News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Articles written by Bren Smith


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  • Dear America…

    Bren Smith|Updated Nov 12, 2024

    The day after the election, an acquaintance, who voted differently than I did, patted me on the back and said, “Don’t worry, it’s going to be all right.” I know from talking with family members, the messages we are fed through algorithms, social media, and targeted marketing are not the same messages. Each of us lives in a feed-back-loop world based on past programing, programing that tells us to be afraid. I would like to think I can see a little outside my box, so… Dear America, I hope you chose right. I sincerely... Full story

  • Afghanistan response

    Bren Smith|Updated Sep 17, 2024

    We all problem-solve differently, but a healthy psyche is open to disclosure, the ability to self-correct. The frontal cortex solves issues, examines if choices work, then readjusts thinking. It’s not about right or wrong; it’s about what works. For some, problem solving becomes programed, a line drawn in the sand. For others it’s about pivoting, manipulating outcomes. A former president talked to our hopes — bring factories home, secure borders, leave timeless wars behind. Stop being an international police force. Stop at... Full story

  • What will we create today?

    Bren Smith|Updated Jul 23, 2024

    In little over a week, we had an assassination attempt on a former president and the current president dropped out of the running. Immediately pundits and social media tycoons began talking conspiracy, victimization chatter., the need to control what feels out of control. Fear. As this political season ramps up, the wailing pontificators are at it again. So I want to throw out a simple question—a little personal but here it goes. Do you ever think about the breath of life, how it’s used? I once followed a friend to an obs... Full story