Rights and Democracy
An American Dream Deferred
One of the most important lessons I learned growing up was that if I played by the rules and worked hard, I could accomplish anything. This was — and still is — an American value taught to all children who grow up in this country and attend our public education...
A Twisted Tribute
General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of staff, wants to honor a particular military hero. Well sure, who doesn't admire General George Washington? Or maybe a hero from the Civil War or World War II? Here's a twist: Maybe it's General Buck...
Kissing the Koch Ring
After the Supreme Court's democracy-mugging decree that let corporations dump unlimited amounts of money into our elections, a guy named Larry sent me an email that perfectly summed it all up: "Big money has plucked our eagle!" Thanks to the court's freakish Citizens...
Billionaires United
The Nincompoop Caucus Sets a Record
The GOP-led House of Representatives has already achieved a historic legislative record. A record in futility, that is. And absurdity. In February, for the 56th time, they focused the entire array of brain cells in their 245-member caucus on an effort that would...
Giuliani: Nutball or Sleazeball?
I’m trying to make up my mind about Rudy Giuliani: I can’t decide whether he’s a nutball or a sleazeball. For now I’m going with a sleazy nutball, but I’m open to suggestions. In a series of hysterical attacks on Barack Obama in recent weeks, Giuliani has all but...
A Mythical Right to Discriminate
The Supreme Court is now considering cases that could usher in nationwide marriage equality, and state-level gay marriage bans are falling faster than you can say "equal protection under the law." People who want to turn back the clock on rights for their lesbian,...
Forget the Stereotypes
When an angry neighbor murdered three Muslim students in North Carolina, my Facebook feed lit up. Tragic, I thought, and I scrolled on. Then another post caught my eye. A Muslim friend cried out that the triple murder was a hate crime — and fumed that the news was...
Goosey as Ever
Ready or not, the race is on — for president, I mean. Yes, Election Day is still nearly two years away, but the candidates are already on the loose. And they're as goosey as ever. So far, the goosiest has been Mitt Romney. The GOP's 2012 loser was asked last year if...
Taking on ‘Mayor 1 Percent’
The people of Chicago are grappling with a big question that people in nearly every urban place face: Can anyone really govern such a sprawling, brawling city? Reclaim Chicago — an upstart populist coalition that has become a major force in the city — says the answer...
