Matters in society that constitute problems for the stable operation of social institutions or populations and/or are recognized by significant groups as indicating the need for change in some parameter of social structure or process.
In the aftermath of the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, which saw the murder of nineteen children and two teachers, we have plenty of evidence that the whole approach to such threats to life in America today is way off target. Not only is it difficult for local law enforcement to prepare … More Waiting for Nothing: After-Action is Too Late
Yesterday, I watched a video clip of Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow speaking to here colleagues about the hate speech directed at her and the moral high ground upon which she stands. It was so moving that I must post it here, because only by standing up to hatred can we thwart persecution and violence … More Moral Clarity in the Fight Against Hate
Did you not know that you are a Ukrainian? Yes, of course you are. Did you not know that you are an Afghan too? Yes, of course you are. Did you not look into the eyes of that little Ukrainian girl fleeing the bombs hitting her school? Of course you did. Did you not look … More You are a Ukrainian and an Afghan Too.
This past Sunday, a post on the Australian site, Crikey Sunday Read reported on a protest called the “Canberra Convoy.” I had not been aware that the Canadian Truckers’ blockade had been replicated ‘down under.’ The thing is, reactionary, racist, and neo-fascist sentiments have become globally contagious. Clearly, social media has ‘enabled’ the contagion of … More Illusions of Freedom and the Contagion of Hate
One thing about the present condition of American culture that cannot be denied is the escalating levels of hostility, nastiness, and even violence expressed in all sorts of public venues from restaurants to school boards. We have seen more violence in the political arena because the vitriol has steadily escalated over more than the last … More Yes, Virginia, There Are Deplorables
Thom Hartman wrote such a great article in Salon.com on the takeover of the GOP by political grifters that I just had to cite it here and tell everyone to read it if they want to understand why the our nation has slid so far down the slippery slope to total political corruption. The article … More The Grifting Of America
Just about everyone now knows that Senator Joe Manchin is courted by and takes significant donations from oil and gas industry lobbyists. Yet, his blatant though somewhat subtle gaming of the legislative negotiating process clearly smells like quid quo pro. Virtually no other senator who is asked will directly confront that fact. They all dodge … More Corruption Nation: Acceptance Becomes a Norm
I didn’t know much about General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Pentagon’s Joint ‘Chiefs of Staff, appointed by Trump. I saw him marching from the White House in his fatigues with the Fake President and a number of his lackeys on their way to St. John’s church where Trump would hold a bible upside … More Mark Milley and Me: Saving the Nation from an Autocratic Attempt
The tension between the economy and the people has never been quite as intense as it is now. I hear all sorts of explanations, and speculations as to why many people are not returning to low-wage jobs where they must confront the public—especially in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Even hiring bonuses don’t seem to … More Did the Rat Race take a Hit from the Virus?
As new cases have surged over the past few weeks, some hospitals are already overrun with unvaccinated victims of the Delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic. Many find it hard to believe, since we thought we were so close to putting it all behind us. But this extremely transmissible and … More Denial Does Not Dodge Delta Danger
Robert MacNeil Christie, Author 