Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday. And in many ways it is a perfect symbol of our national character. The stories that we feed ourselves, tales of grateful Pilgrims, peaceful Indians, and bountiful tables of turkey and pumpkin pie are completely false. Just as false as the story that hard work, faith, and education will […]
Thanksgiving Day Gratitude: An American Tradition Read More »
“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” –George Orwell, 1984
“Who controls the past. . . .” Read More »
One good thing that came out of the Gulf wars, maybe the only good thing, is a belated recognition of Vietnam veterans. Somewhere in all of the “Support the Troops” fervor that gripped much of the country came a wave of guilt over how veterans of Vietnam were treated. What M.A.S.H. did for Korean War
How to Thank Veterans for Their Service Read More »
Ostensibly, my town is composed of two key demographics: cautious and conservative government personnel and their families. Because of its geographical proximity to two separate military posts, plus neighborhood amenities such as middle and high schools and the Jesus Christ Church of Latter-Day Saints, the community presents a reserved attitude that shields it from any public interest. Nevertheless, the
High Schoolers, Drugs, and Community Realities Read More »
Every day, my 87-year-old relative and his 86-year-old girlfriend, old racists, leave their assisted living home and go to the McDonald’s restaurant on E. Fillmore for breakfast. Recently, they encountered two Cuban gentlemen who were standing there conversing in Spanish. My relative was pleased to tell all of us that his girlfriend had confronted the
Racism Among the Elderly Read More »
While waiting at the clinic for the audiologist to call them in, my sister sits on the floor of the play area, helping her four-year-old son solve a puzzle. He holds up the pieces. She smiles at him and signs the colors of the corresponding piece while she slowly says the color, attempting to teach
Cochlear Implants and Signing Programs Read More »