I did not write the following. It was written by historian Heather Cox Richardson who is a Professor of History at Boston College. One week ago she posted this on her blog “Letters From An American” and I am reposting it on mine. I have a fair amount of my own subscribers and I want…
The Art of the Deal; the Former Agreement with Iran
As events in the Middle East cause alarm with regard to where American policy in the region is headed, it is important to consult sources outside of our own media to reach a better understanding of counter perspectives. That does not betray American interests and the safety of our citizens, it is, rather, a more…
An Apology That Isn’t Sorry
The other day I posted a story on Facebook about a woman in Des Moines who attempted to run someone over because she thought they were Hispanic. The woman was also shown in a video from that same evening hurling racial epithets at a black man in a convenience store. My post included a reprimand…
A Belated “Thank You” To Eddie Murphy
Countless articles and television chat shows have been centered around Eddie Murphy lately. That’ s because this Saturday he will be hosting “Saturday Night Live” for the first time in 35 years. I have to admit that I’m rather excited about it. I, like most people, am very fond of Eddie Murphy and have enjoyed…
Central to our Cause
Want to know what I’m getting frustrated with? I am frustrated with people I agree with politically, but who castigate everyone who doesn’t align in lock step with a) Who they hate, b) What they hate, and c) How they hate them. Some back story- I am a Progressive (with a capital P). I cannot…
Just Be Honest, Okay?
The new Fleet-Farm in Cedar Falls opened the other day and I went to check it out. It’s impressive if just for the sheer size of it. I can’t say for sure if it has more of anything in particular than other such stores, but it certainly has broad shoulders. It did seem that the…
There but for the Grace of God and Superman
I’m finding myself deeply affected by the passing of Christopher Dennis, the Hollywood Superman. His story is a reflection of something we are missing. That is not a judgment of the man, himself, but of the malaise of apathy that is part of society. Maybe it has always been a societal norm to look the…
We Forgive You
There was an event recently in Waterloo, Iowa called “The Cedar Valley Pride Fest.” It was two days of fun activities and music for anyone who wished to participate to demonstrate that the LGBTQ community is a healthy and active part of our larger community. The message is one of inclusion and to celebrate diversity.…
James and the Giant Impeachment
Impeachment has never gotten past the Senate in its previous trials. William Jefferson Clinton’s approval rating actually rose 10 points after he was acquitted by the Senate. Andrew Johnson’s popularity didn’t benefit, but he continued to serve. Richard Nixon resigned before an impeachment hearing knowing it was likely that he would be found guilty of…
Dirty Words
I was told that my name came up once at a meeting of the local Republican Party and someone said, “He’s the biggest socialist in the Cedar Valley!” My reaction was an insincere (frustrated is a better word) chuckle. To call me (a confessed mixed market/capitalist) a “socialist” is an affirmation of the misunderstanding of…