The Serious Stuff

In The Serious Stuff, Tim Patrick presents a selection of his published essays, all drawn from a quieter time, that is, from before the era of Trump and the national mania that accompanied his entry into the presidency. Covering topics of politics, economics and the overall human condition, the writings in this collection try to understand and grapple with the complex issues that make America—and the world at large—such an interesting and at times frightening place to live and raise children. These essays were published between 2011 and 2020, at a point in America's history when people were taking sides across many dimensions: political, financial, racial, and religious. The policies and social norms that arose from these battles added to the existing difficulties found in any large, advanced nation. In all his writings, Tim's goal is to take a complex idea, break it down into its most basic parts, and attempt to understand the positive outcomes and unintended harms on the culture. In this volume, you will find straightforward, blunt discussions of social policy and the occasional humorous reflection on what constitutes normal here in the twenty-first century. For readers seeking clarity in chaotic times, the dozens of essays found within these pages offer a chance to reflect on and understand the foundations of the difficult issues facing all nations.