Opinion
Running Out the Clock
Guest Opinion
By Isiah Smith | Nov. 27, 2021
As the birthdays accumulate, piling up like so many layers of dry leaves freshly fallen on fallow ground, one can’t resist the urge to ask, for the 73rd time, “What’s next?” It’s both a micro question, like “What to write next?” and a macro one: “What to do with the rest of my life?” In essence, what of importance do I have to say, to write? What haven’t I done that I ... Read More >>
Still Burning and Banning
Spectator
By Stephen Tuttle | Nov. 27, 2021
The first incident we know about took place in 213 BCE when Emperor Qin Shi Huang, upon conquering new territory, ordered all books, scrolls, or other papers that mentioned his predecessor be burned, lest he be compared unfavorably. The latest we know about occurred November 8, 2021 CE, when the Spotsylvania County Public School Board in Virginia ordered all school libraries to remove any “sexually explicit” material, and two board members suggested ... Read More >>
Looking for the Invisible Infinite in the Footprints of Wolves
Essay
By Kathleen Stocking | Nov. 26, 2021
There’s a faint bluish cast to the day, a Delft blue, like the blue of the sky in Vermeer’s paintings, blue like moonlight, but in the day. In my mind I see footprints through the snow, out across the ice to the island. I think they are wolf tracks, but how would I know? My mind works, most days, by what poet Walt Whitman calls “the law of divine indirections.” The ... Read More >>
A Few Holiday Turkeys
Spectator
By Stephen Tuttle | Nov. 20, 2021
According to research conducted by the Economist/YouGov, fully 28 percent of Republicans believe Donald Trump will be “reinstated” as president on or before Jan. 1, 2022. That means around 14 million people believe, or have been led to believe, a delusion that is literally impossible. There is nothing in the Constitution or in statutes that allow any such thing as the “reinstatement” of a former president. Even if there was evidence ... Read More >>
Show Gratitude by Reducing Waste
Guest Opinion
By Cathye Williams | Nov. 20, 2021
Thanksgiving has long been a time to celebrate abundance. Striving for abundance seemed prudent in a past where stockpiles provided security against times of scarcity. Today, the abundance we enjoy is more a sign of imbalance than security. Much like climate change brings downpours and floods to some areas while leaving others deathly dry, our current food system is similarly out of whack: In the U.S., we throw away over $400 billion ... Read More >>
The Distance We Must Still Travel
Spectator
By Stephen Tuttle | Nov. 13, 2021
There was certainly more than one reason Democrat Terry McAuliffe lost his gubernatorial race in Virginia. But many think the tipping point in that campaign occurred when McAuliffe had the temerity to say this: “I don't think parents should be telling schools what they should teach ... .” It turned out quite a few Virginia parents believed they should be telling schools what to teach. Some even suggested panels of parents should ... Read More >>
A Fine Lesson in Do-goodery
Guest Opinion
By Mary Keyes Rogers | Nov. 13, 2021
Those gathered at the recent memorial service for American statesman Colin Powell were reminded of his commitment to kindness in both his leadership and daily life. “Don’t just show kindness in passing or to be courteous,” Powell once said. “Show it in depth, show it with passion, and expect nothing in return. Kindness is not just about being nice. It’s about recognizing another human being who deserves care and respect.” For a civilized ... Read More >>
Embracing the Moments
Guest Opinion
By Kevin Breen | Nov. 6, 2021
Mother. Few single words in the English language pack a more potent punch. For most of my 61 years, the word mother for me has been a relatively simple one of love and acceptance, with a few interesting quirks thrown in here and there. In the past few years, though, my relationship to my now 90-year-old mother has taken on a new level of complexity. Here is what this diminutive woman of ... Read More >>
Consumers Lose Again
Spectator
By Stephen Tuttle | Nov. 6, 2021
The Build Back Better legislation, President Joe Biden's $3.5 trillion social program and climate legislation, is no more. It was maimed, dismembered, and chopped in half by the whining, quibbling, and obstructing interference of Democrat Senators Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona. Some of us will be the poorer for it. There are still plenty of goodies in the legislation: $1.75 trillion is a lot of new spending. ... Read More >>
10 Rules to Avoid the Discomfort of Critical Thinking
Guest Opinion
By Tom Gutowski | Oct. 30, 2021
Rule No. 1: If it feels true, it is. If you absolutely must “do the research,” look only at sources that you know you’ll agree with. Why suffer the agony of reading or listening to an opposing opinion? You could get heartburn. Rule No. 2: If they agree with you, they’re telling the truth. If they disagree, they’re either misinformed or lying. I recommend going with the lying angle, because it’s fun ... Read More >>
Loading More Stories...