Major ad organizations and other business groups are pressing to derail a bill that would enable residents to easily remove their information from every data broker registered with the state. In a recent letter to state lawmakers, the organizations argue that the Delete Act (SB 362) would hinder a wide variety of programs and services, including anti-fraud initiatives, loyalty programs and public interest research. “If passed, SB 362 would negatively impact Californians,” 19 groups including the Association of National Advertisers, American Association of Advertising Agencies, California Retailers Association, Interactive Advertising Bureau, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and NetChoice. “Without data, companies would not be able to deliver critically important products and services consumers benefit from today, sometimes without even being aware of how this data supports their safety and enjoyment of everyday life.”

Even if you don’t sign up for the position, you still might have to take the leadership seat. The recent passing of Bob Weir, The Grateful Dead’s longtime rhythm guitarist and songwriter, sparked a conversation on leadership in a recent gathering. Although Weir held the band together for decades, his death inevitably turned the discussion to the shadow he often stood in—that of the band’s creative center, Jerry Garcia.  Garcia was the band’s natural leader. However, he never wanted or took that seat. (A move I certainly can relate to, but that’s another column for another day.) A strong distaste for authority and decision-making meant leadership in a vacuum. That meant organizational dysfunction, financial chaos, a lack of direction, and other fundamental issues. This was all despite making music that has endured for decades and inspired future generations.  Garcia’s problems aren’t unlike the problems many leaders today face. Leadership may be something you didn’t ask for. But sometimes, you have to face the music.

The U.S. Postal Service highlights its long and proud history of ensuring a vital connection between American service members and their loved ones back home. From the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to modern-day global operations, the mission to deliver mail to the military has remained a cornerstone of U.S. postal history and a crucial morale booster. “Ever since George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were appointed to lead the Army and the Post Office, we’ve had a strong partnership built on service to the American people,” said USPS Historian Steve Kochersperger. “When away from home, to get a handwritten card or letter that was in the hands of your loved one just a few days before, maybe it even has a smear of lipstick or a scent of their perfume — no email can do that.” The tradition of supporting military mail runs deep. During the Civil War, the Post Office Department coordinated with the U.S. Army to organize mail flow, recognizing its immense value in maintaining troop morale. A “Soldier's Letter” program was introduced that allowed soldiers to send letters without stamps, with payment collected from the recipient, ensuring communication was not hindered by lack of postage. In addition, postal money orders allowed soldiers to securely send money back home, and absentee ballots allowed them to cast their votes from distant battlefields.