We were all heartbroken by last weekend’s horrific assault against two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. We wring our hands and ask ourselves, “when will these despicable acts of violence against others—Muslims, Jews, refugees, people of color generally—ever end?" As the news unfolded, I was struck by the implication of two simple words that emerged … Continue reading Hello, Brother
CPAC Blues
I tend to watch television networks that agree with my perspective. I’m not proud of this, but I find myself simply unable to view programs for long periods where editorial standards lie way beyond what I perceive to be reality. I know this has the tendency to reinforce my bias, but at least I am … Continue reading CPAC Blues
I Lied, Too
Like many Americans, I spent (too much) time watching Michael Cohen’s testimony before the House Oversight Committee. My only defense: I am fascinated that history continues to unfold in real time before my very eyes. I’m not sure if I should just accept that we are in a unique moment and keep watching, or get … Continue reading I Lied, Too
Things Said and Unsaid
State of the Union addresses have long since devolved into political Kabuki Theatre. Accomplishments lauded and future promises are all to be taken with a hefty grain of salt. The play continued on Tuesday night as President Donald Trump delivered his 2019 version of this self-congratulatory exercise. His remarks generally followed the normative pattern (a … Continue reading Things Said and Unsaid
New Year, Old Patterns
It was wishful thinking, I guess, that the New Year would bring new energy to moving the wheels of government forward in positive directions. 2019 begins with a partial government shutdown, paralyzed by a battle that is purely political. As a Democratic House begins operation this week, it is not unreasonable to expect that the … Continue reading New Year, Old Patterns