In the midst of endless impeachment noise, I found myself asking a surprising question: “Can I forgive Donald Trump for his vulgar demeanor, erratic behavior and repeated transgressions against individuals and groups who have been historically marginalized in our society?” To date, this is still an open question for me. Now, let me be quick … Continue reading Forgiving Trump
Gentle Ghosts of Christmas Past
My wife Blythe and I are on our annual winter sojourn to Williamsburg, Virginia. It has become a tradition for us, allowing us to re-acquaint ourselves with history while escaping the merciless drumbeat of the present. But, this is the first time we are experiencing the holidays since the death of my mom in September, … Continue reading Gentle Ghosts of Christmas Past
Surprising Connections
Last week, I was privileged to lead a class in an innovative program, the Prisons and Justice Initiative at Georgetown University, facilitating a conversation with inmates in a DC jail. I was asked to attend by the program's founder, Dr. Marc Howard, Professor of Government and Law at Georgetown. The program brings together, for credit, … Continue reading Surprising Connections
Arlene Chase–In Memoriam
My mom died on Saturday. Less than two weeks ago, she and I were plotting a visit of purchases at the Amish farms that surround her home so we could freeze fresh fruits and vegetables for the coming winter. A day later, she was rushed to the hospital. At 95, she had little reserve to … Continue reading Arlene Chase–In Memoriam
Ongoing Tragedy at the Border
Words fail me. Day after day, I feel mounting anger, shame, frustration. What is unfolding at our southern border becomes increasingly hard to witness and even harder to understand. Is this how far our government has fallen? How can we be so complacent? How can we be so inept? How can we be so cruel? … Continue reading Ongoing Tragedy at the Border