The Judiciary – An Important Pillar of our Democracy
This country was founded in rebellion against the tyranny of the King of England. To build a more perfect union, our revolutionary Founding Fathers created a democracy based on 3 pillars – the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary – a system of checks and balances designed to prevent the tyranny of a monarchy. […]
Advice from Socrates for today’s lawyer.
Most of the principles embodied in the Constitution and Bill of Rights were developed in England centuries ago in response to the tyranny of the monarchy. But many of the ideas that gave rise to such principles go back even farther in time. More than 2,000 years ago Greek philosophers seriously examined such topics as freedom and justice. […]
Deportations. Part 1
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist. […]
Grace & Grit by Ken and Treya Wilber
I have been reading Grace and Grit by Ken and Treya Wilber. This book is a gift to humanity. […]
Reflections on the Election of Trump – A Historical Perspective
As one of the billions of human beings on this planet, I believe all people are created equal, including woman, Hispanics and Muslims. As an attorney, I believe the Bill of Rights is perhaps the greatest legal document ever written. […]
When grown men cry – in Honor of Dr. Ted Waller
On Saturday I attended the memorial service for Ted Waller, my orthopaedic doctor, my neighbor and my friend. […]
It is time to abolish SSI disability for children
On the surface this proposition sounds harsh. However, a close look at this welfare program reveals this program does more harm than good. […]
Lessons learned from the death of loved ones
I just finished reading When Breath Becomes Air, a beautifully written book by a doctor struggling with cancer. The book touched my Heart and reminded me of some powerful lessons I learned from the death of two very dear friends. […]
5 Tips for avoiding trouble with the NC State Bar
I have been practicing law in North Carolina for 35 years. Based on my experience, here are a few tips for younger practitioners on how to avoid trouble with the NC State Bar. […]
The view from my window
Several years ago I sold my office building and began working from home. I converted a small bedroom into a very cozy office. My desk abuts a window that looks out to what seems to be a forest of trees but is merely my front yard. Through the trees I can see my neighbor’s house across the street. […]
Advanced Directives – we all need them
Although I love my job, I want to admit that practicing law for 35 years has made me paranoid. I keep telling people I see the “1%” every day, and I get funny looks. […]
The attack on the disabled is baffling
I believe that how a society treats its elderly and disabled reveals its true character. For three decades I have represented disabled individuals in their effort to obtain federal disability benefits. The disability program of the Social Security Administration (SSDI) helps more than 10 million disabled Americans. Although I do not have data on the disability programs of other countries, I suspect that SSDI helps more disabled individuals than any other government program on this planet. […]
