It caught me off guard, and I have no idea if anyone else even noticed. But it was an interesting omission. I was at one of those events where they decided to start by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone dutifully put their hands over their hearts, and the leader led the way. “I pledgeContinue reading “Indivisible”
Category Archives: tyranny
W.B.’s Book Report: How to Survive Dystopia (With Your Humanity Intact)
We entered a new dark age in 2020 when governments around the world closed down economies, restricting people’s business, pleasure and their very movements, citing the danger from a novel coronavirus not, it seems to have turned out, dramatically different from other viruses that had achieved pandemic status in recent years. The coordinated attack onContinue reading “W.B.’s Book Report: How to Survive Dystopia (With Your Humanity Intact)”
How the state deals with a clear and present danger
I see where old Uncle Joe gave a speech Sept. 1 — the anniversary of Germany’s invasion of Poland and the start of World War II — declaring that supporters of his predecessor present “a clear and present danger.” I knew that phrase had a precise legal meaning, so I looked it up. It seemsContinue reading “How the state deals with a clear and present danger”
A study in futility?
I’m reading Purgatory Ridge, the third novel in William Kent Krueger’s series of stories set in the “Iron Lake” region of Minnesota and featuring former sheriff Cork O’Connor, who is part Irish but has some of the blood of the Anishinaabe tribe. O’Connor’s attitude toward history jumped out at me. “History, in Cork’s opinion, wasContinue reading “A study in futility?”
You can’t vote your way to freedom
Today is partisan primary day in Wisconsin, and this year both parties are hoping to unseat an incumbent they believe to be at least incompetent and more likely evil incarnate. Yes, I know, but you know how partisans are anymore. Ron Johnson is a business guy who made pretty speeches back in 2010, when theContinue reading “You can’t vote your way to freedom”
A happy Declaration Day
Fifty-six folks signed a document 246 years ago this week, declaring that we are created equal, endowed by our Creator — not by a king or a congress or a dictator or a parliament, but a Creator — with certain rights, inalienable rights, that is to say, rights that cannot be taken away. Those rightsContinue reading “A happy Declaration Day”