Introduction In a dramatic display of family fealty and mathematical incompetence, a trailer load of daughter Catherine’s belongings took control of our Jeep as Bev and I were transporting her stuff back to Maine from Pittsburgh. This was in the winter of 1991. Catherine was on her way to Brazil. We had just left the... Continue Reading →
Background Stanley Cavell, the American philosopher and Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Harvard University, died recently at the age of 91. Coming to philosophy by way of music and film, he authored a diverse assortment of philosophical texts including The Claim of Reason, Must We Mean What We Say?, Pursuits of Happiness: The Hollywood Comedy of... Continue Reading →
Introduction Daniel J. Boorstin, American historian and twelfth Librarian of the Congress of the United States, authored a book in 1961 entitled The Image: Or, What Happened to the American Dream. I read the book in 1992 when the 25th year anniversary edition came out, with the addition of an Afterword by George F. Will,... Continue Reading →
President Obama’s eulogy for Clementa Pinckney—massacred Pastor of Emanuel AME church in Charleston, South Carolina—was one of the finest I’ve heard, and deserves standing among the most important speeches in our history. Think about his problem for a moment. What could he say to the wife, daughters, extended family, colleagues, and co-religionists of a Pastor... Continue Reading →
Who’s in on this? I see Skip and Stephen A., Dan, Keith too. Wilbon, where’s your sidekick? He’s parking the car. Ruth, you in? Ruth who? Marcus. I’m in. I see coach just walked in the door. Glad to see you Don. Who else? Chris Matthews. Check. Jon Stewart. Check. Shannon, Woody, Marshall, you guys... Continue Reading →
I once witnessed a TV interview with a dying man who was asked if he harbored any regrets. He responded: Yes, I wish I hadn’t lied to myself so often and suppressed my true thoughts. No one knows me as I really am. This idea has haunted me ever since. I hide my true thoughts... Continue Reading →
I would like to thank the Goodreads Community and the four hundred and sixty or so members who participated in my book giveaway program that ended last Saturday. I have sent out signed copies of "Abdication: God Steps Down for Good" to the ten winners. One of these copies went to Perth, Australia, another to... Continue Reading →
A week ago in this blog the publication of Abdication: God Steps Down for Good was announced, accompanied by the book description that appears on its cover. I am today posting the Preface to the book. It provides a fuller summary of the book, its spirit, and some thoughts on the experience of writing it. I should note that the... Continue Reading →
As readers know, I have left this Blog fallow for quite some time while I worked on a book. I am happy to say that the book is completed. It has just been published bf Friesen Press of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The book is entitled: Abdication God Steps Down for Good The book is available... Continue Reading →
My daughter received an invigorating Christmas gift from her brother-in-law that any one of us might want in our possession to kick start the 2012 election season. As much as I hate to shill the products of people I don't know and have never met, I gladly do so on this occasion because their products... Continue Reading →
