How does that ancient Chinese curse go, “May you live in interesting times”? Actually, that quote comes not from the Chinese at all. The closest Chinese expression is, “Better to be a dog in a peaceful time, than to be a human in a chaotic period.” (We clearly seem to be living in the latter.) While John Dingell was the...

For years a parade of celebrities, politicians, CEOs and others have attempted to end The National Enquirer’s sleazy and wildly inaccurate “news” reporting with little success. Now this mainstay of Yellow Journalism has crossed swords with the world’s richest man, and The Enquirer’s parent company, American Media Inc., along with its CEO David Pecker may be a little more troubled...

“Together, we can break decades of political stalemate, we can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions and unlock the extraordinary promise of America’s future.” – President Trump, State of the Union speech, Feb. 5, 2019 Despite all his bluster, I thought President Trump’s State of the Union speech on Tuesday left open the possibility...

With the potential for yet another government shutdown, Washington Republicans and Democrats talking past each other, what we need most are stories that remind us who we are and what we really stand for. Iraq and Afghanistan vet Anthony Maggert was driving to an appointment at Walter Reed Medical Center last Wednesday when he spotted someone on the side of...

Late Friday, I received a phone call from President Trump. “Hey Jim, it’s President Trump.” “Yes, Mr. President, what can I do for you?” I say, waiting for the punch line from some friend. “I’ve been meaning to call you for some time.” “Uh-huh.” “No, really,” he says. “I’ve read some of your stuff about me and I’m impressed.” Now...

It’s time for Congressional Republicans to take a hard look in the mirror and ask themselves one critical question: Will you act in the best interests of the country or the interests of President Trump? You can’t do both. Here’s why. On January 29, FBI Director Christopher Wray, CIA Director Gina Haspel and Director of National Security Dan Coats –...

This is a story of two kids: one who does the right thing and another who, well… you decide. When a sixth-grade student at Houghton Academy near Buffalo, New York noticed that the bus driver had accidentally hit a parked car, then left the scene, this student jumped into action, leaving a note on the car of Canisius College student...

Last Friday (Jan. 25), when Trump announced that he would temporarily end the government shutdown without funding for his wall (for now), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi offered the right response: no gloating, no victory lap, no expressions of, “we won, you lost!” Trump likes to define his actions in terms of winning and losing, and his remarks on Friday, despite...

In our last episode, Mitch McConnell, (you remember him, he’s the one in the pinstriped suit and the clueless look playing the part of the Senate Majority Leader), was bringing two bills to the floor of the U.S. Senate (that’s the chamber of Congress where serious reflection and decision-making takes place), to reflect and decide on two very different plans....

The lack of trust in institutions vital to our health, welfare and security continues to grow in the age of Trump. I have written about the serious threat to both children and communities when parents willingly deny vaccinations for their children. Nonetheless, the risk has grown more dangerous. The New York Times Editorial Board writes (Jan. 19) that “The World...