In troubled times like ours, it is helpful to grasp onto as much positive and optimistic news as possible. For those of us who are appalled by the Big Lie of the disgraced, twice-impeached former President Donald Trump – that the 2020 election was fraudulent and that Trump actually beat Joe Biden for the presidency […]
Present
Blog posts relating to the present such as social justice issues
Legislation that Could Result from the January 6 Investigation
As we look back on the insurrection at our nation’s Capitol on January 6, 2021, we must take stock not only of the tragic and deadly results of that day – and the bravery of law enforcement officials who protected the building and the lawmakers assembled to affirm the legitimate election of Joe Biden to […]
Beware Republicans who Take Credit for Progressive Legislation that They Do Not Support
It has become clear over the past several years that many – probably most – elected Republicans now serving in the US House and Senate have no shame. Editorials, letters to the editor, politicians on the left, and even President Biden have laid out one particular trend that demonstrates this moral failing: when Republican lawmakers […]
The 2021 Annual Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature: Reflections on the Professional Study of Religion
The Society of Biblical Literature (SBL), founded in 1880, no longer focuses primarily on literature – the texts of the Bible in their original languages (Hebrew for what is generally referred to as the Old Testament and Greek for the so-called New Testament). The Society’s international membership of over 8,000 is open to professionals and […]
Honoring the Wampanoags Today and Moving Toward a More Perfect Union
As a spiritual practice, and for positive mental health, it is good to give thanks – to express gratitude, whether to a powerful God, our guardian angels, our families and friends, and our teachers and other generous givers of wisdom. We can perhaps also add so many other people – and even inanimate “beings” – […]
Democratic Senate Candidates to Watch in 2022: The Vital Importance of the Midterms
Our nation remains fractured politically and divided on a wide range of issues. The Big Lie perpetrated by the disgraced, twice-impeached, one-term former President Donald Trump and his cronies – that the 2020 Election was fraudulent and illegitimately deprived Trump of a second term – still persists. Smaller lies that negatively impact Americans – such […]
Index to the Sixth Year October 2020 – October 2021
Thank you for your interest in these blog posts! Here is a listing by topic for posts since October 2020. (Some topics overlap.) Social and Racial Justice, Diversity Thanksgiving Takeaways: Honoring Traditions and Educating Ourselves with New Data and Insights, November 27, 2020 The Band-Aid Approach: The Inadequacy of Charitable Giving for Tackling Social Problems, […]
Checking in on Biden’s Judicial Appointments and Confirmations
According to Ballotpedia, “During his one term in office, President Donald Trump (R) nominated 274 individuals to federal judgeships. Trump made 245 judicial appointments. Of those appointments, 234 were Article III judges [which are confirmed by the Senate and serve for life]. Trump withdrew eight nominees and 143 received no vote from the Senate.” An […]
September 11th, the Paranormal and the Power of Love
As we have recently commemorated the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, we have been reminded once again of the horror of that day, the lives tragically lost, and the aftermath of the attacks – psychologically, socially, politically, legally and with regard to health concerns of those who worked for months and […]
Archaeological Discoveries and the Pursuit of Social Justice
The mission of the Archaeological Institute of America reads, in part, “The AIA promotes archaeological inquiry and public understanding of the material record of the human past to foster an appreciation of diverse cultures and our shared humanity.” The values of the Archaeological Conservancy, as stated on their website, include the following: “The Archaeological Conservancy […]