Recent Commentaries

Featured image for “True Grit with a Smile”
True Grit with a Smile
Growing up, I had many interests, but none could match the fascination and passion I had for the U.S. space program, especially the first, Project Mercury. When it was announced late yesterday that the last of the original seven Mercury astronauts, the first man to orbit the earth, John Glenn, had passed away at the age of 95, I felt...
Read More
December 9, 2016
Featured image for “The Real Problem with Fake News”
The Real Problem with Fake News
Last Sunday on the CBS News program 60 Minutes, Scott Pelley spoke with House Speaker Paul Ryan. One exchange caught my attention. Pelley: Trump tweeted, in the last week or so, that he had actually “…won the popular vote, if you deduct the millions who voted illegally.” Do you believe that? Ryan tried to dismiss this with a smile and...
Read More
December 7, 2016
Featured image for “The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and the New McCarthy”
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and the New McCarthy
The passing of actor and political activist Robert Vaughn reminded me that we should never forget the lessons of history. It also reminded me of a time in college. In 1972 I had one more required class to take, American Jurisprudence. From the moment I sat down, I was lost, completely over my head. The students in the class were...
Read More
December 5, 2016
Featured image for “Memo to the 11%: It’s <em>Just</em> a CUP!”
Memo to the 11%: It’s Just a CUP!
Last year, Starbucks – a company well-known for its inclusive, positive message along with excellent service – became the center of a controversy that should never have taken place. As MSNBC reported (Nov. 13, 2015), “The iconic Christmas cup has featured several winter-themed designs since it first appeared in 1997. From minimalist snowflakes and hand-drawn reindeer to a winking snowman...
Read More
December 2, 2016