October 26, 2025

Folks, that's my house and that's my flag.

I fly this flag because, well, I love how it looks on this old New England farmhouse. And, to show that I believe in our country more than I believe in my party or other ideals.

Political parties and politicians represent thought trends; popular thinking. Yet strong countries and constitutions weather such trends and hold fast. We don’t stand for individuals or parties above country.

For me, it’s not okay to dishonor our constitution or our country in favor of a current political trends or current political leaders. My allegiance is to the flag, and to the republic for which it stands.

Practical Tip: When you're in a disagreement, and you want peace, a proven technique is to rise above the current disagreement and find something higher that you both have or want in common. We can disagree about which team is best, and both love the game of baseball. We can disagree about how, and both want America to be great. It's not okay to trash the rules and break the game just so your team can win.

Actually, we are all on the SAME team. It's not us vs. them, it's just us. We're ALL Americans.

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Join me ONLINE | Monday Oct 27 | 5:30pm - 6:30pm ET

What Values Do We Share?

I'm very excited about this online session.

I'm gonna share some of Colin Woodard's lessons from American Nations and his other books about values. Then I'm gonna ask you: What do YOU think are the common values that define Americans?

We're gonna talk about that.

And then I'm gonna show some findings from Colin's research and propose a new national narrative; an idea for a unifying set of values. And we're gonna ask you what you think.

Please come and just listen if you like. Or come and listen and talk too. I hope the session is attention-keeping and educational; perhaps even enlightening and inspiring.

Learn More and Register Here

Join me IN-PERSON | Tuesday Oct 28 | 5:30pm - 6:30pm ET

Mom Update

On Thursday I took Mom to the Freeport Town Hall and she registered to vote. The Town Clerk, Christine Wolfe, was so nice and helpful to my mom. She welcomed her to the town as a new voter.

Then Mom voted and we went on our way. That's her in the picture.

Mom doesn't watch the nightly news like she used to because it saddens her so. Her parents were immigrants and she's a true patriot. She really believes in this country.

There's not much she can do to calm her dismay about the dismantling, but she can vote. She can be a participant in her government. And I know she feels good about that.



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The Fabulous Dr. Heather Perry, Superintendent of the Year

I love it my my clients get awards!

I've had a chance to work with Dr. Perry over the past two years facilitating meetings of the Gorham Fiscal Sustainability Committee (a joint committee of the school committee and town council). I have been calling her "The Fabulous Heather Perry" behind her back. Now everyone knows!

She is deeply committed to education of our children, she is impeccably organized and always does what she says she will, and she rises above "the small stuff" like criticisms or let-downs.



She was just named as Superintendent of the Year by the Maine School Superintendent's Association.

I work with a lot of school superintendents and town managers. I have so much respect for these folks working on the front lines of civic service. If you are upset with your local government or local school, PLEASE don't take it out on these folks. They are well-educated professionals doing the best they can to make local government and local public schools. In my view, folks like Dr. Perry are rock stars.

Learn more here

Links to get along and find peace

Written and published by Craig Freshley. Thanks for walking along with me.