Author Archives: Jim

Good times in the war room

Posted on April 30, 2019 by Jim

My war room experience was with the telephone company. The principle of a war room is to bring all the decisionmakers together in once place to bypass bureaucracy and act quickly. This concept makes sense for utility companies that must … Continue reading →

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Farewell to newsprint

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Jim

When I walked out to the driveway, my morning newspaper was missing. Again. No problem: The Albuquerque Journal has an electronic edition and I read it on my iPad, as I do when I’m out of town. Then it occurred to … Continue reading →

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Impeach the President. Please.

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Jim

It’s time for Congress to impeach President Trump. Democrats have been teasing us with impeachment porn for two years now. Congressmen claim to have evidence that’s “beyond circumstantial” that Trump colluded with Russia to steal the 2016 election but, inexplicably, … Continue reading →

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Missing the bus

Posted on January 22, 2019 by Jim

Public transportation is controversial in my adopted home state of New Mexico. The Rail Runner, a commuter train line from Belen to Santa Fe, is hemorrhaging money and losing ridership. In Albuquerque a new bus rapid-transit system is more than … Continue reading →

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A graceful exit

Posted on December 14, 2018 by Jim

The recent announcement of General Motors plant closings brought back memories of my career with Illinois Bell. During my 22 years at the company, sweeping changes in technology and the court-ordered breakup of AT&T resulted in serial downsizing. During my … Continue reading →

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Putting words in the boss’ mouth

Posted on November 28, 2018 by Jim

Writing has been central to my career, and writing executive speeches is part of my portfolio. I got my start as a speechwriter when the Bureau of Naval Personnel, in an uncharacteristic display of logic, matched my degree in journalism … Continue reading →

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Of suits and sandals

Posted on September 23, 2018 by Jim

I need a new suit. Usually a blazer or sports coat is as formal as I get for dress-up social occasions or the opera, but I have one good suit for weddings and funerals. I had not worn the suit … Continue reading →

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The Navy’s Chicago mafia

Posted on July 24, 2018 by Jim

The idea of the Navy reserve is to prepare sailors for mobilization by immersing them in the Navy experience one weekend a month. For reservists who live nowhere near a ship or air station, this means reporting in uniform to … Continue reading →

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The rise and fall of objective journalism

Posted on June 27, 2018 by Jim

We keep hearing from the punditocracy that President Trump’s conflict with the news media is an existential threat to freedom of the press. I’m not buying it. Conflict between government and the press is rooted in American history. No one … Continue reading →

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Surnames for Pyongyang

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Jim

There’s a lot of skepticism about President Trump’s negotiations with North Korea, and how difficult it will be to persuade the hermit kingdom to give up its nuclear weapons. But it may be possible if – IF – we offer … Continue reading →

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