This week marks the unofficial beginning of the Democratic primary race for the 2020 Presidential nomination. On Wednesday and Thursday, fully 20 candidates will vie for attention from the voting public in two debates featuring 10 candidates on each night, largely chosen at random. It has become a kind of parlor game to predict how … Continue reading Debate Expectations
Biden’s Not Racist, Just Out of Touch
Controversy flared this week over former Vice President Joe Biden’s comments about the need for civility. He recalled fondly that, even in the age of avowed segregationists like Senators James Eastland and Herman Talmadge, Biden—as a former Senator—could work across the aisle to get things done. Critics went wild. Removing the hyperbole, Biden was clear … Continue reading Biden’s Not Racist, Just Out of Touch
Three Strikes (and Still At Bat)
Once again, I awoke to news about disturbing comments by the President of the United States. It has become almost routine and this morning was no different. On three counts, the news was deeply troubling, leading me to compare Donald Trump to a flailing ball player who comes to the plate. Strike One: President Trump—in … Continue reading Three Strikes (and Still At Bat)
Eid Mubarak
This week, Muslims around the world celebrate the end of Ramadan with the holiday of Eid Al-Fitr, an Arabic term that means the "festival of breaking the fast" and marks the end of the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a time of drawing closer to God. Not unlike the Christian season of Lent, it is … Continue reading Eid Mubarak
Local Wisdom on Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, my wife and I spent a few reflective moments honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We attended a ceremony at the flag pole in the center of our small Hudson Valley town. One of the keynote speakers was octogenarian Alice Gerard, a long-time resident of … Continue reading Local Wisdom on Memorial Day