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As I sit down to pen this post, the words seem few. But yet, there still seems so much to say. How do I say this well? How does one compact an approximate 20-some years of events and experience into one nice-sounding, semi-concise letter? How do we
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“How do we handle disagreement?” posed my wise friend last weekend. In a fascinating exchange, his question prompted further, unquestionably relevant pondering… We are passionate people. We have thoughts and opinions and ways we each think are right. If it’s right for me, is it right for thee? Is
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“… A hundred years ago, kids in classrooms were taught the color of their skin was their most important characteristic — and if they looked a certain way, they were inferior. Today, kids again are being taught that the color of their skin defines them — and if they look a certain way,
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For years the Intramuralist has presented a “State of the Government” post consistent with the timing of the President’s State of the Union (SOTU) address. As Pres. Biden delivers a joint address to Congress this evening and not an SOTU (there is a difference, although typically not in style)
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This was a hard week… Many eyes first followed the long-awaited verdict of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. First and foremost, how hard it was to watch a man die; it doesn’t matter who the man is. God be with the Floyd family. Let us also say,
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Hang with the Intramuralist long enough, and one swiftly learns there are two popular phrases which oft prompt a rapid, negative (albeit playful) response: “It is what it is.” And… “Let’s agree to disagree.” “It is what it is” simply feels hollow to me. It’s more what we
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One of the things that drives me crazy is dishonesty. Ask my sons… Sarcastic? OK, sometimes that’s funny. Exaggerate? Well, that can make a good story a great one. But lie? That’s wrong. And not only is it wrong, it’s incredibly unattractive and a clear extinguisher of
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Was it one more act in a pattern of racist police violence? Or was it the tragic outcome of a high pressure mistake? In a disturbing development in which a young black man was resisting arrest in Minneapolis Sunday afternoon, after a traffic stop/outstanding warrant situation, a veteran white
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Let’s be honest. There’s too much rhetoric out there right now. In 21st Century America, every issue needs an enemy; the acquisition of a carefully crafted enemy expedites support. It builds public backing faster and in many cases, prompts the omission of detailed scrutiny which multifaceted issues necessitate.
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“It's madness, madness, I tell you!” (... from the ever articulate, iconic Phoebe Buffay.) With madness once more made manifest in a publicized, frenzied folly, the circumstances still strike me as incredibly encouraging and hopeful… Two distinct groups, in direct opposition to one another. The reality, that in the
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[Note: if you have not read Part 1 & 2 of “14 Books,” allow me to encourage such now, as it will provide necessary context.] As we come to the end of this incisive series, sharing aspects learned in pursuit of racial and ethnic diversity and harmony, we conclude by
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Today marks the second in our series regarding the Intramuralist’s still incomplete journey, sharing some of what I’ve learned in my pursuit of racial and ethnic diversity and harmony. Know that my desire is two-fold: (1) to be part of a greater coming together; and (2) to