Recent Commentaries

Featured image for “The Boy Scouts”
The Boy Scouts
This is a story about discrimination and the possibility of change. Next month, the National Council of The Boy Scouts of America will vote on an issue that has deeply divided the Scouts for decades. The Scouts announced early this month, a split-the-baby approach allowing openly gay boys to become members. If the proposal is accepted by a majority of...
Read More
April 29, 2013
Featured image for “Consequences”
Consequences
I’ve written before how, in an effort to be first, some journalists will report on a story without thoroughly checking a number of source points. However, when the story is reported live, in the middle of an ongoing crisis, the consequences to one’s credibility can be harsh. CNN National Correspondent John King’s credibility came into question when he was one of...
Read More
April 26, 2013
Featured image for “Rule 26”
Rule 26
Did you hear about Tiger’s predicament at this year’s Masters? After physical and marital troubles the past few years, Tiger Woods has not only reclaimed the number one spot in golf, but appeared on his way to win his 6th Masters earlier this month until… uh-oh… “Woods awoke Saturday having to defend himself against a rules violation he committed in...
Read More
April 24, 2013
Featured image for “What We Learned”
What We Learned
Last week taught us a lot. We learned that in spite of increased security measures since 9/11, we are still vulnerable to attacks from individuals bent on changing our way of life. We learned that intelligent, seemingly normal teens growing up in a country that advocates freedom and liberty for all can still be susceptible to radicalization by others. We...
Read More
April 22, 2013
Featured image for “Sticking to Their Guns”
Sticking to Their Guns
Here’s the fundamental, unequivocal position by the National Rifle Association on any form of gun legislation – NO. NO – to a provision that would renew and strengthen a ban on assault weapons. NO – to limit magazines to 10 rounds. NO – to making “straw” purchasing, (where an individual buys a weapon for another), and trafficking a federal crime. NO – to require background...
Read More
April 19, 2013
Featured image for “Who We Are”
Who We Are
They were also there in Newtown, Oklahoma City and in New York City on 9/11. They’re police, firemen, paramedics, doctors, nurses, friends, neighbors – hundreds of typically anonymous bystanders who happen to be in the area during a tragedy like the one we faced Monday at the end of the Boston Marathon. They’re like Carlos Arredondo who said he acted...
Read More
April 17, 2013
Featured image for “April 15, 1947”
April 15, 1947
I wasn’t born when Jackie Robinson first stepped onto a major league baseball field on this day sixty-six years ago, breaking the color barrier. Growing up, for the most part, in Southern California, I was already accustomed to integration. It was a given. From the first moment I saw Chavez Ravine in 1962, I discovered a world where sunshine and...
Read More
April 15, 2013
Featured image for “The Ethical Take”
The Ethical Take
First up: Senate to Debate Gun Legislation – On Wednesday I acknowledged six politically courageous GOP Senators who refused to go along with a proposed filibuster to prevent new gun legislation from being brought to the floor for a debate. We have two Senators to thank for that. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.), and Sen. Patrick J. Toomey (R-Penn.), “unveiled a bipartisan...
Read More
April 12, 2013
Featured image for “The Six”
The Six
So, political courage does exist in Washington. After Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) announced that he would be joining 13 other Republican Senators in a possible filibuster to prevent gun legislation from even making it to the floor for a discussion, yesterday afternoon six Republican Senators announced that they would not support their colleagues. Senators John McCain (AZ), Lindsey Graham (SC), Mark Kirk (Ill),...
Read More
April 10, 2013
Featured image for “The Thin Mint Debacle”
The Thin Mint Debacle
Scandal or not? You decide. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I opened the front page of Saturday’s (Apr. 6) Wall Street Journal to learn that that noble organization, The Girl Scouts of America – an organization known for building “girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place,” is under siege from two states that collect taxes...
Read More
April 8, 2013