News accounts of Russia’s ban on American adoptions almost unanimously take a contrived Cold War stance. The ban, critics say, is political, underhanded, adversarial, and retaliatory. Surely the Russians would disagree, so why not let Russia defend…
In many minds, Cinco de Mayo is a vague “holiday” celebrating something to do with Mexico, though it’s not about Independence Day as such. Who cares? It’s really an excuse to party in bars or at home. Prepare the way…
America gave up its allegiance to kingship, even though that is the governmental model of both the Old and New Testaments. The New World would look to a merit-based political system that transcends family lineage. This said, we still…
Turn on the evening news and all across the globe, demonstrators have taken to the streets. No one wants America to become another Egypt or Libya. The middle-class in particular have a long history of avoiding confrontation. …
Those who profit from race in terms of money, power, or careers will not welcome the concept of colorblindness. As I recently wrote, “To me that means that you don’t take race into consideration when dealing with others. You…
To win in most places in South Dakota, you have to be a Republican. No problem, just switch your party affiliation even if you’re a liberal. We end up with a Republican Party machine that is decidedly liberal and often…
American broadcasting pioneer William L. Shirer bore unique witness to Europe in the 1930s in his memoir 20th Century Journey, The Nightmare Years, 1930-1940. Workng for CBS, he and Edward R. Murrow were almost insiders as the continent wound itself up…
The word “suffrage” always carries an emotional rush. The warm embrace of freedom and full citizenship. Great that women in South Dakota can now vote (see flag below). But it’s never been clear to me why children can’t vote as…
Apparently few South Dakotans believe in the principle of colorblindness. To me that means that you don’t take race into consideration when dealing with others. You might notice that your relatives are all different in numerous ways, but you rejoice…
Charles Darwin may have been right after all. It’s a bit like getting fired from a soul-deadening job. You’re free at last. Same might apply to that now-divorced worthless spouse you picked up in the local bar. Isn’t…