Category: Deliberation

Posts organized by subject
1. long and careful consideration or discussion
2. slow and careful movement or thought

Question: Is the Trump Administration Running Venezuela?

In the late night of January 2nd and early morning hours of January 3rd, the U.S. Military successfully abducted Nicolas Maduro from his residence in Caracas, Venezuela. Maduro has now been extradited to New York to stand trial for various criminal charges being brought against him in that State. The former Vice President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, has now been sworn in as President of Venezuela while President Trump has suggested that a second wave of military strikes could take place if the Venezuelan Government fails to comply with the Trump Administration’s demands. Trump has suggested that U.S. companies will soon gain access to and jurisdiction over Venezuelan oil resources which will then be leveraged for the benefit of both the United States and Venezuela. So, is the Trump Administration in control of Venezuela and its vast oil reserves?

Question: Is Nicolas Maduro alive? – The Abduction of Venezuela’s Dictator is Added to the List of U.S. Interventionism in Latin America

After multiple military interventions off the coast of Venezuela in 2025, the U.S. Military appears to have successful abducted Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro in the early morning hours of January 3rd, 2026. The Trump Administration plans to make a statement on the operation later this morning while multiple Venezuelan officials call for proof that Maduro is still alive.

Analysis: Trump & Zelenskyy 2.0 – A Pre-Brief for the Second 2025 White House Meeting

There’s a lot at stake in the Trump & Zelenskyy White House Meeting 2.0, but I’m keeping my expectations low. Here’s why…

Question: Are democracies, free coffees, and world-class retail businesses worth fighting for?

What makes a retailer world class? Great products and services at an affordable price?! Everything in one place?! FREE COFFEE?! There may be more to this than meets the eye…

Question: Where is the line between parrots (noise-makers) and patriots (servant-leaders)?

What does the end of the HBO series Band of Brothers have to do with parrots, organizational psychology, and the current cultural zeitgeist? Click the link to find out… (8 minute read – if you’re faster than the average)

Question: Did Trump Just Save Your Life?

The claim that Trump saved two-thirds of the U.S. population from opioid overdose deaths is misleading. While thousands may have been helped, current overdose death rates suggest the stated figure would take 5,000 years not 100 days. Reducing opioid access, carrying naloxone, education, and early intervention help address addiction effectively.

Analysis: HHS Secretary RFK Jr.’s 100 Day Review

Robert Kennedy Jr.’s tenure as HHS Secretary presents significant drawbacks, including misrepresentation of health facts and the downsizing of vital health programs. Essential services like infectious disease tracking, smoking cessation, and support initiatives such as Meals on Wheels are adversely affected, raising concerns about public health and safety.

Analysis: President Trump’s Terrific Tariffs, Oversimplified

President Trump’s April 2, 2025 tariff announcement imposes a 10% tax on imported goods, leading to increased prices for U.S. consumers and potential losses of $3,800 per household. While tariffs raise federal revenue, they may also encourage domestic production if U.S. goods can compete with cheaper foreign options. Protests against tariffs are expected as consumers react to rising costs.

Question: Should the government mandate annual itemized financial reports for each agency?

Trump, Musk, and DOGE are rapidly downsizing government. But are these billionaires looking out for the interests of the American people or gutting government to enrich themselves?