Rights and Democracy
Fear-mongering Hurts Us All
Representative Loretta Sanchez voiced the fears of a growing number of Americans when she spoke recently with Larry King as details about the San Bernardino shooters emerged. “We know that there is a small group” of Muslims, the California Democrat said — “anywhere...
Now This Is Really Criminal
The media is fond of calling out our “do-nothing Congress.” Indeed, our national lawmakers’ last term was one of the least productive in history. But maybe that’s not such a bad thing. According to author John Whitehead, Congress has created, on average, 50 new crimes...
Make America Great, Like It Was — When?
The holiday season is a time for nostalgia. We watch It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story, engage in time-honored traditions, and even sing songs about sleighs and sleigh bells. Honestly, when was the last time you rode in a sleigh? I've eaten a roasted...
What the GOP’s Putting Under Corporate America’s Tree
Given the commitment House Republicans profess to balancing the federal budget, you'd think tax breaks for profitable businesses would be a low priority. But this holiday season, they’re set to vote for a two-year, $96 billion package of tax breaks — 80 percent of...
What the Red Cup Controversy Really Says about Christmas in America
I happened to be visiting the first-ever Starbucks in Seattle a few weeks ago when a mini-controversy erupted: There were no Christmas trees or snowflakes on this season's holiday Starbucks coffee cups. The horror! Facebook exploded with comments, as did Twitter. Even...
It’s Time to Fire Trump
I’m white. So is Donald Trump. I work as a teaching assistant in a sociology course on race while I pursue a PhD. Trump alone provides enough material to supply half my curriculum. Over the years, he's said he thinks he'd be better off if he were "a well-educated...
Refugees Are as American as Baseball
I recently watched an old movie called Take Me Out to the Ball Game, a post-World War II Hollywood musical bursting with good ol’ U.S.A. pride. At the heart of the film is baseball, the quintessential American pastime. The plot focuses on three great fictional...
President Obama Can Expose Corporate Election Spending
Since the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision paved the way for unlimited corporate spending on elections, shadowy political organizations that don’t disclose their donors have spent over $600 million on federal races. With the Koch brothers’ network alone...
Fear Itself
Why Justin Trudeau Makes Me Jealous of Canada
Asked why half the members of his cabinet are women, Justin Trudeau replied with three words that spoke volumes: “Because it’s 2015.” The nurturing father of three kids under 10 is a master of effortless statements that spread inclusiveness and tolerance. Four Sikhs...
