Our Founder and Our Flounder
"These are the times that try men's souls," Thomas Paine wrote then, and it's true again. Paine probably won't be highlighted in the ceremonies around the 250th, but he should be. As we try to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country's founding, let's remember a founding father, especially in light of our current embarrassing and dangerous plight. His nickname was Common Sense. His plain-talk pamphlet "Common Sense," published just…
What’s the Good of Democracy?
Our precious, beloved democratic republic is an annoying chore. I praise and treasure it, and I'm sick of it. I believe in the goods that we're made of, not the fallen goods the subtle deceiver dangles before our eyes. The…
Abundance Avoided
Two liberal pundits, Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, raise liberals' ire by critiquing liberalism itself in their popular book, Abundance. They complain we're blundering into scarcity when we could be choosing abundance. While conservatives fought any governmental program they resented…
Good Bye from the Edge
Goodbye, UUers. Yours was a center of my life, while I was at the edge of yours. I’m glad for our time. I knew lots of good people, challenges, and fulfillment, if not much pay or collegial respect. What I…
Hoax?
Rebuttal to the letter in Ashland, Oregon's Sneak Preview: Is Carbon the Culprit? (Please see the original letter I am rebutting and Dr. Alan Journet's reply to it, both pasted…
Think and Think and Think
“Think, and think, and think,” Art advised. Art Brayfield, former head of the American Psychological Association, learned but reclusive, liked my thoughtful sermons and occasional visits. His advice seems truer…
Our Founder and Our Flounder
"These are the times that try men's souls," Thomas Paine wrote then, and it's true again. Paine probably won't be highlighted in the ceremonies around the 250th, but he should…
What’s the Good of Democracy?
Our precious, beloved democratic republic is an annoying chore. I praise and treasure it, and I'm sick of it. I believe in the goods that we're made of, not the…