Columns

What’s in a name?

Our nation was founded upon the argument that no government can be fair and just unless the people who are being governed remain forever devoted to liberty and virtue. Our Founding Fathers argued long and hard about this predicament. They neither trusted themselves to be infallible, nor did they put their faith in the rule of a pure democracy or a monarch. What they did instead was, they compromised. They authored a constitution designed to preserve the rights of individuals and protect against the tyranny of the majority. They inserted many levels of “checks and balances” and they structured a government with clear separations of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches. They awarded every man the right to vote, but only for a representative and not a direct vote in the new congress.

What is it about summer vacation that brings fear into every parent’s life? Is it the inevitable boredom that will strike? The endless days of no routine and structure? The lazy mornings and late evenings? When teenagers don’t have a lot to do, does it spell trouble, or is it a well deserved break?

The fourth annual “Taking Parkinson’s to the Mat” benefit event, held at Bacchus Landing last Saturday, proved successful. Wonder Bread 5 played while people danced, gathered, ate paella and wood-fired pizza and smashburgers, sipped wine, and yes, attended a mass participation yoga class. The joie de vivre was palpable.

For the new year I am going to concentrate on better communication. Communication is the cornerstone of any good relationship. And, I’m worried about my long-term relationship with my wife. Our hearing isn’t what it used to be and when she’s talking I’m not always hearing.

Excerpts from back issues of the Healdsburg Tribune, as curated by the Healdsburg Museum and Historic Society, from 100, 75 and 50 years ago...