CLARK: The fairness of marriage
Indiana defines marriage in a singular way—between a man and a woman. As I discussed the merits of this law recently with an opponent, his disagreement fell into two fundamental areas: fairness and civil rights.
Indiana defines marriage in a singular way—between a man and a woman. As I discussed the merits of this law recently with an opponent, his disagreement fell into two fundamental areas: fairness and civil rights.
Despite evidence that change is necessary, some businesses, not-for-profits and associations cannot do it. An example is service clubs. The Indianapolis Jaycees, having had more than 400 members in 1976, appears to have canceled its telephone number. Zionsville Kiwanis ceased business in September.
As major arts institutions in central Indiana search for administrative leadership and financial stability, a logical question might be, what should be the role of the board for a not-for-profit organization?
From the mid 1980s through perhaps 2008, automotive investment in the Great Lakes region was driven by General Motors, Ford and Chrysler losing market share to competitors from Japan, Korea and Europe.
As a father of four (three of whom are about to become teenagers—yes, triplets), my wife and I are constantly talking to them regarding the importance of being a leader and making good choices.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had a couple of terrific opportunities to reflect upon the deepest things in life. One opportunity came thanks to the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, of all things, and the other from a life-threatening disease.
As I’ve traveled across Indiana and met with Hoosier employees, business executives and civic groups over the past two years, I’ve heard many stories about the complex, unfair nature of our federal tax code.
A few months ago, I was visiting a friend in the hospital. As I observed the staff attending to him, I was impressed by the quality of care he received. It was clear he was in good hands.
While walking down a street in Prague recently, I made some observations. There were no potholes and no parking lots—just rows of buildings. Each building was five stories high, except one. That one had a much different façade and an angular design. It also was the building where people congregated. It was the building that captured the most attention and prompted the most discussion.
I am all for creating a thriving community, but imposing on everyone a large, flashing electronic screen does not come across as an invitation, but a distracting in-your-face visual shout that is at odds with the environment.
Indiana is blessed with abundant energy resources. We have a 300-year supply of coal. A substantial part of the 214 million barrels of oil and 4.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the Illinois Basin sits in southwestern Indiana. We have even more natural gas locked away as shale gas, coal bed methane and landfill gas.
Indiana is showing the first signs that innovation is becoming part of its brand. On Oct. 26 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, 500 of Indianapolis’ most impassioned TEDx fans heard ground-breaking thought leaders discuss the challenges, innovations and future of design learning.
The real news is that the Midwest in general and Indiana in particular is bouncing back. In fact, the Midwest is not only resurgent—it is leading the national economic recovery.
Let me tell you about Ralph. Ralph is among 78 percent of IndyGo riders who have no vehicle available, 65 percent who are employed, and 70 percent who earn less than $25,000 a year.
State schools superintendent Tony Bennett was right to celebrate the achievements of the past three years of his administration during his recent State of Education address. He made it clear that all Indiana schools are now a “school of choice” and that access to most any school is now an option for all Hoosiers.
For three years, Indianapolis was the city I called home, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra was where I was proud to work. I am sad to learn not only of the serious problems the organization now faces, but also of the possibility that the Indianapolis community could lose one of its greatest assets.
Any successful revitalization of the Market Square Arena site demands restoring the former City Hall as the public’s house. City Hall’s decaying grandeur casts a long shadow over the neighboring parking lots created by the implosion of MSA 11 years ago and is probably overwhelming the facile designs associated with redevelopment proposals.
The challenges facing the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra are now widely known, but many still struggle with how that can be, especially when you look out at the sea of people in attendance at some of our Symphony on the Prairie performances. But facts are facts.
In the following words, a friend implies that I love government: “I feel you believe in much more reliance on government, and I prefer free markets.” My reaction: Not really!
Today, we’re paying what the market will not get upset over, just like the enormous price of coffee, whose bean prices have also collapsed.