The nation is mourning the recent massacre of 49 people at the gay Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. The country also mourned after the senseless shooting murders at Charlestown, Aurora, Newtown, San Bernardino, Oak Creek, Chattanooga, Virginia Tech and Fort Hood. Still, after repeated mass killings, Congress is unmoved. … [Read more...]
U.S. subjugates Puerto Rico; N.Y. Times approves
The New York Times is the world’s greatest newspaper but its opinion so often is reactionary. For instance: justifying colonialism and imperialism. A recent editorial in the Times lamented Puerto Rico’s $72 billion debt to investors and $46 billion deficit in government pension funds. “It will default on payment of $2 billion in bond payments on July 1,” the Times … [Read more...]
Ali: profile in courage outside boxing ring
“I ain’t got nothing against them Vietcong.” — Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali, the charismatic and controversial boxing titan, was given a fine farewell in an obituary tribute by Robert Lipsyte in the New York Times. “Ali was the most thrilling, if not the best heavyweight ever, carrying into the ring a physically lyrical, unorthodox boxing style that fused speed, agility and … [Read more...]
Political correctness marring theatrical classics
The specter of political correctness hangs over the Western world, threatening great art and good writing with ridiculous euphemisms. Incredibly, “The Mikado” is under fire, accused of being racist to perform and stereotyped in casting. The Gilbert and Sullivan masterpiece has delighted audiences since it was first performed in London’s D’Oyly Carte in 1885. It is rollicking … [Read more...]
Puritanical NFL upholds ban on medical marijuana
Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana. Four states and D.C. have legalized pot for recreational uses. But the puritanical National Football League refuses to lift the ban on marijuana. Eugene Monroe, in a seven-year NFL career as an offensive forward, has had concussions, several shoulder injuries, ankle sprains and the terrible … [Read more...]
Political genius source of the musical “Hamilton”
Alexander Hamilton By Ron Chernow - 731 pages, The Penguin Press, 2004 The sold-out smash hit “Hamilton,” the hip-hop musical now on Broadway, is reaping astounding plaudits. It has been nominated for 16 Tony Awards, more than any other show in Broadway history. The nominators deemed the show worthy in every category of theater-making: acting, writing, directing, dance, … [Read more...]
President Obama legacy: permanent war footing
Barack Obama will leave the White House in eight months with a badly tarnished legacy: another Cold War. He is a warmonger on a permanent war footing. He’s the world’s No. 1 arms dealer. He refused to end the Cuban embargo and close Guantanamo. He ordered drone strikes throughout the Middle East, killing many innocent people. The nation under his stewardship is still … [Read more...]
Grammar book by journalism professor fails…badly
"The Ultimate Writing Guide for Students" By Mignon Fogarty Scholastic, 282 pages, 2011 All writers need a demanding editor no matter how skilled and experienced they are as writers. This is especially true of the book written by Professor Mignon Fogarty, self-designated “grammar girl” who teaches in the journalism school at the University of Nevada, Reno. To begin … [Read more...]