| Aug 9, 2010 | Rights / DemocracyDo we really have to say nice things about George Steinbrenner just because he’s…you know…dead? Really? OK, here goes: About a dozen years ago or so, maybe more, Sen. Tom Harkin, an Iowa Democrat, was talking with Steinbrenner and happened to...
| Jul 26, 2010 | Rights / DemocracyJohn Wooden was a legend. That’s a word that’s thrown around a lot these days, particularly in the realm of sports. Most sports legends aren’t. But he was. Wooden died at the age of 99 in June, 35 years after retiring as the most successful (and many...
| Apr 23, 2010 | Rights / DemocracyFormer NAACP executive director Benjamin Hooks opened doors. “Many of the rights we take for granted today were made possible by the courage and tenacity of Ben Hooks and others of his generation who devoted their lives to the relentless pursuit of equality and...
| Apr 19, 2010 | Rights / DemocracyWhen Jaime Escalante died, we lost a pioneering teacher who changed people’s ideas of what children are capable of learning. Many people know about Escalante’s work from the popular movie “Stand and Deliver,” which depicted his success teaching...
| Feb 15, 2010 | Rights / DemocracyOur nation lost a pioneering historian and social activist last month. Howard Zinn, who died while swimming laps at 87, revolutionized the way millions of Americans—especially young Americans— understand our shared history. His writings and work inspired...
