Things That Scare Me

  I love horror flicks.  I read almost every Stephen King book as soon as it is released.  And I still sleep well at night.  Why?  Because I know there is no Jason who will rise from Crystal Lake and kill me if I have pre-marital sex (as seems to be every victim’s sin in Friday … Read more

When Money Facilitates Non-Speech

  The issue of whether money equals speech came to the forefront in the case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) in which the Supreme Court ruled government could not restrict independent political expenditures.  The ruling applied to for-profit corporations, labor unions, non-profit corporations and other associations. While many people believe Justice Anthony Kennedy’s majority … Read more

Tennessee, Tennessee, Tennessee

  Many of you will remember the picture on the right of NBC News political director Tim Russert and his now-famous, low-tech white board.  Early in the evening, Russert predicted the 2000 election would hinge on the outcome in Florida.  And after weeks of recounts and legal challenges, everyone was congratulating Russert for his foresight. There’s … Read more

Leading from Behind…or Farther Back

  There I go again.  A hopefully provocative headline which will entice you into reading this post.  And you likely thought the subject matter involved United States foreign policy.  If you’re still reading this, it worked. Actually, this post is about philanthropy, a topic which has received considerable attention during the last couple of weeks, … Read more

Emily Litella Revisited

  Imagined transcript for “Weekend Update”: September 17, 2016.  All of the material in italics in this post are documented quotes about President Barack Obama’s country of birth. ANCHOR:  Like all of you, we miss Gilda Radner.  In hopes of recapturing just a smidgen of her comic magic, Saturday Night Live has invited Republican President candidate … Read more