The other day someone said to me, “I’m becoming a Libertarian. I’m tired of big government in my paycheck!” I understood where he was coming from. I wrote a check to Uncle Sam and, ouch! I don’t enjoy taxes, either. I have to admit, though, that I also don’t enjoy paying the cable bill; but it’s something I accept for getting the service.… [Read more]
It is About Guns (and other stuff too), but mostly Guns
It is about guns. And gun culture. And mental illness. And horrible, awful individuals who are of sound mind. The tragic event that took the lives of 20 babies and 6 courageous adults has these factors baked in.
I’ve resisted posting my thoughts on Facebook or Twitter in the aftermath of all this because, I think, sometimes silence and reflection, not knee jerk responses, are warranted.… [Read more]
Reality TV show “Cops” and the Tea Party
One continuous source of argument in my home is the long-running reality TV show “Cops”. My wife just does not get it. It’s not that she minds the show; she could not care less. Her problem is with me glued to TV whenever the show is on.
I have never explained to her why I like the show.… [Read more]
James’ America
It’s the morning after the 4th of July, and I’m surveying the wreckage. My back yard is spilling over with the aftermath of an all-day party featuring 20 bands, a root beer keg, plenty of “real” beer too, a kiddie pool located dangerously close to a power line that got knocked down by that vicious storm the other day, and a whole lotta people actin’ ignorant (we tried to get a Chuck E.… [Read more]
“Atheist” Is Not a 4-Letter Word
It all started with one of those Facebook “share” posts. My husband shared a picture that I’d shared from someone, like an international game of Telephone. Daniel Radcliffe is staring into the camera with the caption, “I’m not religious. I’m an atheist and a militant atheist when religion starts impacting on legislation.” One of his old school friends replied, “Religion shouldn’t impact legislation.… [Read more]
Tyranny of the Majority: Correcting the Narrative
Know why diversity’s so important? It’s about more than just adding another feminine, Black, or gay face at the table, you know.
There are those proverbs that talk about the victor having the spoils, and about history being the victor’s nonobjective story — HIStory. And there was an African proverb I ran across yesterday that read: Until the lion has a chance to tell its story, the hunter will be glorified.… [Read more]
It’s A Wrap – Week In Review January 29, 2012
Although we have moved forward by one week, events we discussed this week may make us wonder if we’re going backwards. Here we are in 2012 and we’re revisiting things that took place during the McCarthy era: loyalty oaths that threaten our ability to function as a democracy and ramped-up requirements that threaten trample on voter’s rights.… [Read more]