You may not always have a comfortable life, and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once, but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have. Because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own. ~Michele Obama … Continue reading What it’s like to live in a failed state
Your silence gives consent. ~Plato Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. ~The Lorax Folks, it's time to act like their words cost lives. Because they do. Over the weekend, a small liberal town just on the outskirts of St. Louis had their yearly community … Continue reading Our Politeness Could Kill People
Be fast; have no regrets. ... The greatest error is not to move. ~Dr. Mike Ryan, WHO The state where I live, Missouri, is "a cautionary tale." It's not just me saying that. It's basically everyone in epidemiology. Our Republican Governor refused to issue a mask mandate, ever, instead relying upon the overwhelmingly urban areas, … Continue reading Missouri: A Cautionary Tale in Two Parts
America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears and true to our founding documents. ~Barack Obama, January 2009 Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we … Continue reading Is This Land Made for You and Me?
But if thoughts corrupt language, language can also corrupt thought. ~George Orwell, 1984 It occurred to me yesterday, when I was introduced to a new resource called The Job Quality Index. Did you yawn? Because I did when I saw "Job Quality Index." I almost skipped over the next few sentences. Then I saw it … Continue reading Democratic Messaging: the Need for Repetition, Emotion, Consistency, Simplicity… and Action
This iconic image of Tank Man was captured by Jeff Widener for AP One person can make a difference, and everyone should try. ~John F. Kennedy In June 1989 – 32 years ago, now – a man became world famous. We still don’t know who he is. In the summer of 1989, pro-democracy protestors occupied Tiananmen … Continue reading Regular Folks, Defending Democracy
But in the end, America chose the boy who stuttered over the bully. ~Van Jones It occurred to me as I admired the prettiest columbine in my yard, which seeded itself right behind the compost bin. It's a strange spot, frankly. I'd never have chosen to plant something there. Half-shaded, right by the supports for … Continue reading Right Plant, Right Place
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. ~Chinese proverb You'll never plow a field by turning it over in your mind. ~Irish proverb Sometimes what's standing in your way ... is you. A story. Chef Jose Andres went to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. When he … Continue reading Just … Do It
This is something central to a woman's life, to her dignity. It's a decision that she must make for herself. And when government controls that decision for her, she's being treated as less than a fully adult human responsible for her own choices. ~Ruth Bader Ginsburg Dissent speaks to a future age. It’s not simply … Continue reading The Supreme Court Will Hear an Attack on Roe. We Dissent.
Persistence can grind an iron beam into a needle. ~Chinese proverb Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination … Continue reading Nevertheless, We Persisted: Success Often Depends on How Hard-Headed You Are
