Considerable clouds this morning. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 89F. Winds light and variable..
Tonight
Clear to partly cloudy. Low 66F. Winds light and variable.
Protesters demonstrate against President Donald Trump's planned use of federal law enforcement and National Guard troops in Washington, during a rally in front of the White House, Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in Washington.
Protesters demonstrate against President Donald Trump's planned use of federal law enforcement and National Guard troops in Washington, during a rally in front of the White House, Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in Washington.
More often than not, many of us are driving down the road, having a conversation with office workers or sitting around the holiday table reminiscing about the good times, the people we grew up with and the way things were.
The good ol' days.
Can we say that the 1980s, 90s and early 2000s were vastly different than today? Absolutely. Not hard to explain why. It's not a matter of classification, who's conservative, who's liberal, who's Democrat and who's Republican. Today, it's about instant gratification. Who's got the mic? Whatever comes out of my mouth from a position of power, it doesn't matter. It's true one day and waste the next.
They're not even promises made. It's conjecture, speculation and absurdity. And political hot buttons bring more mic time, spotlight and the ever important podium.
Why?
Some just love to banter and are looking for a fight. Many are looking to keep their job, even when they don't know their job. And then there are the overwhelming number who want to brag, appear wise and look important.
One day we condemn; the next day we praise. This process is due to who you are, where you came from and what you think you know. Add in that silver spoons abound for those who think they inherit power due to namesake, affiliation and wealth.
For those up and coming leaders, consider where your great grandparents and parents came from. Their goal was to keep out of war, fight the Depression and maintain a stable family life.
Today's headlines concern who's going to buy TikTok, how many people can we fire, what agencies we don't need and where do we need to get our next dollar through taxation or tariff.
Forgotten is the nobility of taking on serious problems in our country, including poverty, habitable housing, education, health care and the destruction of many communities due to decay and neglect. And it's not just the decline of coal. There are situations aplenty that make headlines one day and disappear the next. So much for economic development.
It is time to honestly assess perceived strengths and weaknesses for growth and improvement. Arrogance, boastfulness and lack of comprehensive realizations are detrimental to a reality check.
When election time comes around, remember the advice of Confucius that, "Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues."
Ben Newhouse is a West Virginia community development specialist.
John David is emeritus professor of economics at the ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Institute of Technology and director of the Southern Appalachian Labor School.
