Blog
Who among us does not feel special? See himself or herself at the center of the universe? Think that if everyone does what I do, the world will be a better place? The answer: precious few. Which explains why not only individuals but also nations often come to grief. The belief that I or “we”…
The legendary comedian Groucho Marx famously said, “I wouldn’t belong to any club that would have me as a member.” The Groucho persona was highly individual. But isolation offers little to the soul. In that regard, some people join one particular “club” that accepts—but doesn’t seek—members. Last week, a young man named Collin went before…
In this world of digital celebrity, I have to make a terrible confession. No, I don’t snatch purses from little old ladies or take candy from babies. And you won’t see me in videos getting drunk, hitting on women and throwing punches. It’s worse. I’m boring. You may have seen the Dos Equis beer commercials…
Merle Haggard died on Wednesday. I first listened to the Country Music Hall of Famer when I lived in San Antonio. One of his greatest hits stays with me—particularly in this election season. I’m not a big country music fan, but country tunes still tickle me. As a writer, I appreciate that country lyrics are…
This post is about pro basketball, but it goes deeper. Sports offers meaningful insights into American society. Two teams reveal compelling stories about failure and success. The New York Knicks long have been woeful. Owner James Dolan—who inherited the team—is noted more for dollars than sense. In 2011, the Knicks traded good young players for…
In the early days of the American revolution, Thomas Paine wrote, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” The Islamist attacks in Brussels last Tuesday reminded us that these are always the times that try men’s (and women’s) souls. Despite security efforts—additional arrests have been made since Tuesday—some terrorists slip through the net. U.S.…
A woman my age recently suffered sexual harassment. Her story says a lot about how we still treat women in our enlightened American society, the San Francisco Bay Area included. It also delivers a sad message about how money undermines decency. “Evelyn” decided to move from her condo to an independent living facility. “It had…
My January 15 post, “Loyalty and Betrayal,” explored the unwillingness of many people to disagree with a group to which they belonged—even when they knew something was wrong. Two more examples highlight the danger inherent in giving up independent thinking and submitting to mind control. Fundamentalist religious sects long have abounded. Judaism has its share.…
Donald Trump’s big showing on Super Tuesday inspired me. A year ago, who would have thought him a serious presidential candidate? So in response to his triumph, I want to say this: Send me a dollar—now! I’m gonna make America great again. It’s simple. There are 320 million Americans. Some are legal. All I’m asking…
Does anti-Muslim rhetoric relate to anti-Semitism? Yes, according to my friend Claudia Hagadus Long, an attorney and fellow novelist. Claudia has authored a trilogy about colonial Mexico—Josefina’s Sin, The Duel for Consuelo and (late 2016 or 2017) Marcela Unchained. Given her family’s challenging Jewish history, an undercurrent of anti-Semitism runs through all. Now, Muslim bashing…