As a starting point, it was impossible to suspend disbelief when I discovered this book centers on a character two parts buffoon and one part dictator who believes he owns our country thanks to a few backroom deals with various autocrats around the world (plus a special thank you to Deutsche Bank and Facebook). ItContinue reading “My Goodreads Review of the novel 2020”
Category Archives: democracy
One month (or so) in
I have wondered how to take stock of one month (or so) of the pandemic and ongoing extreme social distancing measures. There are the good parts—my family and I have fallen into something of a routine, finding ways to get things done, work, chores, hobbies, and various diversions. We’ve found ways to connect with friendsContinue reading “One month (or so) in”
America on Trial
First, I want to share Adam Schiff’s closing words from January 24, 2020: Sometimes I think about how unforgiving history can be of our conduct. We can do a lifetime’s work, draft the most wonderful legislation, help our constituents, and yet we may be remembered for none of that, but for a single decision weContinue reading “America on Trial”
Did you vote yet?
It’s voting day, and I just spent a few hours encouraging people to vote. I already voted during early voting because nothing scares me more than missing the chance to vote. One time I drove past my voting precinct and saw what at first glance looked like campaign signs and volunteers, and I literally clutchedContinue reading “Did you vote yet?”
Listening Notes: 1619 podcast, Episode 5, Part 2
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/11/podcasts/1619-slavery-farm-loan-discrimination.html “The Land of Fathers, Part 2” is the last episode of the 1619 podcast series. Phew. This podcast picks up where it left off by highlighting the weight of the grief and loss experienced by a family of African American sugar cane farmers. They compare the way this family was treated by a bankContinue reading “Listening Notes: 1619 podcast, Episode 5, Part 2”
Listening Notes: America Dissected
Thanks to some extra time on the treadmill, and it’s true that I am glad I got on there after I’m done with the workout, I caught up on a new podcast called America Dissected with Abdul El-Sayed. He has released three episodes so far, the first on modern quackery, and my main takeaway pointContinue reading “Listening Notes: America Dissected”
Listening Notes: 1619 Episode 5
I hope I don’t sound as impatient as I felt, but the New York Times *finally* issued another episode of the 1619 series, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1619/id1476928106?i=1000452394193 This one was called Episode 5: The Land of Our Fathers, Part 1. Yet again, this episode is well worth a listen as it expands on issues raised in one of the 1619Continue reading “Listening Notes: 1619 Episode 5”
Word Search
I have been kicking around titles for this blog post. One was “Awkward segue” since I will return to random topics after spending a few weeks focusing on the painful history of American slavery and its ongoing impact on American society. Another possible title was “The unbearable whiteness of being” in case you were wonderingContinue reading “Word Search”
1619 Project: Muhammad
Khalil Gibran Muhammad’s essay is titled “The sugar that saturates the American diet has a barbaric history as the ‘white gold’ that fueled slavery.” As always, my goal is to highlight these articles rather than summarize, assuming that you will read the original works. This line in particular stood out for me: In Europe atContinue reading “1619 Project: Muhammad”
1619 Project: Stevenson
I continue to read, reflect, and shine a spotlight on the essays in the New York Times Magazine’s 1619 Project. Author of Just Mercy (and to my mind, a saint walking amongst us) Bryan Stevenson wrote an article titled, ”Slavery gave America a fear of black people and a taste for violent punishment. Both stillContinue reading “1619 Project: Stevenson”
reader. writer. 