I usually keep my focus on issues here at home—challenges that affect us as Americans. But with the world now turning its attention to the Catholic Church and the anticipation of a new Pope, I’ve been reading and reflecting on the legacy of Pope Francis—and what his message might mean for all of us, especially in this divided moment. Pope...

I’ve never posted a story in its entirety from another source—until now. Last night’s 60 Minutes episode, titled “The Rule of Law,” is so vital to understanding where the country stands for both Republicans and Democrats at this moment that I feel a responsibility to share it with you in full. I could simply summarize or provide highlights, but I...

Several times, I’ve been asked why I spend so much time writing about President Donald Trump. Two reasons (I’ll get to the second later): So many of his actions go far beyond the pale of ethical propriety. It’s not just that the lines are crossed, it’s how shamelessly they’re erased. Let’s focus on one issue: a conflict of interest. It’s...

In a time when political rhetoric pushes us toward isolation, history reminds us that the greatest leaders understood a fundamental truth: America is strongest when we invest not just in ourselves but in the stability of the world around us. After World War II, Europe was in ruins: Cities were bombed out; economies devastated; and millions faced starvation. Exhausted from...

I’ve been revisiting Ken Burns’ series on the history of baseball, and it sparked some interesting comparisons to a subject that headlines the news daily. Baseball values sportsmanship, fairness, and integrity. Politics far too often involves the polar opposite. While character has once been evident in the halls of Congress (I haven’t figured out which halls, yet), it now seems...

After learning that one of Donald Trump’s first actions as president pardoned nearly all of the 1,600 January 6, defendants, police officer, Michael Fanone–who was almost beaten to death by Trump supporters said this: “I have been betrayed by my country and I have been betrayed by those who supported Donald Trump. Whether you voted for him because he promised...

Embed from Getty Images Alarm bells go off on every page of former Congresswoman Liz Cheney’s book, “Oath and Honor,” . . . every page. At New Hampshire’s Dartmouth College last Friday, Cheney continued to press her message to primary voters. “Tell the world who we are with your vote. Tell them that we are a good and a great...

Hate is a sickness; a dark force that shuts out the light of humanity. It grows in darkness, feeds on suspicion, fear, and doubt. It debases others in a torrent of racialism. In times of distrust and disaffection, it grabs onto any rationalization for violence. On September 11, 2001, the country witnessed the power of hate in the murder of...

There’s no question that 2022 has been a gloomy and cruel year: political wars; culture wars; truth wars. For the first time in more than 100 years, America is at war with itself. Many have succumbed to lies and disinformation. Many have surrendered to hate and violence to justify those false beliefs. For many, Christmas seems an afterthought. Like the...