It has been quite some time since I last posted. The illness and ultimate demise of a loved pet intervened and laid me low. Previously I wrote about my effort to understand why thousands of people today believe in conspiracy theories. I reread the book, Mistakes Were Made (but not by me), by two social psychologists, Carol … Continue reading End Days, Part II
End Days
I live in one of five condominium units built around a common courtyard. One morning, on opening my front door to retrieve my newspaper, there in the center of the courtyard, just a few yards from where I stood, lay what at first appeared to be a human figure with outstretched arms. Momentarily alarmed, it … Continue reading End Days
Nothing But the Truth?
We grow up being told to always tell the truth. But parents inevitably send a more nuanced message when we hear them tell a half truth, or tell untruths out of kindness, or remain silent, perhaps to keep a promised confidence, and thereby send a false message. My belief is that in the context of … Continue reading Nothing But the Truth?
Just Mumble
Only weeks ago, we thought the time would soon be upon us when, whatever our political camp, we would be able to stop holding our breath. Now, it would appear that we are close. But while some are breathing easier, others are more woeful. Most of us choose to communicate only with our like-minded friends … Continue reading Just Mumble
If Hard Times Come
I present this essay just days before the presidential election of 2020. Tensions are high and some predict that the results may be a long time coming. Lawyers are gearing up. Will this be another election decided by the Supreme Court? Whatever the outcome, I think we may be looking at hard times ahead. The … Continue reading If Hard Times Come
Healing the Divide Revisited
I rarely look back on failed ventures with lasting regret. I take account of what went wrong and move on with a new plan. But now I’m worried. Credible scholars of history, noting the current partisan political rift, suggest that a country divided is most at risk of succumbing to autocratic rule, the end … Continue reading Healing the Divide Revisited
It’s Complicated
Recently I submitted an essay to a Journal that had previously published my work. This time it was respectfully rejected. I had written about a personal experience of discriminatory treatment in 1980 and my involvement many years later with the very man who had earlier stood in my way. It was clear to me … Continue reading It’s Complicated
Too Much Talk
As I connect with friends, most often now by text, email or phone, when certain issues come up, I try to change the subject. If that fails, I discover that my cat urgently needs to be fed. I have closed the door on commiserating at length about the latest actions or tweets of prominent politicians, … Continue reading Too Much Talk
Am I Racist?
Consider this question posed by Byron McCauley, a columnist and member of the editorial board of the Cincinnati Enquirer. It was published in 2017 on the day the trial of a University of Cincinnati police officer accused of murder ended in a mistrial because the jury was unable to reach a verdict. Tensing was tried twice and twice the jury deadlocked. … Continue reading Am I Racist?
The Loss of Touch
As we keep our distance from one another, what I miss most is touch, a handshake, contact with a steadying arm allowing me to safely match the stride of a companion, and the pleasure of being pulled into the gentle embrace of a friend, feeling the texture of their clothing, their scent, the pressure of … Continue reading The Loss of Touch
