Environment and Health
The Freedom to Die with Dignity
You may have missed it amid all this fuss about Catholics and contraception. The Church’s pushback over routine birth control methods stemmed in large part from an important edict the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued in 2009, which remains poorly understood and could have a major impact on you and your loved ones.
Five Bucks a Gallon
No Nuclear Nirvana on the Horizon
When the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recently approved two new nuclear reactors near Augusta, Georgia, the first such decision in 32 years, there was plenty of hoopla.
Treating Sick Rich Folks
In these trying times of health care austerity, it reaffirms one’s faith in humanity to learn that many hospitals are now going the extra mile to provide top quality care for all.
Soaking the Customer
Ruby Williams, a 78-year-old Aqua Pennsylvania customer, got stuck with a $40,000 water bill because of a serious leak in the pipes under her home in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania. After her situation garnered national media attention, the private company agreed to reduce her bill to a few hundred dollars.
Shifting Gears
Over the past 60 years, transportation has changed less than might have been expected. Still no jetpacks, for example. And while this might change after the presidential election, we’re not yet commuting to jobs on the moon.
Stealing State Parks
In one of the saddest signs of the times, “We’re Closed” signs are popping up all across the country as governors and legislators are cutting off funds (and shutting off access) to one of the finest, most popular assets owned by the people of our country: state parks.
Coal Smoke and Planetary Fever
I recently returned to my childhood home in India with my siblings for a final walk down memory lane with my elderly mother. As expected, it was a powerfully emotional experience. But in ways unexpected, it brought home to me how our planetary fever — climate change — is inflicting a deadly fever on those least to blame for it.
The Fight over Reproductive Rights
The air is still thick with outrage over President Barack Obama’s attempt to require all employers to provide insurance coverage for people who desire (or need) birth control.
Inside Rick Santorum’s Head
Rick Santorum is the latest darling of the most extreme of the GOP’s extremist voters. Here’s just an earful of this guy’s moral piety.
