behind.

I have always understood redistricting to occur when the population of voters in a district grew, shrank, or shifted. Often occurring after census, district lines would (as they should) be redrawn to assure you and I as citizens have adequate representation. I understood it to be a bipartisan process that did what government should do; preserve fairness and equity for all by making sure we are all well represented.  Gerrymandering is manipulating voting district boundaries to