Monthly Archives: July 2011

This is the terrible paradox of politics—that, by its very nature, it is incapable of solving basic political problems. For the essence of politics is compromise. This bedevils ideologues on the left and right—and none more than today’s Tea Partiers. … Continue reading →

History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme. – Mark Twain The one true conclusion that can be drawn from Andrew Jackson’s presidency is that while presidents may come in as populists, they often leave as ideologues or tyrants. … Continue reading →

There is no better political commentator today than E.J. Dionne, author of numerous books, most recently Souled Out: Reclaiming Faith and Politics After the Religious Right (2009). He writes about politics in a twice-weekly column in The Washington Post and … Continue reading →

Are “moderates” obstacles in dealing with extremists who invoke their (our) own faith, country, or culture? Is it enough to say, “They’re not us”? Or, if extremists are part of another culture or religion–for example, Islam–is not wanting to seem bigoted or … Continue reading →

David Brooks is a conservative commentator who writes regularly for the New York Times. He is also a commentator on PBS NewsHour. – Does the piece below present a fair view of Obama? Do you see another end to the debate … Continue reading →

The killings in Norway and the murderer, Anders Behrin Breivik, raise questions bearing on all of us. Right now. The perspective shared in excerpts below could be helpful. Also helpful would be reading Irshad Manji’s brilliant new book,  “Allah, Liberty … Continue reading →

We in the United Church of Christ and/or Disciples of Christ are challenged by our own Global Ministries to consider the world-wide context and consequence of what we face at home–and to learn how others see and respond to us. … Continue reading →

Check out this column weekly in the Sunday Styles section of The New York Times. This is from July 24th, Amy Deneson, modernlove@nytimes.com I have had a love-hate relationship with my ring finger for over half of my life. I … Continue reading →

 The anthem at church last week was Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday”–part of his timeless, and always timely, artistry. …Lord, dear Lord above, God Almighty, God of love, please look down and see my people through. I believe that God put … Continue reading →

By the English poet William Cowper (1731-1800), written soon after a suicide attempt. Thanks to The New Century Hymnal (c) 1995 The Pilgrim Press, #412, verse 4: Judge not God’s ways through human sense, but trust unfailing grace:  Behind a … Continue reading →