I was in the midst of writing a piece on President Obama’s initial remarks made last Wednesday concerning the arrest of Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates by Cambridge Police Sgt. James Crowley when news came Friday of Mr. Obama making a new statement to “recalibrate” his language. More accurately, he was recalibrating his judgment. When I first heard the news that Mr....

“Jump the shark” – The moment when a TV show, actor or public figure has gone downhill.  Refers to an episode from Happy Days where Fonzi jumped a shark on water skis; labeled the lowest point of the series. – Urban Dictionary Genius can be staggering.  Sadly, in the case of Michael Jackson, it can also be tragically fragile. Jackson...

Manny Ramirez is gone, suspended for 50 regular season games, but should he be allowed to play in this year’s All-Star Game? Ramirez’s suspension ends July 3. The All-Star Game is played on July 14th. Legally, Ramirez is eligible to play. Ethically? New York Times ethicist, Randy Cohen writes “There are potent arguments against the use of these substances [steroids], invoking respect for the...

We all have responsibilities to family, friends, co-workers, and employers, to name just a few.  But the ethical value of responsibility goes beyond individuals and institutions within our own circle to include our community, country, as well as the world at large. I’ve talked about David Krieger before.  Founder of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, David has served as the organization’s...

President Obama has called for “a new era of responsibility… Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency.”  Last week he pointed to “a confidence gap, when it comes to the American people… [and said] we’ve got to earn their trust.” So, when it comes to responsibility and openness, how is Mr. Obama doing?  Is...

“You’re Roland Burris.  You used to be in the Senate.  You used to be big.” “I AM big.  It’s the Senate that got small.” First, he’s in:  Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, arrested on corruption charges stemming from trying to “sell” Barack Obama’s Senate seat, appoints Roland Burris. Then, he’s out:  Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid says the Senate won’t seat anyone appointed...

Q:  “If your name was not revealed in the [Sports Illustrated] report, would you have come out on your own volition?” A-Rod: “I haven’t thought about that much.” Q:  “Do you consider what you did [using steroids] cheating?” A-Rod:  “That’s not for me to determine. I’m here to say that I’m sorry.” Q:  “Do you feel like your home run record...

Did you know that Barneys is having a Warehouse Sale with savings between 50-75% off? ABC Carpet & Home is offering similar savings for its Presidents’ Day Extravaganza! What would Mr. Lincoln say? “Money is only valuable while in circulation…” What about the bankers on Capitol Hill, yesterday, answering questions from a Congressional committee looking into what they’ve done with the first round of bailout...

Edith Frederickson loves to smoke. In fact, the 72-year-old Belmont, California resident has been smoking for some 50 years in bars, restaurants, airplanes, trains, indoors and out. However, two weeks ago the good citizens of Belmont enacted perhaps the toughest antismoking law in the country by banning smoking in all apartment buildings. The result:  Edith will no longer be able...

The first time I became aware that the plane was in trouble I looked out the window and realized that the ground was coming up quickly. The oxygen masks dropped, and the pilot announced, “Yes, we want you all to put your oxygen masks on!” Flight attendants quickly went about helping passengers remain in their seats and put on their...