“Why can’t we have nice things?” This question begins The Sum of Us, by Heather McGhee, and each subsequent chapter provides a piece of the answer. The “nice things” that those of us who live in the United States can’t have, are adequately funded schools, wages that keep people out of poverty, and a reliable…… Continue reading The Sum of Us
Category: Laws
Why Diversity Matters, for Everyone
Bob Iuliano, the current president of Gettysburg College, a wonderful college where I used to serve as chaplain/associate dean of religious and spiritual life, wrote this fantastic piece for The Hill on race-conscious college admissions: you can read it here: https://thehill.com/opinion/congress-blog/3673515-building-diverse-campuses-requires-race-conscious-admissions/ Iuliano is uniquely qualified to write on this topic, because he previously served as…… Continue reading Why Diversity Matters, for Everyone
Make America Safe
As most Americans know, former president Donald Trump’s campaign catchphrase was “Make America Great Again.” It is catchy, right? And compelling. Who doesn’t aspire to greatness? Who doesn’t want to live in a great country? World War II veterans and their peers were honored with the title “The Greatest Generation” by Tom Brokaw, who wrote…… Continue reading Make America Safe
Staying Vigilant
I have had an idea for a blog post for several months now, but I haven’t quite known how to go about writing it, exactly. Then, on the news a day or two ago, I saw that Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill was signed into law, and everything just kind of coalesced. In case you…… Continue reading Staying Vigilant
The Criminal Fallibility of the Death Penalty
Where do you stand on the death penalty? Many people have very strong opinions about it, and it can be a controversial topic of conversation. I am a long-time opponent of the death penalty, for theological reasons; and, while many people do still support the death penalty, in the United States, opposition is growing. I’m…… Continue reading The Criminal Fallibility of the Death Penalty
Periods, Poverty & Pollution
Thanks to our Global Advocacy Committee & the Sustainability Taskforce here at Wartburg Seminary, I had the opportunity to watch a great documentary last night that I want to share. It’s short, less than 30 minutes, and it’s called “The Bloody Truth about Period Poverty in America” [watch it for free here: https://youtu.be/gPWriykB0xY%5D Mostly, I…… Continue reading Periods, Poverty & Pollution
Coo coo ca choo, Mr. Roberts
I confess that I had not imagined my next blog post would be on Chief Justice John Roberts. I’m not what you would call a Supreme Court follower, and I don’t actually know all that much about the different Justices, besides what is commonly known about them and how they are painted in broad strokes.…… Continue reading Coo coo ca choo, Mr. Roberts
Sheltering in (a dangerous) Place
If you are like me, your biggest challenges these past two months have been frustration with zoom meetings, cabin fever, loneliness, anxiety and occasionally desperately needing some space from the other people in your house. One thing I have not had to worry about, however, is getting beaten, threatened, or killed by my partner. My…… Continue reading Sheltering in (a dangerous) Place
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Monday was a holiday–of sorts. When I was young, it was unambiguously Columbus Day: we celebrated the day Columbus “discovered” America and most of us had off from school. Now, in many places–though not everywhere–the day is commemorated as “Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” but somewhat uneasily, I think, depending on where you live. I asked…… Continue reading Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Rights and Responsibilities, and Gun Violence
So, last night before I went to bed, I was thinking about my blog, and I knew I wanted to write about the mass shooting in El Paso. I have written before about gun violence and the pathological, illogical resistance too many people in this country have to sensible gun laws that would create a…… Continue reading Rights and Responsibilities, and Gun Violence
Happy Lutheran 