Articles written by Vernon Huffman

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Society & Lifestyle > Personal Morals & Values Living with the past: 8 of 204
A wise teacher once told me that the past is no more fixed than the future. As we continue to learn to appreciate more diverse perspectives, our own story grows more complex and our attitudes evolve to embrace paradox. Fear, guilt and shame are erased by loving forgiveness. Every moment is a unique event, intricately interwov... More..
Politics, News & Issues > War in Iraq Is the war in Iraq bad for the US economy?: 1 of 21
War is, by its very nature, bad for the economy. It produces nothing and destroys much. By definition, this is anti-economic behavior. Certainly there are opportunities to rebuild when war is over, but these can never justify to losses and costs.A small segment of the population has long been able to exploit war for short-ter... More..
Home & Garden > Gardening (Other) Guide to soil mixtures for bedding plants: 1 of 16
The most important thing you can grow in your garden is topsoil. Healthy soil contains myriads of living organisms and is the foundation of every plant you'll grow. The slow, easy process of improving soil quality should be a regular focus of any gardener. It is especially important when growing new starts. Approaches to soil... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US Immigration Illegal immigration: Should states take on the burden of enforcement?: 1 of 11
Historically, most law enforcement is accomplished at the most local level possible. The town cop or county sheriff who knows most of the locals is preferred over some higher authority, as long as the local enforcement hasn't been corrupted by bigotry or an imbalance of power. State police have historically focused mostly on ... More..
Sports & Recreation > Biking Skull security: Everything you need to know about buying a helmet: 1 of 10
Traumatic brain injury is worth avoiding. Not only can a helmet save your life, it can make recovery much more pleasant should you happen, as many cyclists do, to bounce off the pavement. Along with gloves and bright clothing, a helmet is the most essential piece of sensible safety gear for biking.To be sure you're getting th... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US Military (Other) Should we increase the size of our military?: 3 of 27
Prior to 1947, the USA scaled way back the size of its army during peacetime. Reading the words of our founders makes it clear that they preferred people prepared to defend themselves over a professional army. How did we get so far from that vision?The best explanations come from our former military leaders. The most highly d... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Teen Challenges Are you really ready to move out of your parents' house?: 8 of 40
It is perfectly natural for a young adult to push away from parents. Each of us who have survived that phase of life remember what it feels like. You don't stop loving them, but you want your own space to make your own decisions and find your own adventures. You should follow this natural urge, but first, make your own plans.... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Economic Values Why America is in debt: 5 of 24
We're in debt because we spend more than we earn. This happens on many different levels. Let's look at three aspects of American debt - personal, societal, and governmental - in reverse order.The US Government spends more money than it takes in taxes. Except for a couple years of the Clinton Administration, this deficit spend... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Government & Policies Does governmental secrecy make us safer?: 3 of 14
Especially since 1947 and the initiation of the Cold War by Truman, military planners have justified increasing levels of government secrecy under the nebulous title of "national security." Civil Libertarians who rankled at this claim have routinely had their patriotism questioned, a tactic favored by Nazi Propagandist Joseph... More..
Relationships & Family > Married Life How many marriages are too many?: 8 of 36
What is the function of marriage? Most answers probably include to merge and build families, to establish or expand a home, and to create or provide for children. Does multiple marriage undermine these functions?Some societies have honored and encouraged multiple marriages, but polyamory is not valued in the modern, industria... More..