Janet Adkins, a candidate for school superintendent in our community, included the following in an op-ed piece in the local paper: As a mom, I have had my child come home and share with me how he was offered “extra credit” if he could memorize the “five pillars of Islam.”…I am opposed to instruction … Read more
The Summer 2016 issue of the George Washington University magazine includes an article titled “About Death.” It shares retiring psychology professor Pamela Woodruff’s perspective on the end of life. When asked about an afterlife, Woodruff responded “I don’t believe in it absolutely. I simply hope that it’s there.” The article reminded me of my … Read more
In 1831, the French Government commissioned Alexis de Tocqueville and Gustave de Beaument to study the United States prison system. Their journey resulted in de Tocqueville’s much broader treatise Democracy in American, an analysis of the religious, political and economic nature of American society. The American experience became much clearer through the eyes of a foreigner. Last night, Trevor … Read more
Or why multiplex theaters may be the death of quality cinema. When I was growing up in Richmond, Virginia there were four old-style, single-screen movie theaters (Byrd, Capitol, Lowe’s and Willow Lawn Shopping Center). Although I cursed the fact that Sound of Music played for almost a year at the only one within walking distance, the … Read more
I know what a rifle looks like. I learned to shoot a bolt action 22 caliber rifle at summer camp. My father had the rifle he carried in India in World War II. The Sig Sauer SIG MCX used in the Orlando massacre is NOT a rifle. Just in case you don’t agree, ask Sig Sauer. … Read more