Rising Costs, Stagnant Results: A Crisis in Public Education

| March 26, 2025

Since 1970, the cost of K-12 education in the U.S. has skyrocketed, yet student performance has remained disappointingly flat. Data from the Cato Institute and the U.S. Department of Education highlight a troubling trend—while inflation-adjusted per-student spending has more than tripled, reading, math, and science scores have barely budged. As of 2024, the average per-student […]

Thoughts: U.S. Trade, more Tariffs and Global Retaliation

| March 18, 2025

After the January inauguration of President Trump and the confirmation of his cabinet, there was an immediate change to trade policies that included tariffs … often viewed as protectionist or at minimum leveling and reshaping the relationships with key trading partners. This month the U.S. levied 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, […]

More for TheHustings.news: A Real Economy vs a Fake Economy

| March 15, 2025

Some might say that I’m spending too much time focused on the political news coming from Washington DC these days … but so much is happening — and at a rapid pace. I’ve enjoyed spinning commentary a little more than usual this past year … and am a bit more Trumpish when posting on X.com […]

Tech Friday: Testing Gemini Deep Research Artificial Intelligence

| March 14, 2025

Since I’ve not truly committed to using artificial intelligence tools from one company, I’ve been attempting to put each of the leading AI tools through their paces. Earlier this week I tested Otter.AI to transcript from an audio recording … and now for Tech Friday this week it’s Google’s Gemini and the “Deep Research” tool […]

Excellent comments on foreign affairs by General Jack Keane

| March 12, 2025

After excellent comments by retired 4-star General Jack Keane the other day, I heard him again this past weekend with Mark Levin. No matter what your thoughts are on politics or views on foreign affairs, Jack Keane is someone with a lot of knowledge, experience and insight … and his commentary is worth listening to […]

Commentary: The President’s Joint Session of Congress Speech

| March 6, 2025

President Donald J. Trump gave a 90 minute Joint Session of Congress speech on Tuesday night and since it went a bit late, I was unable to finish my commentary for TheHustings.News “right-hand” column (a request). Being a bit late, I’m unsure the editor will now find it timely enough to include, but am adding […]

Zelenskyy commited a strategic mistake in the Oval Office

| March 1, 2025

Friday afternoon I listened to Retired Four-Star General Jack Keane talk with David Asman on Fox Business talk about the unfortunate meeting between President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Friday. It was an astute observation and worth including.      David Asman with Retired General […]

Tech media leaders are friendlier to Trump in 2025 than 2017

| February 21, 2025

Over the past year, I’ve been asked to write commentary for TheHustings.News. It isn’t really something I’ve thought about doing in the past, but I’ve enjoyed having someone “ask” me to help bolster the “right-leaning” column of their political news website (nothing earth shattering). After several columns in 2024, the editor asked if he could […]

The 2025 Daytona 500 and America is REALLY Back!

| February 18, 2025

NASCAR has always been something that I’ve taken an interest in watching. When I was a boy, I’d watch it with my brother and dad. When I was a dad, I’d watch it with my son Taylor and we collected cars and trading cars — he was a Jeff Gordon fan. These days I still […]

Excellent speech by VP JD Vance on Artificial Intelligence, etc.

| February 12, 2025

Excellent speech by US Vice President JD Vance on artificial intelligence in a summit in Paris, France. He told European and Asian leaders that the United States will dominate AI. Worth watching. NEW: JD Vance speaks at an artificial intelligence summit in Paris, France, tells European and Asian leaders that the United States will dominate […]

Downsizing Government Bloat commentary – TheHustings.news

| February 6, 2025

TheHustings.News – Commentary by Rich Corbett In a time when government spending often raises concerns about waste, fraud, abuse and inefficiency, Elon Musk and the DOGE team’s use of “read-only” access to Treasury data can be viewed as a proactive step toward enhancing accountability. The fundamental argument rests on the premise that taxpayers deserve transparency […]

Leftover political humor highlighting a U.S. postage stamp

| February 2, 2025

Although I’m sure the November 2024 election loss might still be raw for some, a leftover lampoon of the 46th president and a U.S. postage stamp “might” of had me smiling … as did “this real video” a couple months ago. It could have been tossed to the computer trash or left to humor others […]

It is not surprising, but the left continues to quietly resist

| January 30, 2025

A long time wife of a sailing friend who live in Massachusetts near her daughter,  has always been cordial and friendly, happened to included me on an email last week even though it is clear we do not share the same politics. I can’t say that I’m surprised, but was taken back at just how […]

Another opportunity for me to opine on TheHusting.news

| January 28, 2025

Getting an invite to write for the “right column” of TheHustings.news is becoming a habit. Once again the editor reached out after my January 2024 comment, “Let’s Start With a Clean Slate,” mentioning that he has a very short list of conservative writers willing to be a little more pro-Trump — a couple of his […]

Thee Ohio State Buckeyes are National Champions again

| January 21, 2025

The Ohio State Buckeyes secured a decisive victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff National Championship game held in Atlanta. Ohio State won with a final score of 34-23, clinching their first national title since 2014. Key Highlights: First Half: – Notre Dame started strong with an 18-play, 75-yard drive […]

Is the US, and the world, ready for President Trump, again?

| January 20, 2025

On January 20, 2025, Donald J. Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking his second, non-consecutive term in office. Due to anticipated freezing temperatures and high winds, the inauguration ceremony has been relocated indoors to the United States Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C.  This adjustment ensures the safety and […]

Another invitation to add my two-cents to TheHustings.news

| January 16, 2025

Last year I was invited by a longtime automotive writer and friend, Todd Lassa (photo), to help with writing right column commentary for a political news site — TheHustings.news. The network of writers and journalists he taps into skew politically left for the most part … and he felt my Republican right-leaning (and pro-Trump/Vance) views […]

Mass evacuations as fires around L.A. take lives, devastate homes, businesses and displace thousands of California residents

| January 11, 2025

It is difficult to fathom the amount of devastation happening in Southern California due to the out of control wildfires fueled by the yearly dry vegetation and Santa Anna wind blowing through the canyons and mountains around Los Angeles.  Having dense population and homes in the hills around the suburbs adds to the risk when […]

Websites and social media feeds highlighting maps intrigue me

| January 9, 2025

A map by region illustrating the larger variations of temperatures than below Since I love looking at maps of all kinds, I’m always attracted to the ones that trigger intrigue me and helps me learn a little more about our world. I especially enjoy weather related maps (perhaps they often relate to aviation and sailing), […]

A New Dawn: American Optimism Flourishes Post-2024 Election

| January 2, 2025

A palpable sense of optimism has swept across America since the November 2024 elections. The nation, having navigated a period of intense political division, now looks forward with renewed hope and confidence. The election results have sparked a collective sense of relief and of possibility, with many Americans believing that the future holds great promise […]

Private sector vs Government comparison: Wages and Benefits

| December 21, 2024

Where should you work — for the government or their private counterpart? From economist Stephen Moore: According to @RealEJAntoni‘s recent analysis, the cost of state and local government employees is a staggering 41.7% higher than their private sector counterparts.  While wages are 24.4% higher, the real kicker is benefits—an astonishing 83.0% more!

Landscape ponds, Dawn dishwashing soap and FREE advertising

| December 15, 2024

Click image of landscape pond from back in 2008 when we asphalted the rear driveway. Both have aged. ☹️ My mistake this past month was when it came to scrubbing some of the waterfall area off and using Dawn dishwashing soap … whoops! Not a big deal, but it still has creating an offseason soapy […]

Women are becoming politically liberal, as men lean conservative

| December 14, 2024

Although I’m glad the 2024 presidential election is behind us in the United States (and hope Kamala Harris becomes a lost memory), there’s a lot of angst in our country and in the world over the political direction and change.  I’m cautiously, optimistic that a Trump administration will have a foreign policy that leads to […]

Left over post-election Biden vs The Press humorous #video

| November 30, 2024

Perhaps it is just me, but this leftover video of a press corp reporter begging for President Biden to make a comment on a recent trip to South America had me laughing. Rarely do I feel sorry for the media, but in this reporter’s case, I do. 😊 

My thoughts on a smaller, more efficient government in the US

| November 20, 2024

President-Elect Donald Trump is currently preparing his list of nominees for the cabinet he needs to help advise him. Along with a few controversial picks, Trump has also added a couple of high profile names, Elon Musk and the Vivek Ramaswamy to a new advisory panel … a committee that is smugly being referred to […]

Tech Friday: Politics has triggered some people to leave X.com

| November 15, 2024

It has been a challenging week and a half for a few of my more liberal Democrat friends on the social media platform X.com (previously Twitter). I’m unsure if it is anger, disbelief or a way to strike back now that President-Elect Donald Trump won the election. Trump has been rapidly nominating his cabinet (mostly […]

The debate is on: Why did incumbents lose in the election?

| November 13, 2024

Obviously the economy ranks high as to why incumbents were on the losing team when it comes to the November 2024 election. But for me, it’s the same as it was back in 1992 when James Carville said, “It’s the economy, stupid” … although this go around it could be argued that social issues played […]

The real work begins: Setting up a 2025 Trump administration

| November 6, 2024

Finally the 2024 Presidential Election is over (the White House and U.S. Senate flips to Republican control) … but America is still waiting to see who will control the House of Representatives.  It has been a taxing election for American voters and likely even those just watching overseas. Both allies and adversaries are wondering what […]

Last minute political question since we vote in the US is tomorrow

| November 4, 2024

Most people can answer to the “4 years ago” question (below), but a more important question in my view would be, “Do you think you and your family would be better off under a Harris or Trump presidency in the next 4 years?” Both presidential candidates have leadership records to run on, so compare wisely […]

Always have a backup plan, even if Trump/Vance are confident

| October 30, 2024

Besides the impressive rally at Madison Square Gardens last weekend, the relentless schedule being pushed in these final days (months actually) of the 2024 Presidential Election must be exhausting. Donald Trump as done everything from working at McDonald’s, to podcasts, or large outdoor rallies … one that nearly took his life. JD Vance has been […]

The 2024 Presidential Election is around the corner

| October 19, 2024

It is difficult to escape the political ads, commentary and “web of lies” that continue to be spun by candidates and political action committees. I know that I’m not alone in wanting it to “just be over.”  I’ve told friends and family that they should just ignore everything that is posted on the Internet and […]

The November 2024 election is ONE month away. Vote wisely.

| October 5, 2024

In case you are looking for guidance when it comes to who you elect to run your city, county, state or country … put this thought in the back of your mind when it comes to who has been putting their thumb on the scale (think lawfare) and which political party “might” … no guarantee […]

CBS VP Debate: Ohio Normal meets Minnesota Nice (opinion)

| October 3, 2024

Although I’ve never fancied myself a journalist or a writer, in today’s socially connected world, it is interesting to see news and opinion evolving closer to the people. Citizen journalism is really real, now that all of us can share our thoughts on a variety of subjects, not the least of which is politics.  An […]

National Debt now $35.4 TRILLION. That’s $2.3T more in a year.

| October 2, 2024

The government under Biden/Harris has been totally irresponsible when it comes to spending.  They’ve shown zero interest in working towards a balanced budget and have put us another $2.3 TRILLION dollars further in debt (they are spending way more than they collect in taxes). Of course there’s nothing new to this fiscal malfeasance … it […]

Why such a hullabaloo over Heritage’s Project 2025?

| September 22, 2024

The number of times that the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 has come up in conversation recently had me interested to know just what is so good or evil about it. To even have Former President Donald Trump declare he “hasn’t read it or even cares to know what is in it,” yet it still has […]

Campaign Confusion: Will the real Kamala Harris please stand up

| September 7, 2024

As the US Presidential Election looms, we still really don’t know how Kamala Harris intends to govern — it’s been 1-1/2 months since President Biden stepped down. And many of us have questions: What are her policies? From a few appearances … by that I mean ONE interview …  are we expected to believe the her […]

Tech Friday: Big Tech’s data access knows no bounds … and neither do some politicians and government agencies

| September 6, 2024

Europe and their big government overreaches in restricting personal liberty by American standards, but that same heavy handedness often does more that the U.S. to protect an individual’s privacy from Big Tech and their sweeping data collection machines.  Ever since social media and cloud-oriented companies desired to take ownership of their users data, it has […]

What does a “1913 tire ad” have to do with a political X.com post?

| August 9, 2024

While looking on Wikipedia for  for the history of old the adage “A picture is worth a thousand words,” I came across an interesting 1913 newspaper clipping from the town just south of my adopted hometown of Sidney, Ohio — that of Piqua, Ohio.  It is always interesting to stumble across tidbits from the past […]

President Biden stands down and endorses VP Kamala Harris

| July 23, 2024

The political news this past weekend, after a successful Republican Convention in Milwaukee WI, was that President Joe Biden finally succumbing to pressure and bowed out of his 2024 re-election campaign. For most paying attention, it has been clear for sometime that age was catching up to him. Most in the know, saw the obvious […]

Republicans at unparalleled unity after their 2024 Convention

| July 20, 2024

Every once in a while when reading a favorite 3-column news website for “political animals,” TheHustings.News, I will reply with a comment — especially when I receive an email from the editor who ask me to add a “right column” post or comment. 😉  So this week as a non-writer, I responded while watching the […]

Nice to have a young LOCAL conservative running with Trump

| July 16, 2024

Semi-surprised at the VP pick by the almost GOP nominee, Donald Trump (later this week), but for those who would like to see someone younger, JD Vance from our area of SW Ohio is not a bad choice. I enjoyed learning about his background from both his book, Hillbilly Elegy  … and movie by Ron […]

Tech Friday: OS woes and a Mars Edit software update

| July 12, 2024

Although the Late 2012 Intel-based iMac is “aging better than President Biden,”  my desktop iMac is struggling and is no longer being used as my primary computer. Still … it does work as a larger twin 27” screens desktop computer along side my MacBook Air M2 these days. Recently I cross my fingers when updating […]

Impressive US stock market rally yesterday and political winds

| July 11, 2024

Those of us following the stock market and managing investments can’t help but smile at the strong U.S. financial markets on Wednesday and so far this summer. For some who “sell in May and go away” (as the idiom goes) … they are are not smiling quite as much. As a long term value investor, […]

How old is too old to be POTUS … or is it a cognitive thing?

| July 6, 2024

Reading “view from the right” on TheHustings.news this week has me wondering if our presidential candidates are getting too old … or if age is not the factor, perhaps having candidates pass the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) would be helpful?  Retirement Ages — by Stephen Macaulay Here’s something for your July 4th distraction, a list […]

Hurricane season 2024 hits those in the Caribbean #Beryl

| July 3, 2024

Yes it is hurricane season … and yes, the water temperatures are above historic norms … but climate change alarmists pretending to be CNN journalists are blaming fossil fuels directly.  This isn’t factual or sound science. There are those who study climate change and global warming who hypothesize that the use of carbon-based fuels and […]

Watching President Biden struggle as he ages is difficult, even for those of us who disagree with his leadership and policies

| June 29, 2024

This past week, I had the intention of blogging in a bit more detail on the first Biden – Trump Presidential Debate … but it almost feels wrong to be critical of President Biden in his current rapidly deteriorating condition. I’m not sure he will make a second debate no matter how accommodating it is […]

Bidenomics, Inflation, Moral Decay and the Cost Of Living

| June 26, 2024

Have you noticed that food, housing and energy aren’t the only things that have gone up in the three-plus years of President Biden and his Bidenomics (heavy government spending AND regulation — especially on energy)? Recent reports have also detailed how insurance rates and property taxes have risen and are rising … by hundreds, if […]

Can you tell that it is going to be a contentious election year?

| June 1, 2024

With partisan Democrats controlling “some” city and state governments … and our Federal bureaucracy hanging on by a thread … it is no surprise to see the United States looking like the totalitarian regimes we see in Communist Russia, China, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, etc (sidelining their political opposition). I can only assume Progressives, and […]

Using Perplexity.AI and the news of the day: Trump Convicted

| May 31, 2024

It is Tech Friday, but because I’ve already prepared and posted, I still wanted to highlight the newsworthy headline story regarding the politically motivated trial against former president and the likely Republican candidate for president, Donald J. Trump. So opted to test the relatively “new to me” AI client (Perplexity.AI) by asking: Can you summarize […]

A Cardinal keeps triggering the Wyze Cam and Panera Inflation

| May 25, 2024

No matter how I set the trigger, our friendly cardinal regularly triggers a warning on our Wyze Cam. He is enjoyable to watch and so I really don’t mind it.  On the other hand, I DO MIND the price increases hitting Americans at the gas pump, grocery store and restaurants … not to mention nearly […]

Tech Friday: Some AI voice testing with NPR Editor Uri Berliner’s “Here’s How We Lost America’s Trust” article

| April 12, 2024

Who isn’t … or more appropriately wasn’t … fond of listening to the interesting and smooth-toned audio that was  part of National Public Radio (NPR) in the previous century. I spent an exorbitant amount of time in my car back then and listened to static-riddled politically conservative radio talk shows on AM radio and liberally […]

Yes, Virgina, there is inflation (but how about a soft-landing?)

| April 6, 2024

The subject line is my questionable twist on the Francis Church response to Virginia O’Hanlon in 1897, Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus (see below). All of us “seeing” inflation month after month really don’t question its existence, but we do wonder how long inflation will continue a higher than the desired two percent […]

Books: “The Decisive Decade” by Jonathan DT Ward

| April 3, 2024

Last week I downloaded a book from the library by Jonathan DT Ward after hearing him mention it on a Fox Business program. He is a regular contributor and expert on China; I’ve always thought of him as knowledgeable and a younger version of Micheal Pillsbury (prevous book). The book is titled, “The Decisive Decade: […]

An analogy of Republicans in Congress #DarkHumor

| April 2, 2024

The humor may be dark, but each time I think the Republican controlled Congress (although barely the majority) might be trying to curtail the excessive spending or the heavy-handed policies enacted by President Biden or progressive Democrats, they fail due to infighting amongst themselves. It is ridiculous just how dysfunctional these “roaring” Republicans are as […]

Ronald Reagan was sharp with Johnny Carson [video for #TBT]

| March 28, 2024

As we approach another presidential election in November 2024 (it is still a long way off) … I find myself wishing we had Ronald Reagan on the ballot. I’ve yet to decide whether he put my political ideology into words, or if his political desires and presidency formed the positions I hold today? Whatever, this is […]

A strong day for the stock market, Trump’s campaign and $DTJ

| March 27, 2024

Amazing day for the stock market again. It looks like more high inflation and that this kind of strong market confidence may push off Fed rate cuts until inflation drops closer to 2%, unemployment begins to rise or the entire economy hits the skids. On the other hand, this  irrational exuberance looking excitement (Crypto, $RDDT, […]

Should TikTok be banned, divested or remain Chinese owned?

| March 20, 2024

I’m of the opinion that there are three basic issues we Americans need to address when discussing what should be done with TikTok — be it a ban, divested ownership or continue under Chinese ownership and control.  The Chinese Communist Party (government) uses the social media platform to collect data on U.S. citizens/user and feeds […]

Food for thought: “Marxism isn’t an ideology at all – it’s a tactic”

| March 12, 2024

Political ideology has always interesting me. I was aware of different philosophies early on since an intellectual best friend from high school was way to the left  and interested in Socialism and Marxism.   Charlie Matthews (Kamikaze) seemed like a leftover from the 1960s and even back in the 1970s and 80s supported the Marxist […]

Pondering the Presidential Election on November 5th, 2024

| March 5, 2024

The presidential election for 2024 is nowhere close to being certain (7 months away), but it is looking more and more like a repeat of 2020: President Joe Biden (81) and Donald Trump (77) … an election for the “aged.” 😉  Outkick.com host and WWE wrestler, Tyrus made an interesting analogy last week comparing the […]

More college loan debt forgiveness by POTUS Biden

| February 28, 2024

Court ‘Didn’t Stop Me’ – “ The President ignores the law again as he forgives more student debt. The total is now $138 billion and counting.” WSJOpinion February 23, 2024 article link He’s not really cancelling anything because he’s transferring the debt from the borrowers it benefited to the taxpayers who will finance it with […]

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog