Flag flying

Why I fly my flag

September 11, 2011 Joey Cope 2

On this anniversary of September 11, 2001, I raised my United States flag to the bracket on the porch column. It was still early, but I knew that many of my neighbors would join me in this solemn act of remembrance of those dark hours a decade ago. As I [read more]

Systems that fail

March 18, 2011 Joey Cope 0

I was reminded several times this week about systems that have failed. That line of conversation would begin a lively discussion at the local coffee shop. We all have stories about our bad experiences at the hands of someone who blindly obeyed a process even though it was obviously flawed. [read more]

On human achievement

June 17, 2010 Joey Cope 0

I was fascinated by Bill Bryson’s book, “A Short History of Nearly Everything.”  Bridging topics from alchemistry to volcanoes, Bryson spun an entertaining story of scientific discovery, natural oddities, and the often humorous ways that men and women have stumbled through the ages. What I was most taken by was [read more]

Value in Faith, Part 3

March 29, 2010 Joey Cope 3

Having recently posted something that drew the criticism of some of my readers — all of whom responded with great civility by reply and by private email, I might add — I recalled that some time late last year, I promised to share my thoughts on my faith. I had [read more]

Out of Order

March 24, 2010 Joey Cope 11

I have watched closely over the past week as the final moments of legislative process led to the passing of a new health care bill.  If you have hope that what I’m about to say will enlighten you whether or not this bill is a good one, I’m going to [read more]