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We Need to Stop Warrantless Spying on Americans. Here’s How.

In history, National News, News Media, Opinion, Politics, Uncategorized on April 17, 2026 at 9:38 am

COURTESY: The New York Times – April 17, 2026

A photo of a blurry surveillance camera, in the foreground, against a sharper-focused seascape in the background.
Credit…Grade Solomon

By Mike Lee and Dick Durbin

Mr. Lee and Mr. Durbin are senators.

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This article was updated to reflect news developments.

We disagree on many issues. One of us is a longtime Democrat, the other a conservative Republican. But both of us are deeply concerned about warrantless government surveillance of the American people.

In 2008, Congress enacted Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to allow the government to gather vital intelligence about foreign governments, terrorists and spies. The problem is that it has also allowed agencies like the F.B.I. and the National Security Agency to regularly gather and search through the private communications of American citizens without a warrant. That is a clear violation of rights protected by the Constitution.

It’s true that Section 702 doesn’t allow the direct targeting of Americans, but their communications are still often gathered during the warrantless surveillance of foreigners abroad. Once the government has this data, agencies then have the ability to search through it. And they do: Transparency reports reveal that thousands of such searches are performed every year. A federal court previously found that some the F.B.I. had conducted had violated the Fourth Amendment.

Predictably, without a requirement for court approval of these searches, abuses have been rampant. As a recent report from the Brennan Center for Justice highlighted, F.B.I. agents in recent years have searched for the communications of “protesters across the political spectrum; members of Congress; a congressional chief of staff; a state court judge; multiple U.S. government officials, journalists and political commentators; and 19,000 donors to a political campaign.” In a time of extreme partisanship, these abuses have provoked bipartisan outrage.

Congress should have a serious and informed debate on these issues rather than ramming through a reauthorization of Section 702 with minimal reforms yet again, sidelining Americans’ constitutional rights in the process.

That’s why the two of us have proposed the Security and Freedom Enhancement (SAFE) Act, a compromise that would reauthorize the valuable core of this tool while enacting reasonable safeguards to protect the Fourth Amendment rights of all Americans.

The government would still be able to check its databases to uncover connections between targeted foreigners and Americans. But it would have to get court approval in the small number of cases in which these searches have generated results and the government has a proper basis for gaining access to the contents of the communications. Importantly, our warrant requirement also contains robust exceptions for legitimate emergencies, so that we can balance civil liberties with legitimate security needs.

Our bill would also cut off another form of warrantless surveillance: the widespread practice of circumventing the Fourth Amendment by purchasing Americans’ sensitive information from data brokers.

The Department of Justice (including the Drug Enforcement Administration and the F.B.I.), the Department of Homeland Security (including ICE, Customs and Border Patrol and the Secret Service) and the Defense Intelligence Agency have purchased cellphone location information for millions of Americans. Such information is highly sensitive and can reveal intimate details of that person’s life. Even more troubling, artificial intelligence could supercharge such surveillance, allowing the government to harvest and analyze mass quantities of highly personal and sensitive information about Americans without court approval. Our legislation would close these loopholes — again with pragmatic exceptions to accommodate legitimate safety and security needs.

Congress should not take an all-or-nothing approach to reauthorizing Section 702. We have the time and the responsibility to get this right. Members may disagree about what reforms are required — that’s why we have debates and amendments. But simply extending the law without any changes to protect Americans’ privacy should be off the table.

We owe it to the American people to meet this moment and do our jobs to protect both national security and civil liberties. Our bill offers a bipartisan solution to do just that.

Mike Lee, Republican of Utah, and Dick Durbin, Democrat of Illinois, are senators.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And here’s our email: letters@nytimes.com.

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Rogue nation: USA

In National News, Opinion, Politics, Uncategorized, World News on January 11, 2026 at 11:24 pm

Deer In Headlines

By Gery Deer

I’ve avoided direct political commentary but, on this subject, it’s hard to remain silent. I’m sickened by the recent behavior of our federal government – all three branches. Whatever your political affiliation, it is impossible to look at the behavior of the current American administration and call it normal. 

What we are witnessing is not tough diplomacy or considered leadership, but a pattern of outlandish conduct that mocks international law and the values the United States claims to champion. When power is exercised without restraint, justification becomes propaganda and accountability disappears.

First, there’s the kidnapping and prosecution of a sitting president of Venezuela. Nicolás Maduro may be a corrupt, authoritarian, drug-trafficking criminal. But none of that gives the U.S. Government legal or moral authority to invade a sovereign nation, seize its head of state, and drag him into an American courtroom without extradition or due process.

Defenders argue that Venezuela’s constitution explicitly prohibits extraditing its own citizens, and the bilateral extradition treaty has long been shaky, suspended in practice by Caracas itself. However, that does not excuse abduction. When lawful avenues are blocked, the answer is not to ignore law altogether. The absence of a workable treaty is not permission to kidnap; it is proof that diplomacy and international pressure, however slow, are the legitimate tools.

This is not how a nation behaves that claims to respect due process. When the world’s most powerful democracy discards extradition treaties and international courts, it signals that rules apply only to the weak. History demonstrates that such a precedent will not protect Americans when the balance of power shifts.

We have been down a similar road before. In 2003, the United States invaded Iraq and removed its leader under the banner of national security. In hindsight, no weapons of mass destruction were found – the years-long operation failed. Hundreds of thousands died. A region was destabilized. Extremism flourished. American credibility was deeply damaged. The lesson should have been clear: removing leaders by force creates chaos, not democracy. Yet here we are again, acting as though power excuses everything.

As if that were not reckless enough, the same administration now speaks openly about literally stealing Greenland from Denmark, as though the territory were merely a trinket to be bought, bullied, or taken by force. Denmark is a NATO ally and Greenland’s people have repeatedly said, “no thanks.” The insanity of a United States military invasion and seizure is unprecedented. It’s forced occupation and shatters trust with allies.

We are told these actions keep us safe and project strength. Instead, they isolate us, invite retaliation, and encourage other nations to discard restraint. When America behaves like regimes it once condemned, the moral high ground collapses beneath our feet.

What is perhaps most alarming is the resistant silence. Congress, entrusted by the Constitution with oversight, war powers, and the duty to restrain executive excess, appears paralyzed. Some lawmakers mutter concerns and look away. Too many say nothing, whether from fear or calculation. This is not how a functioning republic responds to dangerous overreach.

The Democratic Party looks toothless. Republicans who should speak out remain complicit. Checks and balances mean nothing if not exercised. History will not be kind to those who watched democracy collapse and did nothing to prevent it.

Once respected because it claimed to stand for something great and honorable, the U.S. now risks becoming a cautionary tale. Feared and mocked rather than trusted and admired. 

And all of this would be just as wrong if the other party did it and none of it is patriotic. Patriotism is not blind loyalty to a leader or party. Patriotism is fidelity to principles: the rule of law, respect for sovereignty, restraint in the use of force, and accountability at home. Plus, when billions are spent on coercion while vulnerable children, seniors, and veterans lose essential services, moral priorities have evaporated. 

If this behavior continues unchecked, the damage will outlast any presidency. Democracy demands courage from lawmakers who will resist, and citizens unwilling to excuse abuses of power perpetrated in their name. Laws can be repaired, and alliances restored, but only if someone is finally willing to draw a line and Congress acts with courage, and constitutional responsibility.

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Dayton area PR firm named agency of record for controversial biotech author

In Books, Dayton Ohio News, Education, Health, Literature, National News, Print Media, Technology, Uncategorized on October 30, 2025 at 1:45 pm

GLD Enterprises Communications, Ltd. Named Agency of Record for Biotech Whistleblower Becky McClain’s New Memoir, “Exposed”

Jamestown, OH — October 30, 2025 — GLD Enterprises Communications, Ltd. (GLD Communications), a strategic media marketing and public relations firm based in Jamestown, Ohio, has been named the agency of record for biotech whistleblower Becky McClain, author of the explosive new book, “Exposed,” which hits shelves October 28 from Skyhorse Publishing.

Led by founder and creative director Gery L. Deer, GLD Communications will oversee all media access management for McClain, whose story has already sparked widespread interest. The agency will also manage social media engagement and coordinate interviews and appearances related to the book’s release.

“This is a story that demands attention,” said Gery L. Deer. “Becky McClain’s courage in speaking out—despite enormous personal and professional risk—embodies the kind of integrity we strive to amplify. GLD Communications is honored to support her mission and ensure her voice reaches the audiences who need to hear it.”

“Exposed” chronicles McClain’s harrowing journey from molecular biologist to whistleblower, detailing her legal battle against a major biotech corporation over alleged safety violations and retaliation. The book dives deep into the ethical and regulatory failures she witnessed, offering a sobering look at the intersection of science, corporate power, and public health. The topic has proven highly controversial, drawing attention from journalists, activists, and policymakers alike.

Consumer advocate Ralph Nader, who was involved in the original case, penned the book’s powerful foreword, lending further weight to McClain’s revelations. Early media coverage has included interviews with national outlets and investigative podcasts, with more expected following the book’s release.

McClain’s voice resonates throughout the pages of her book. “I’ve written this book as a witness to a system gone bad — a system that breaks people bad — a system that threatens the public’s health, workers’ rights, and America’s right to freedom of speech,” she states, underscoring the urgency and personal cost of her journey.

“Exposed” is more than a memoir—it’s a call to action. Through meticulous documentation and emotional candor, McClain invites readers to examine the intersection of science, ethics, and power. The book also explores the broader implications for workers in high-risk industries and the mechanisms that protect—or fail to protect—them.

The book is poised to become a touchstone in discussions about whistleblower protections and corporate transparency. As the biotech industry continues to evolve, McClain’s story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of scientific advancement––and the ongoing risks to worker safety as well as public health in a world still marked by the pain and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective immediately, all media inquiries, interview requests, and public engagement related to “Exposed” will be handled through GLD Communications. For more information or to request media access, contact the agency directly via email gdeer@gldenterprises.net. “Exposed” is available now on Amazon.com and in bookstores. Questions about the publisher or distribution should be directed to the offices of Skyhorse Publishing, New York, New York.

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Exploring Radio Independence at Dayton Hamvention 2025

In Dayton Ohio News, Local News, National News, News Media, Technology, Uncategorized, World News on May 20, 2025 at 4:12 pm

By Gery Deer

Courtesy Xenia Daily Gazette

Editor’s Note:

An update from the Dayton Hamvention officials on May 28th reads as follows: The 2025 Hamvention set a new high attendance record with 36,814 attendees. The general chair, Brian Markland, said he felt fabulous about watching large crowds of amateur radio enthusiasts from all over the world enjoying exhibits, forums, and the flea market. 

XENIA — Before cell phones or the internet, there was amateur, or “ham,” radio.

Once a year, thousands of enthusiasts descend on the Greene County Fairground and Expo Center in Xenia for the largest amateur radio convention in the world – Dayton Hamvention. Although final numbers will not be tallied for some time, organizers estimate that this year’s turnout exceeded the 35,000 attendees of 2024.

During Dayton Hamvention, participants from as many as 30 countries had the opportunity to see and buy the latest technology, attend educational and informational forums, sit for radio license exams, and take part in youth activities. This year’s event also included groups of young radio enthusiasts, organizations from all over the country made up of young people interested in both the analog and digital nature of amateur radio.

Jim Gifford, call sign N8KET, is the chairman of the media committee for Dayton Hamvention. He shared this year’s theme – Radio Independence – noting that what makes this event so important and impactful to the amateur radio community is the people. One of his favorite moments of this year’s event happened on Friday. “We had 73 students of the Community STEAM Academy (Science Technology Engineering Art and Math) in Xenia here,” he said. “They were really excited to learn how amateur radio relates to science and even space communication.”

With some 800,000 licensed ham radio operators in the United States alone, there is a remarkable sense of community among radio operators, regardless of geography. “It’s so nice for all of us in the local area to be able to come to Hamvention, but then you have to stop and think, this is a big ham fest,” said Glenn Rodgers, WI80, assistant chairman of the event’s media committee. “This is the biggest ham gathering in the world, and we’re so fortunate to be able to come to something like this in this area and it’s an honor to work here.”

Amateur radio enthusiasts, vendors, and organizations from around the world converged at the Dayton Hamvention. Here’s a promotional booth for Tokyo Hamfair.

With such widespread interest, one might expect the world’s current geopolitical tension would hamper those relationships. According to Gifford, it does not. “We have a multitude of political views here,” he said. “But we’re ham operators, we take care of each other.”

“Because you meet people,” Gifford continued. “We talk to people all over the world. Just the other day, I spoke to somebody from Norway, and somebody from Italy, and it crosses barriers. It really does.”

Most amateur radio enthusiasts are known on the air, and to each other, only by their call sign, an alphanumeric identification given to each license holder by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Jesse Walker, N8XC, is U.S. Navy Veteran, and business development manager with Aegis Protective Services in Eaton. He’s been involved in amateur radio since the age of 15. He explained that, although the call signs are assigned, they become part of your identity.

“Many of us only know each other by our call sign,” Walker explained, who is a member of the Preble Amateur Radio Association in Preble County. “Coming here, we get to meet face-to-face often for the first time.”

Both Rodgers and Gifford also noted that, apart from being a hobby for some, ham operators play an important role in the community during emergencies. “Amateur radio groups work as sky spotters during severe weather, they work with and support our area first responders, providing backup communications and volunteers during local emergencies,” Gifford said.

“Essentially, the Preble Amateur Radio Association is involved in public service,” said Jesse Walker. “We work with the Preble County emergency management agency. Our motto in amateur radio emergency service is, ‘when all else fails.’”

Other amateur radio convention organizers also attend to promote their own events. Huntsville Hamfest, held annually in Huntsville, Alabama, is one such organization. Mark Brown, N4BCD, is the chairperson for the Huntsville Hamfest Association. “Ours is the third largest Ham radio convention in the country, behind Dayton and Orlando, Florida,” Brown said. “We all cooperate and help support each other’s events.”

Mark Brown, N4BCD, and Kelley Johns, W4VPZ, (pictured) provided information about the Huntsville Hamfest in Alabama.

Brown suggested the consistent growth of these events and interest in amateur radio is due in part to younger people learning about its technical diversity. “I think to attract kids, we’ve got to show different aspects of the hobby, like the satellite communications, the youth on the air, and the parks on the air,” he said. “Get youth involved in it. That’s one thing these events do is bring all ages together.”

Planning for next year’s Dayton Hamvention is already underway. For more information visit hamvention.org.

Glenn Rodgers and Jim Gifford, media committee
Jesse Walker, N8XC, is U.S. Navy Veteran, and business development manager with Aegis Protective Services in Eaton.
Flea market area had booth after booth of high tech and vintage technology.
“Handiham” program provides connection for radio enthusiasts of limited physical ability.

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Booker: Truth to Power

In history, National News, News Media, Opinion, Politics, sociology, Uncategorized, World News on April 11, 2025 at 1:57 pm

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

Last week, we saw an incredible example of unmitigated patriotism to provide a voice for those who have none in the face of a president who runs roughshod over anyone who dares oppose him. Cory Anthony Booker, the senior senator from New Jersey, took and held the Senate floor for 25 hours and 5 minutes in a marathon speech in opposition to President Trump’s haphazard and potentially illegal actions during the first three months of his term.

Until now, congressional resistance toward the president has been lackluster, to say the least. This is understandable considering the GOP’s control in both houses and the way this administration has reacted to any opposition, as a petulant child would on a playground when denied an ice cream cone. It’s embarrassing and troubling. Congressional town hall meetings across the country have been disrupted by constituents demanding that Trump be held accountable for the repercussions of his actions.

Most disruptors are ushered out or jailed for the disturbances, but their point is well taken. This president has been actively, deliberately, and defiantly testing the limits of his office and the ability of the other branches of government to keep him in check as designed.

In 1787, the men governing the 13 original American colonies had been through a great deal. They’d declared independence from the most powerful country in the world, fought them in a bloody revolution, won, and finally managed to cobble together a set of laws to live by, unlike anything seen before. The newly minted Constitution was the single most important document ever drawn up to that point – and still is today. The Preamble and Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments for those who slept through fourth grade) are the gold standard for governing a democratic republic.

It’s doubtful the Founding Fathers ever imagined their fledgling country, still in its infancy today by European standards, would end up being tested, not by a foreign enemy, but by a power-mad oligarch occupying the president’s office. And, until today, very few have had the courage or opportunity to openly stand up to him.

Monday, March 31st, Booker took to the Senate floor and stated he’d remain there as long as he was “physically able,” and that he did – and it was no small feat, even for a former football tight-end. To hold the floor, whoever is speaking must keep talking and can’t stop, sit, lean on anything, or leave the floor for any reason. Fellow Democrats helped out, though, per Senate rules, allowing them to interrupt and ask him questions.

Over a day later, the 55-year-old senator finished speaking and limped off the floor. But, during his time, he held nothing back, walloping Trump on everything from his sweeping cuts to social services to what he called the impending “constitutional crisis” created by the president’s authoritarian actions.

To be clear, several Republicans have taken the same long-winded action on various issues over the last few years, most unsuccessfully. Such a speech isn’t a liberal or conservative move but that of a legislator committed to being heard on behalf of their constituents or the country.

Booker’s record-breaking speech was patriotic because he spoke for more than just those in his voting district. He voiced the fears not just of New Jerseyans but Americans nationwide. His words begged for compassion, kindness, and common sense – from those on both sides of the aisle. After all, when Trump’s own party doesn’t stand up to him, knowing his actions are questionable at best, someone else must.

The real question is, will Booker’s speech fuel a more dauntless anti-Trump resistance? Possibly. For more than a day, the New Jersey senator knocked the president’s agenda off the front page of every news outlet website, here and abroad. Not to mention the 350 million “likes” during the live stream on TikTok.

One thing is sure. Democrat or Republican, people must realize that Trump’s actions prove his agenda is to serve himself and his billionaire friends, not the country. So, to quote Senator Booker, “These are not normal times in America,” he said. “And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate” or anywhere else.

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Mr. Deer Goes To Washington

In Health, Local News, National News, Opinion, Science, Technology, Uncategorized, World News on February 28, 2025 at 4:55 pm

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 20 million Americans are affected by renal (kidney) and urological conditions. It goes on to say that millions more, currently unaccounted for, are at risk. The causes range from congenital issues to diseases that affect the urological system.

I happen to be in the category of the former. In March, I’m joining a couple of hundred other patients, caregivers, and advocates to meet with congressional representatives about more support to care for, as I will explain in my case, adult patients with congenital urological conditions.

I was born with a rare condition known as bladder exstrophy. It affects about 40,000 people worldwide, and only a few specialty hospitals in the United States specialize in the predominantly pediatric component of treatment. As a child, I was treated in Dayton, Ohio, by some of the best pediatric surgeons in the country who were, it’s safe to say, figuring it out as they went. But they did a tremendous job, and here I am.

From just a few hours old, I was looked after by a contingent of physicians and specialists in what I’ve come to refer to as the “pediatric bubble.” My healthcare providers communicated with each other and consulted on various issues as they perfected this procedure or completed that surgery. As complex as it might seem, my parents were kept well-informed and had direct lines of communication with my general practitioner and my surgeons.

Unfortunately, once you hit about 21 or 22 years old, your pediatric bubble bursts and you are unceremoniously dumped into the world without proper adult urological care. Fortunately, my pediatric surgeon handed me off to someone he trained with, an adult urologist who looked after me for 25 years until his recent retirement. For the first time in my life, I was without a specialist, and my particular problem created a barrier to finding new care.

This situation is familiar to patients with many congenital conditions that carry over into adulthood. To maintain continuity of care, most continue to see their specialists for decades, long after the primary reconstructive surgeries are complete. Thankfully, I was left with few residuals as I grew up, but maintenance needs require somewhat more specialized attention. In addition, as patients age, their physicians must know something about the situation.

Bladder exstrophy, or BE, like many other congenital problems, requires a specific set of surgical skills, reconstructive knowledge, and urological and renal expertise. There is also a critical shortage of practicing urologists. All of this, combined with the potentially long-term commitment to the patient, leaves most urologists choosing not to treat BE patients, and therein hangs the problem.

Enter the Association for the Bladder Exstrophy Community, or A-BE-C, and its newly formed Adult Patient Advisory Council (APAC), of which I am an organizing member. While A-BE-C’s global mission began as primarily pediatric, the advisory council was established to provide resources for adult patients. The goal is to ease the transition from pediatric BE care into adulthood. That’s where me and my plane ticket to Washington, D.C. come into the story.

I’ll represent our organization at the American Urological Association’s annual patient advocacy summit. It’s an opportunity to share these concerns and potential solutions with congressional representatives.

I hope they’ll listen to some of my ideas, including a subsidy or tax credit funded to help encourage young doctors to specialize in urology and, even more so, help them to dedicate some of their practice to adult BE care. With all the tragically unsympathetic, uninformed budget cuts, I wish I was more optimistic. But I will still try, and you may be able to help.

Patient advocacy isn’t about awareness and support. It’s about action. Sadly, urological problems are generally the subject of lousy humor, ignorance, and ageism. But I assure you, there’s nothing funny about it for the patients and caregivers. For them, it’s a daily struggle to maintain proper care.

You can help by following A-BE-C on social media and sharing educational content. You can also contact your congressional representatives to remind them about this. These patients don’t need more research. They need qualified specialists and the peace of mind that their cause matters.

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Keep Pets Safe As Winter Storms Approach

In National News, Uncategorized, weather on January 3, 2025 at 2:47 pm

January 3, 2025, DAYTON, OHIO – As a major winter storm approaches Ohio, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton urges pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe. Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can pose severe risks to pets, but their safety and well-being can be ensured with proactive care.

Top Winter Storm Tips for Pet Owners

1. Keep Pets Healthy and Indoors

  • Stay Indoors: Whenever possible, bring pets indoors during the storm. Even animals with thick fur are vulnerable to frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold.
  • Schedule an Exam: Pets may face health challenges in cold weather. Schedule a preventive care exam with your vet to ensure your furry friend is ready and healthy for the chilly season. Arthritis and other conditions can worsen in the cold, so a wellness check is a pawsitively good idea! Don’t have a vet? Schedule an appointment with us at the Dayton Humane Veterinary Hospital by calling (937) 965-4399.

2. Outdoor Shelters for Companion Animals
Although keeping pets outdoors is not ideal, Ohio law permits animals to remain outside as long as they have adequate shelter and access to fresh food and water. For pets that must remain outdoors, proper shelter is essential:

  • Bedding Materials: Never use blankets or hay as bedding. These materials absorb moisture, freeze, and can do more harm than good. Instead, use straw, which is naturally water-repellant and provides warmth, comfort, and insulation.
  • Shelter Design: Ensure your pet’s shelter is sturdy, waterproof, and insulated. Position the entrance away from prevailing winds, and keep the shelter off the ground to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Access to Food and Water: Ensure pets have fresh, unfrozen water and adequate food to maintain their energy levels. Heated water bowls can be helpful in sub-freezing conditions.

3. Protect Paws and Skin

  • Paw Care: Wipe paws clean after walks to remove salt, ice, and chemical de-icers that can irritate or harm you pet’s feet.
  • Booties or Balm: Use protective booties or paw balm for added protection from the elements.
  • Check Regularly: Frequent paw checks are essential. Cracked or bleeding paw pads can result from cold-weather injuries. Clip hair between the toes to reduce ice accumulation during walks.

4. Avoid Toxic Hazards
Many things used by humans this time of year can be toxic to your pets. Antifreeze can smell sweet and appealing to your pets, so if you spill anything, clean it up quickly to keep them safe. De-icers can also be toxic if swallowed. Protect your pet by avoiding these hazards. If you pet does ingest these items, contact your veterinarian immediately.

5. Limit Outdoor Exposure
Pets have varying tolerances to cold based on factors like coat thickness and health. Adjust outdoor activities according to your pet’s tolerance. Remember, arthritic and elderly pets may need extra care, while long-haired breeds still need protection. Also, be aware of signs of discomfort, such as whining, shivering, or weakness in your pet. These could be signs of hypothermia.

6. Emergency Preparedness
As the storm approaches, have a disaster kit ready for your pets, including:

  • Five days’ worth of food, water, and medications.
  • Updated identification tags and microchip information.
  • Blankets, toys, and other comfort items.

7. Increase Food Portions

Outdoor pets may need more calories to stay warm, so consult your vet about their nutritional needs. As it takes pets more energy to stay warm, you may need to feed them more in the colder months to help their bodies produce more energy.

Resources for Pet Owners

The Humane Society of Greater Dayton offers resources to help keep pets safe this winter, including microchipping services and disaster preparedness checklists. For more information, visit www.hsdayton.org or call us at (937) 268-7387.

About the Humane Society of Greater Dayton
For more than 120 years, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton has been a trusted advocate for animals in the Dayton community. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their owners through education, outreach, wellness, and comprehensive animal welfare programs.

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Health Insurance Hostility

In Crime, National News, Opinion on December 13, 2024 at 2:31 pm

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

The shocking murder of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, 50-year-old Brian Thompson, has had a ripple effect on public opinion towards health insurance companies. As information continues to unfold about the alleged killer, Luigi Mangione, it’s becoming clear that the man’s motivation was likely related to coverage disputes.

But what does this mean going forward? Has this man’s terrible action awakened scrutiny toward all health insurance companies, or was it the act of one disturbed individual who felt his only recourse was to take matters into his own murderous hands? We may never know the answer to the latter, which begs even more questions.

Is it likely there will be copycat crimes? Is the public’s temperature so high towards these companies that the shooter was merely the first to act on what countless others may have imagined? Many insurers seem to think so and have begun removing senior staff members’ names, bios, and photos from company websites to prevent another such incident.

Since the moment the tragic event was reported, social media buzzed with emotional speculation. Anger, frustration, and, strangely enough, sympathy towards the alleged killer have emerged from many who have felt the sting of corporate healthcare.

Some of the reactions to this man’s horrific death were downright grim. One example of such dark commentary went something like this, “Did he die quickly, or was he waiting to see if his insurance would cover treatment?” Most were worse. Many were unrepeatable.

I would caution anyone who sees this terrible act as some sort of statement against the status quo of health insurance in our country. Nor should you fit the assailant with a white hat or call him Robin Hood. Nothing could be further from the truth. Social banditry aimed at an unimaginable public slaying isn’t going to resolve the health insurance crisis any more than political pundits can.

It’s unlikely that this event will alter the operational procedures of health insurance companies in any way. There’s little argument against the idea that the American healthcare system is beyond disastrous. Sadly, there is simply too much money on the line at the top of these corporations for any real action that might benefit the consumer. If anything, premiums continue to rise while more and more claims are rejected.

Since 2019, average family healthcare policy premiums have increased as much as 24%, with individual coverage not far behind. Even if you can afford coverage, there’s a good chance your claim – regardless of the necessity of treatment – will be denied. A Keiser Family Foundation study reported that health insurance companies denied an average of 17% of claims, with some reaching as high as 49%, even for in-network care. In short, it’s not getting any better, and there are no signs that this incident will move that needle in a positive direction.

There’s also the problem of sympathetic influencers and media whipping up a potentially dangerous movement akin to what we saw at the U.S. Capitol on January 6. This time, instead of political ideology to light the fire of unrest, it’s something more people can relate to. We’ve all had claims denied or medical bills shockingly higher than expected due to “out of network” notices or other corporate nonsense. Human suffering can be a highly motivating reason to take to arms, and now we’ve seen the alleged result of one disturbed individual’s response to it.

Our system is in bad shape, no question, yet this isn’t how to resolve it. In my opinion, we’re aiming at the wrong target (no pun intended). The biggest problem isn’t the insurance companies but the colossal and unregulated healthcare costs they’re meant to mitigate.

Billions of dollars pass through hospital doors daily, and the government allows it. They’ll break up Google or Microsoft over trivial anti-trust issues. But even suggesting that some behemoth healthcare system should have its revenue capped sends Congress into a frenzy.

Why? Money. Millions in donations, lobbying cash, and back-door deals on both sides of the aisle will forever prevent any reduction of the staggeringly high costs we pay for healthcare. Unless that changes, we’re perpetually at the mercy and living the network of the stockholders of these massive insurance conglomerates.

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Literacy’s Silver Bullet

In Books, Children and Family, Economy, Education, National News, Opinion, Print Media, Technology, Uncategorized on October 19, 2024 at 10:35 am

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

I was a staff writer and later an editor for my college newspaper. During that time, I learned the single, most important lesson from all my years of education. Our administration-appointed supervisor once told me, “Whatever else you learn as you go through your college career,” she said, “learn to write and speak well. If you have that, you’ll be able to do anything.” She was right.

My mother also shared those views, though she had a head start by teaching me to read early. On the other hand, I would depend on my communication skills to pave my way to a multi-faceted career. She was determined to give me every possible advantage, mostly because she didn’t get them.

Literacy is one of the most critical indicators of a strong society. It reduces poverty, bigotry, ignorance, and social and professional inequality. It shouldn’t be limited to the academically gifted. Everyone should have the opportunity to learn effective communication.

Just because you don’t have an interest or aptitude for high academia, that doesn’t mean literacy is less important. I feel fortunate that I had the best of both worlds. I’ve always been an avid reader and writer and a lifelong student of all the sciences. But I also learned to rebuild a car engine, install a new water heater in my house, or change a faulty electrical outlet.

Every one of those tasks requires the ability to learn, understand, follow instructions, and cope with the unexpected. All of my “book learning” occurred while surrounded by some of the best tradespeople in the world. Even better, they were all teachers. One thing that has changed over the years is how literacy is emphasized in our public and private schools.

Do you remember when kids used to get in trouble for reading comic books at school? I will say “we” instead of “they” because I did this too. We put comic books inside large textbooks so we could read during class. From the teacher’s perspective, we seemed engrossed in our educational process. Instead, we were engaged in the exploits of Superman, Batman, or Spider-Man.

Some argued that even reading comic books was good for us because at least we were reading. But it was more than that. Comic books are a good literacy metaphor because they aren’t just about words, grammar, and sentence structure.

For our society to consider itself truly literate, we must understand language, not just the written word but communication. We also need to understand art, storytelling, and critical thinking. In an ironic twist, one way to do all that is by reading comic books. Many of the Batman stories from the 1930s and 40s are loaded with material you only find in today’s best crime novels by authors like Michael Connolly, James Patterson, and David Baldacci.

Unfortunately, some use the comic book analogy to justify spending hours on social media. That’s not the same thing. Reading is calming, focuses our minds, and relaxes our bodies. If anything, social media has dumbed us down and created an entire society nearly paralyzed by anxiety and inferiority. Scrolling doesn’t count as reading.

Still, literacy doesn’t require you to wade through “War and Peace,” “Catcher in the Rye,” or any other long-winded literary work. I supplemented my education by reading everything I could get my hands on. Whatever I had an interest in, I had books about it, encyclopedias, or topic-specific material – there was no internet back then. Now, resources are nearly endless, provided you learn the difference between credible and non-credible sources. 

Advanced education isn’t required either. Truth be told, much of what I do for a living was self-taught – thanks to my early introduction to books. Self-education is mainly frowned upon in today’s society. I find it ironic that Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and others who wrote some of the most important documents in history would be unemployable by today’s arbitrary and unfounded standards.

My point is that American culture currently reads at a U.S. 5th-grade level. That’s unfortunate, ridiculous, and easily corrected. We must eliminate the stigmas of functional illiteracy, focus more on reading and writing in our schools, and spend more time with books than cell phones.

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No job is bulletproof, not even mine.

In Economy, finances, Media, National News, Opinion, Technology, Uncategorized on April 20, 2024 at 12:02 pm


Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

Have you ever been afraid for your job? I laugh when people think I can’t lose my job since I work for myself. As a writer, even working under my public relations agency, I’m often called “self-employed.” The immediate assumption is that no one can fire you.

There’s a lot of nonsense to unpack there. First, and possibly most important, there’s no such thing as self-employed. Unless you have a magical chest of gold or cash that continuously refills itself, you’re working for somebody who’s paying you. Being independently employed (my preferred terminology) means you’ve traded one boss for many (customers).

Second, working on your own means constantly beating the bushes, knocking on doors, and continuously selling yourself to generate a pipeline of work. My father and brother created multiple, simultaneous jobs for themselves because they never wanted to be out of work—and they never were.

My family seemed to always have multiple income streams—cattle, trucking, engine work, welding, anything that brought a buck. However small the amount of revenue, it added up. Mom and Dad ran the farm and our trucking business, and I always knew my family worked hard for what we had. No two days were alike. Dad might be out on one of our trucks or auctioning cattle one day. The next, he and my brother might be rebuilding a tractor engine and welding a broken hay rake—all before dinner.

Over the years, I adopted the same philosophy, but I wasn’t always independently employed. Once upon a time, I worked for “the man,” and the woman, and the corporate overlords, and whatever else they’re called. From engineering technician and mechanical designer to database developer and coder, I did the 8-to-5 grind for many years before going out on my own.

Writers in every industry are rapidly becoming an endangered species due to Artificial Intelligence.

Since much of what I did in the corporate arena was high-tech, the advanced skills required evolved rapidly. I constantly studied the latest technologies to avoid obsolescence. I’ve always been fascinated by computers, but keeping up with advances in computer technology during the 1990s was exhausting.

If that wasn’t enough to worry about, no matter my job, I always felt like something would ruin it. Someone would take it away from me or decide I wasn’t qualified, and that’d be that. I really did know what I was doing. But I suffered from terrible imposter syndrome. Then, one day, that was enough. I walked away.

Life as an independent professional can be tough, especially if you’re used to a steady paycheck and punching out at 5. At least no one ever gets fired, right? Wrong.

There’s a quote from the TV show “Mad Men” that goes, “The day you sign a client is the day you start losing them.” It means that every customer will eventually leave you—your fault, their fault, nobody’s fault. It’s just part of the process. So, when that happens, you are effectively fired. Depending on how many customers you have, that’s how many times you will be fired.

Despite the romanticization, self-employment is hard work and a bit like riding a bike. If you stop pedaling, you fall. You must exceed customer expectations the first time, or those firings I mentioned start sooner. Is that more secure than a corporate job? In many ways, yes. Let me explain.

If I am a “free agent,” I can play in whatever league I want. However, I only get to set some of the rules. I usually have to work within the guidelines of my profession or the client’s needs. One thing is sure, however. If I do my best, treat people with respect, and give them good value for their money, the work will continue.

That doesn’t mean I don’t worry about my job. I do, but for very different reasons. One is automation. Artificial intelligence, or AI, threatens the livelihood of writers in every industry, and what it generates is, at best, inadequate.

Another concern is that my skills will be devalued by a market flooded with amateurs and dabblers. These people produce inferior work, disparaging the profession and limiting potential business for the pros.

Ultimately, no one’s job is bulletproof—not even mine. Always demonstrate your best work. That will show your value, and you’ll stay employed – somewhere. In the meantime, try to remember that there’s always another job.