Some people keep pets for the cuddles and companionship; it turns out what I enjoy are the philosophical rabbit holes, the sudden tumbles into life’s deepest, most intractable mysteries. Like, when my cat Toby looks at me, what does he see? As a provider of food and shelter, does he regard me as a parent? … Continue reading I Can’t Stop Wondering: What’s Going On Inside My Cat’s Head?
Suppose President Biden came before Congress to announce that ending the war in Afghanistan was only the beginning. In recent years, the United States has used force on the ground or conducted strikes from the air in at least nine countries: not only Afghanistan, but also Iraq, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. … Continue reading End the Imperial Presidency
“We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. … Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.” - … Continue reading Memorial Day
In writing my response to the events of the previous weeks, including the domestic terrorist attack on the Capitol, I realized upon completion that my response was full of negativity. Of uncertainty. Of fear. While there is plenty to be frightened of right now, I wanted to step back and refocus. We, after all, have … Continue reading Perspective in a dark hour…
“... Americans to see how fragile democracy is and what happens when a man without conscience or character becomes President of the United States.”
Last week, Missouri Senator and 2024 Presidential aspirant Josh Hawley interrupted the traditionally quiet week between Christmas and New Years with an announcement that he would challenge the certification of the Electoral College results. This impotent, attention grabbing stunt served its patently obvious purpose. The chattering class immediately started chattering. Hawley was the subject of … Continue reading What’s Really Behind the Challenge to the Election
Shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, Churchill went to Washington with his chiefs of staff to meet President Roosevelt and the American military leaders and coordinate plans for the defeat of the common enemy. On Christmas Eve Churchill broadcast to the world from the White House on the 20th annual … Continue reading A Churchill Christmas
On Christmas Eve, 52 years ago, the first manned mission to the moon entered lunar orbit. That evening, Lunar Module Pilot William Anders captured this image of our blue planet, now known as Earthrise. The crew of Apollo 8 made the following reading from the Book of Genesis verses 1-10. “We are now approaching lunar … Continue reading Apollo 8: Earthrise
Those taking the reins in Washington could benefit from binge-watching a classic political drama, The West Wing. Homebound by the Covid-19 pandemic, Americans are bingeing on TV shows like never before. New streaming service subscriptions are up more than 70%, and it seems like everyone is hooked on something. For me, it’s been an old … Continue reading Lead Like Leo
We don't need to depolarize American politics. We need to democratize it.
