I went to one of those “elite” private small liberal arts colleges that the cultural conservatives love to hate and love to ridicule. And, I must admit, there are a couple of knee-jerk liberal reactions that deserve some ridicule. One of the largest is the demand that any institution of higher learning (or any other … Continue reading The Idiotic Politics of Philanthropy
Summer Reading II
We are approaching the official end of summer. The leaves are beginning to change color and the night air is getting cooler. For some reason, I read some serious books this summer and that included the following. Kindred by Octavia E Butler Octavia Butler is known for her science fiction, having won both the Nebula … Continue reading Summer Reading II
Trump, Netanyahu, and the Progressives
My initial reaction to Trump’s not-so-subtle message to Netanyahu was one of disgust. While I passionately believe that both Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Democratic Rep. Rep. Ilhan Omar are virulently anti-Israel, and through their continued use of antisemitic tropes and support for Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS, whose founder, Omar Barghouti, has repeatedly denied … Continue reading Trump, Netanyahu, and the Progressives
Summer Reading I
Summer is sort of half over, so in addition to feeding my junk sci-fi habit, I have also been consuming some more serious stuff. Let me recommend for you interest and pleasure the following: The Farmer’s Son by John Connell What a marvelous, moving, and interesting short memoir. Having left the farm to pursue his … Continue reading Summer Reading I
Another Clockwork Orange
Do we need any further evidence that we are living in a world that could easily have been described by Jean Paul Sartre, George Orwell, and Anthony Burgess?? You don’t think so? Let me help you. Robert Mueller finally testified in front of Congress. Right after receiving a letter from the Department of Justice led … Continue reading Another Clockwork Orange
Reality Beats Fiction Every Time
I haven’t ranted in a while. It’s not as if there is nothing to rant about, because every day brings a new outrage. So, with a nod to John Oliver, here is the stuff from last week, today: An evangelical Christian kills a woman in a synagogue and wounds the Rabbi and others because his … Continue reading Reality Beats Fiction Every Time
Betwixt and Between
Events are moving faster than I can keep up. Not a few weeks ago, I wrote that Rep. Omar’s apology for her antisemitic comments was heart felt, but (quoting myself) said, “I cannot help but believe there is an undercurrent here that has nothing to do with knowledge and understanding. I hope I am wrong.” … Continue reading Betwixt and Between
So, how’s it going?
As with the State of the Union, not well. At least Representative Ilhan Omar apologized, and the consensus is that she did so appropriately and effectively as follows: “Antisemitism is real, and I am grateful for Jewish allies and colleagues who are educating me on the painful history of antisemitic tropes,” Ms. Omar said in … Continue reading So, how’s it going?
Reflections on the 2018 Mid-Term Election
Good news: Scott Walker lost. Dana Rohrabacher lost. Darrell Issa retired and a Republican his district. Dean Heller lost. Kris Kobach lost. Sherrod Brown won. Michigan elected Democrat for Governor after the Republicans successfully poisoned Flint. The Democrats have control of the House, so the Trumpian control of law and policy will be somewhat blunted. … Continue reading Reflections on the 2018 Mid-Term Election
CONTEXT: My Reaction to Pittsburgh
I'm sad, angry and confused. What is it that you believe justifies what we are encouraging in this country?
