Back in my early 40s, my doctor presented me with a curious diagnosis: high blood pressure. This made no sense. I was healthy and active. My cholesterol was perfect, as was everything else save my hairline. The doctor said that lots of otherwise healthy people have the condition, and science has no ready…
DetailsOh, man, that fog of war. Sweat and smoke in your eyes. Not always sure what you’re shooting at. One minute you try to nail the enemy — Barack Obama — as a Muslim who won’t fess to it. Then your new commanding general, Glenn Beck, directs fire at him for liberation (Christian)…
DetailsPRESCOTT, Ariz. — Progressive, vibrant, inclusive, this northern Arizona city seems a refuge from the “them vs. us” rage rattling a state under the political control of hard-liners. And yet, even Prescott can’t escape it. The race question. White vs. brown. Them vs. us. That’s what it was when a mural painted on the…
DetailsWhen I read about bicyclists going out for a night ride in nothing but their underthings, it did not occur initially to me that the United Nations was behind it. That was before Dan Maes, the Republican nominee for governor of Colorado, convinced me it was so. Forces of darkness…
DetailsGreat moments in media-abetted hatred: 1890s — L. Frank Baum, who would later pen "The Wizard of Oz," writes editorials in the Aberdeen (S.D.) Saturday Pioneer calling for the extermination of native Americans. He calls them “a pack of whining curs.” Two weeks later, federal troops massacre hundreds of Sioux camped at…
Details“YOU can be a millionaire and never pay taxes,” Steve Martin would tell audiences, repeating for effect. “You ask: Steve, ‘How can I be a millionaire and never pay taxes?” “First, get a million dollars . . .” Martin’s punch line? If the taxman inquires…
DetailsSubmitted for your approval: In this “Twilight Zone” election year, Democrats are thinking they might snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat. They're right. It’s increasingly likely, and increasingly they can thank the jaws of the Tea Party. Nationwide, and in state capitols, what was…
DetailsHaving known her for as long as we have, we understand why the Waco animal shelter didn’t bother to give her a name. While all the other dogs had names assigned to pique a potential suitor’s interest, the card on her holding pen read, “Unadoptable.” We took her anyway. I…
DetailsAnother merchant has lost my business, this time a barber. And it’s unfortunate, because my hair and I are in the market. I’d love to hand someone money to manage what fiber remains on my head, but I won’t sit there and endure a forced march through the brain of Glenn Beck in the process.…
DetailsDisregard the trail of blood they’ve wrought, the cumulative protection falsely assigned them. Say this much about guns: At least they allow certain folks to get specific about “freedom.” Surely I’m not the only one who’s noticed. Those who get most melodic about “freedom” trail off into mumbles on lyrics…
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