Because strong leaders always do what is best for their people

"We live in a society obsessed with public opinion. But leadership has never been about popularity." Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State


Some of the decisions that the US Executive Branch under President Donald J. Trump is making will likely be long-lasting and continue with future elected presidents, because, let's face it, they make sense. These decisions are controversial and unpopular. But, effective political leaders make the hard decisions that are best for their own people. A healthy "America First" policy is not wrong.

Two of these controversial decisions are:

1. Manufacturing. Why does America need to have Mexico and Canada build our cars for us, when we can employ our own people and put the money into our economy? Former presidential candidate and successful businessman Ross Perot warned us that NAFTA would lead to the great sucking sound, with manufacturing facilities and jobs leaving the USA. We now know that is true. If DJT can begin to shift jobs back to the USA, future elected presidents will not likely undue this because of the transformational change it will have upon the US economy.

2. US Customs. A more recent issue arising is the US questioning whether it should be paying for customs officers in several of the large Canadian airports so that Canadians can skip the large lines when they arrive by plane on US soil, lines the rest of the world hasto wait in. . This practice started in the 1950s, and America has been paying for this service for Canadians. The US ambassador to Canada raised this issue last week while we was with Canadian business leaders. In recent months, the Canadian government, with the help of mainstream media, has been pushing boycott America. I understand why Canadians are upset and won't travel to US. Yet, this decision to boycott can't continue without serious repercussions upon our Customs and Border policies like the one name here. Why should America pay or this anymore?

By Duane Brown October 31, 2025
God's truth sustains us in times of grief and loss
By Duane Brown October 21, 2025
I had the privilege of preaching at Wilmore Free Methodist Church. Here's a link to the video.  Sermon: Injustice and the trial of Jesus 
By Duane Brown October 15, 2025
10 Signs Your NonProfit Board May Be The Root Cause Of Your Organizational Dysfunction Part 1 By Duane E. Brown, Ph.D We like to lay blame on the CEO and/or staff for the dysfunction within non-profits. However, the time has come to begin to lay blame at the root of the leadership, or lack of it, by the board of directors. Not one of the following signs may alone be a major issue. Yet, if you see one of these signs I bet you can find many others. Here are 10 signs your nonprofit board is a root cause of your nonprofit's dysfunction. 1 . Constant staff leadership turnover at the top. When your CEOs or executive directors keep leaving for greener pastures, are angry, or burned out, look at the relationship the leaders had with the board. In this root cause, the board is often difficult to please, mired in politicization, micromanaging, or offering an unfair compensation plan. 2. The organization lacks clear vision and a written strategy. If your nonprofit lacks vision and a written strategy that is public, blame the board not the CEO. The board has a major part to play ensuring the CEO has these documents in place and that they are being implemented. These should be regularly communicated to the staff and key aspects of the 3. The CEO is weak or mired in internal conflicts with staff. When you have an ineffective leader at the helm, and s/he continues, the fault lies with the board for choosing the wrong leader or allowing an ineffective leader to continue unchecked. This dysfunction works its way throughout the organization, no matter how large or small. Subordinates quickly exit the toxicity caused by this weak leader. 4. Board members never leave. Board members serving for decades is unhealthy. In rare situations you will find long term board members who are effective in their roles. Boards that don’t make room for new members don’t make room for fresh ideas, new money, and new relationships. 5. Longstanding dysfunctional culture. Boards are responsible for the health of a culture. Their roles is not simply financial. If you have a toxic organizational culture, look first to the board. You will discover a board that is not involved in creating a healthy culture, not holding the CEO responsible for “fixing” the staff culture. Stay tuned for Part 2
By Duane Brown October 8, 2025
It is time to begin to pray the entire Serenity Prayer
By Duane Brown October 1, 2025
Update: I'm now 16+ months into underemployment. So, I've dug deep into my reservoir of courage to be a substitute teacher in the public schools. It's hard work, let me tell you. The experiences have taught me so much, and I am observing first hand what it's like to be a public school teachers. Let's not forget our public school teachers. Let's prop them up with encouragement and prayers every chance we get. Let's volunteer even an hour a week to help them succeed in their roles. My wife, Patty, and daughter, Liz are serving as public school teachers in the Jessamine County Public School systems. Having substituted in the schools where they serve, it has been an eye opening experience as I've learned about the blessings and challenges of serving in public education. Here are five insights: Our kids our precious... the hallways of our schools are filled with precious littles and teens. They are smart, talented, and eager to learn. I am so excited with what I see roaming through the hallways of our public schools. Teachers are givers... these heroes give and give, and give and give, and give and give, and give and give. You get my point. These men and women are constantly giving of their time and energy to the next generation. Teachers are tired... they work long hours, often seven days a week, for the sake of our children. Teachers need those many weeks off in the summer to recuperated. And most don't take off all the time the deserve because they're pouring out to get ready for the next school year. Teachers are heroes ...They possess huge amounts of courage and perseverance every day to tackle the challenges of the public school educational environment. Teachers give our world hope... they're are models to me (and our kids) of hard work. They serve on the front lines of the American workforce. They're changing lives, one student at a time.
By Duane Brown September 11, 2025
Charlie Kirk was possessed by eternal priorities
By Duane Brown March 4, 2025
Could it be that Canadians are being duped by the Liberal Party?
By Duane Brown March 3, 2025
Deep down, informed Ukrainians know that their president failed them.
By Duane Brown February 25, 2025
Here's what I think about the Feb 25, 2025 UN resolution
By Duane Brown March 14, 2023
What would your response be...?