Commentary

For a quarter-century, it appeared the law was settled: Silicon Valley’s internet platforms were private companies, full stop, with absolute control over what content to promote or suppress. As the platforms tightened political control over user speech in recent years, conservatives complained about “Big Tech Censorship,” but legal experts scoffed. Scoffing will no longer suffice. Supposedly settled law can be altered when its political foundation erodes. Liberals now take a dimmer view of free speech than they did at the dawn of the tech era, while conservatives take a dimmer view of corporate power. That has created an opening for a frontal assault on the rules that govern America’s digital public square. Now the Supreme Court is being asked to weigh in.

The late William Donald Schaefer was a controversial four-term mayor (and later two-term governor). Unabashedly pro-business, but socially progressive, he could be mercurial, stubborn and even childish. But one thing he had an absolute genius for was in pushing, scolding, embarrassing and perhaps even, at times, terrorizing a potentially indifferent bureaucracy into prompt action. Esquire magazine famously dubbed him “Mayor Annoyed” for his obsessive attention to detail. But here was the consequence of his toughness: People living in Baltimore could have faith that someone cared about trash that wasn’t picked up or streets that weren’t cleaned or snow that hadn’t been removed.

Luminis Health Pathways has been a beacon of hope for the communities we serve for three decades now. It is the region’s most comprehensive substance use treatment center providing exceptional care for patients seeking help for substance use disorders. It is called Pathways because everyone’s journey to recovery follows a unique path. As we celebrate Luminis Health Pathways’ 30th anniversary this month, it is important to take a look back as we highlight its bright future.

I had lived in the Long Reach community for 24 years before I moved to Hickory Ridge, and I have recently moved back to Long Reach. I love this community having been on the village board during the later development phases. Everybody is so welcoming and nice, but one of the biggest disappointments I see is how little has been done to revitalize the Long Reach Village Center, once a viable village center.

I requested an interview with Dan Cox, but, alas, I have been denied access to the Republican candidate for governor of Maryland. His campaign helpers told me they would make time for a talk like the one I had a few weeks ago with Democratic candidate Wes Moore. But, after raising my hopes, there was nothing but silence from the Cox camp. “I’ll take that as No,” I wrote in a Monday email to Sallie Taylor, the candidate’s scheduler. “Yes, you are correct, that is a No,” she replied. I was not surprised. Across the country, Republican candidates are generally avoiding or ignoring mainstream media this campaign season, opting for guaranteed friendly interviews.

The reasons for Americans’ growing angst and discontent about their circumstances and prospects are many, but this seemingly new normal is easier to understand when we recognize just how significantly U.S. economic performance has faltered over the past few decades. Since the start of the 21st century, per capita growth dropped to less than half its previous 1950-2000 tempo. With the rate creaking along now at just over 1 percent per annum, incomes would take more than 60 years to double; from 1980-1999, the doubling pace was 31 years. A significant factor in modern America’s slower growth — and the lower expectations it unforgivingly imposes — is the drop-off in work.

When the economic future seems stormy for small businesses, pivoting your business model to sell services or products to the Maryland State Government or the Federal Government and all of the related agencies can be a viable and profitable alternative marketplace for Maryland business owners. You will want to consider this strategic move if you are ready to adjust your focus, evolve your services or products, continue to educate yourself and energize your business growth.