When asked about his advanced age, President Biden’s response was, “Watch me.” On March 7th, he gave a ninety-minute performance that should have silenced the nay-sayers of both parties. The media, for the first time, was excited—even astonished?—by the speech. He dared to confront the enemy: “…When you get to be my age, certain […]
Where Are We Now?
We are in limbo. That’s the short answer. I’ve spent the weeks since the election in shock—but not surprise, wondering why I was not surprised and trying to think of anything to say that would express my wordlessness. And failing. This is where polarization has taken us, and part of me feels my entire adulthood […]
November 5, 2024
This blog has been silent since July 26th, and I apologize for that. Health problems have sidelined me very effectively, though I’ve enjoyed following Kamala Harris’s campaign, relieved that we’ve finally gotten past the question of age. She is a surefooted and passionate candidate—a very effective antidote to Democratic lethargy. Trump’s path has followed […]
The Difference a Day Makes
For two weeks, I’d been struggling to write a blog that captured the nation-shaking body-blows that came faster than my pen: Biden’s debilitated performance at the first debate, the Supreme Court decisions on Presidential immunity and the power of government agencies, and the assassination attempt on candidate Trump. On the other side, the rising calls […]
Enough is Enough is Enough
For left-leaning university departments to impose one political theory as Truth is brainwashing, not education and is very little different from powers on the right threatening the Speaker of the House for talking with the opposing party.
The Silent Battle for Control
Donald Trump screams abuse at a courtroom he can’t control. House speaker Johnson faces threats to depose him if he brings legislative order to the House. Against the ever-increasing loss of life, Ukraine continues to resist the control of Putin. Netanyahu promises annihilation of Hamas, who seeks the destruction of Israel. The press is […]
Freedom from What? To Do What?
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Few tenets of the US Constitution have been as […]
The MAGA Challenge
Last week I wrote a blog on MSNBC’s talent for blowing trivia into outrage, but before I could post it, the District of Columbia Appeals Court ruled that Trump is not above the law, that his plea for Presidential immunity isn’t valid. With that event, the case charging him with insurrection took a giant leap […]
2024: A Critical Challenge
Everywhere I hear sighs of relief as we close the door on 2023. That is certainly true at our house. Starting in January 2023 when I broke my leg, followed by the loss of two dogs and a broken hip—this time my housemate’s. a rough year. Beyond our doors, the nation moved closer and […]
The Work Ethic: Where Did it Come From Anyway?
If I asked three people the above question, I’d get as many or more answers. For some, it’s the central value of their lives, for some a necessary evil, for some it lies at the heart of self reliance. For some it means opportunity, for others, it gives purpose. It’s the work ethic that […]
Two Tough Old Crones
This past week my housemate and I took off with two dogs for the Oregon coast for a three-day celebration of my ninetieth birthday. We’d done the same thing in June for my housemate’s eightieth. As we waited for the ferry, my housemate fell. Shaken up and bruised but okay, we continued. We took […]
The Perfect Storm
The Week of August 18th, 2023 carried an interesting debate among liberal columnists on the causes of Trump populism. In the article, MAGA: Are Elites to Blame? David Brooks of the New York Times argues that the chief cause of MAGA is economic—that meritocracy and globalism has confined prosperity to the educated class. Zach Beauchamp […]