Although it sounds trite and perhaps a bit juvenile, the crucial trait for any president is empathy. We want fairness in a world that is inherently unequal. We seek understanding though our motives are largely inscrutable. We desire recognition of individuality through enfranchisement even as we ...
There was no television readily available when I heard that Neil Armstrong had passed from this world. In a hotel room hours later, I found that no news programs were mentioning him or his mark on history. On NBC was a program titled Caught on Camera: Viral Videos"How? What? Why? My ...
Western analysis of the stunt pulled in Moscow by the cretins known as Pussy Riot cannot convey the visceral rage their act has elicited from the typical Russian. I don’t mean the typical Russian of central Moscow or St. Petersburg, but those from the endless cinderblock apartments that ...
So closes another Olympiad as the aroma of success, failure, and whining hangs heavy in the air. These were the most "Racist!" games of all. The most celebrated example of "Racism!" was the Greek jumper who was expelled after committing some off-color humor. Newsreaders reported a ...
When James Eagan Holmes had been in custody for hours and the sun broke over the tragic scene of a mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado, the typical recriminations began. Surprisingly, both President Obama and candidate Romney showed dignified restraint. Each made poignant speeches and halted all ...
In the years approximately 500 BC to 500 AD throughout the planet, various societies agreed in some concept of a flat Earth. This was obvious from mere visual observation, and thousands of those who’d sailed upon the sea were convinced at a certain point a ship would fall off the edge. ...
On the campaign trail in 2008, Barack Obama was charismatic and sold himself well. Unfortunately, he also sold out his country. In modern political history there has scarcely been a politician who promises so many things, then does precisely the opposite. I agree with everything Obama says and ...
It seems all of the changes taking place these days are for the worse. I am hardly a Miss Havisham to say it would be better that some things"especially good hotels"remain unchanged. The Breakers at Palm Beach is the best of these. Over the decades it has managed to make do with mere ...
What did the Indian say when he crossed the road? "Me just walkum Trail of Tears!" Merely for telling that joke, current mores dictate that I should apologize and make amends for insulting a sacrosanct assembly's sense of honor. It isn"t coming, so hold on to your tomahawks. There ...
Back in the days of $16 barrels of oil (it really was that low only a decade ago) when all the brouhaha began in the wake of the 9/11 hysteria and the "Axis of Evil" speech, some of my colleagues were discussing what ought to be done in light of our Afghan invasion and the all-but-certain ...
