Current Event
Despite the notion that everything we needed to learn could somehow be done in kindergarten, I’ve learned a few new things in recent weeks… I’ve learned that words matter… (… shoot… I did learn that in kindergarten... but... I’ve learned that not everyone did learn it there…) I’
Current Event
The peaceful transfer of power is beautiful. Always. Let me say that again: always. I do not mean to in any way diminish the emotion of those who are less than thrilled with our new President. Liking or disliking has nothing to do with my point. Eight years ago I
Current Event
Just as I have with each elected president in my lifetime, I stand still in both awe and humble thanks, aware of the uniqueness and magnitude of the peaceful transition of power. There is no raucous disarray; there is no military coup. The transfer of power from one leader to
Current Event
Not long ago a reader respectfully asked when we’d be done covering the election. She was kind, but she had grown weary — weary because (1) the reactions of many have been challenging to continually endure, and (2) there are so many other current life events to address. I get
Current Event
"Why are you being so rude?" "Because he was rude first." "Why won’t you listen?" "Because he stopped listening to me first." "Why are you so insulting, and justifying all the name calling?" "Because he did it first.
Current Issue
Friends, to quote one I respect, “none of this is easy.” Eight years ago, one man was elected that many felt justified in vilifying. Approximately eight weeks ago, it happened again. I can sense the immediate sighs and spine bristles. It’s ok. I am not here to invalidate nor
Daily Life
Knowing it's a priority of the Intramuralist, recently someone asked me exactly what “respectful dialogue” means. Allow me to begin by professing that I am no expert. The thoughts shared below are a compilation of priorities I’ve embraced from the insights and wisdom of Dr. Marilee Adams,
Daily Life
It’s pretty cold in my hometown these days. At the time of this writing, my seemingly temperamental thermometer is registering a whole 11°. Driving in the cold yesterday, I was about to turn into a small shopping center when I noticed an older van blocking the entrance. So I
Current Issue
In our seemingly frequent, politically correct culture, I heard someone recently ask what the problem actually is with political correctness. Great question. And one we should talk about. Perhaps we should first define what it is… Political correctness (or colloquially “PC”) equates to “the avoidance, often considered as taken to
Holiday
Each year seems marked by its uniqueness… ’41 was the attack on Pearl Harbor, the escalation of WWII and the USA’s involvement… ’63 was when a nation mourned the death of its sitting President, stilled by the poignancy of his young son’s salute… ’97 saw the deaths of
Daily Life
So with the new year and accompanying plethora of “Yada-Yada-Yada’s of the Year” proclamations, I found myself somewhat amused by Merriam-Webster’s announcement that “surreal” was its word of the year for 2016. Defined as something that has been “marked by the intense irrational reality of
Current Event
She was the first princess I ever truly desired to imitate. His transcendence beyond boxing amazed me. Her Pulitzer Prize winning masterpiece was the first novel I ever loved. His brilliance on the High Court was striking, as noted by one of his besties, the ideologically opposite Ginsberg. She was