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What I learned from Paul Bush

My experiences with Paul Bush began in the late 1970's when I was asked to advise on helping Paul put together a financial package to expand Bush Industries. The company was located at the time in Little Valley, N.Y., where Paul lived. Right from the start I was inspired with his keen mind and endless drive to build Bush Industries into a world class company. He said his goals were to grow the business to where it had great facilities, great customers and a large family of great employees. Eventually Paul moved to the Jamestown area and built an impressive facility in the area known ...

Triumphal arch, or sign of an arch enemy?

Architecture always sends a message. So what does President Trump’s desire for a Triumphal Arch say about his authoritarian aspirations? About his regard for process, precedent, and the rule of law? First, we should look to the inspirations for the “Arc de Trump.” The form originated with Ancient Roman arches such as the Arch of Titus which served as “billboards” for military victories and glorified the absolute power of the emperors who erected them. Similarly, Napoleon’s famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris marks his army’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz, a monument to ...

The president has learned the reality of war

Even having been in one, Vietnam, I cannot say that I am an expert on war. The only thing I know for sure is that it should, if possible, be avoided at all costs. War represents a breakdown in diplomacy and civil discourse—the rule of law is forgotten and the rule of war, destruction, takes the fore. Thus, it was, with a sense of relief, that I was pleased to see the announcement that Iran and the United States had come to some kind of understanding to cease hostilities. I think it likely, though we will probably never know, that President Trump got talked into the massive attack ...

Graduation is more than Pomp and Circumstance!

“Kids these days (fill in the blank with some negative statements) …” is a bone of contention with me. If you are wondering what kids are up to these days, I encourage you to look at your local public school because I guarantee there are amazing students doing impressive things. On June 26, we are celebrating over 100 students at Southwestern that are graduating with their high school diploma. “What’s the big deal?” some people say. “The kids are just doing the bare minimum of what they are supposed to do. When I was their age, I walked uphill both ways in 6 feet of ...

Accessibility cost of moving farmer’s market

From 2018 to 2023, I had the privilege of managing the Jamestown Farmers Market. During that time, the market survived significant challenges, including the loss of local funding support in 2020. It continued because vendors, customers, and community members fought for it—and because St. Luke's Episcopal Church leadership and congregational members stepped forward when they didn't have to. For that, I and many others remain deeply grateful. Over more than 15 years working in the local nonprofit space, I have sat in countless meetings with community leaders, elected officials, and ...

UFC event at White House is undignified

One thing has been on my mind since it was announced and I must say that, even though it is definitely not the most important thing happening with our politics right now with a fascist being in the White House and all, but this one thing it has very much bothered me. What I’m talking about is the upcoming UFC event at the White House. It’s being billed as something to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the country, as if MMA has always been a mainstay in this nation, which it has not. And while violence, prize, fighting and combat have always been a fabric of every civilization, ...