As I write this on the first day of 2020, I’m not certain that a “Happy New Year” is in order. This new year has a good chance of becoming what I would call a precipice year the same way that 1775, 1850, 1861, 1877, 1941 and 1968 were. If one reads enough history, one will soon learn that as a country we have not always done the right things. However, at least in the long run, right has prevailed over wrong. In 1775, we began a long, brutal armed insurrection against the British Empire, and

Cats play a lot. Experts say it's an activity that keeps their hunting instincts alive, but I disagree. In my experience, cat's play is a very serious endeavor, not a sport. Just pay attention to your feline companion. Now, the next best thing there is to observing cats play is to actually play with them. This is what I used to do with Ben, my dear friend who reached the ripe old age of 21 years and still played every so often. When he and I played, we tossed one another a crumpled paper ball. I

Embarking on a new year, I’d like to talk about “patience.” Webster defines patience as a “calm endurance,” “persevering,” or “calmly tolerating delay.” While these behaviors are helpful when obstacles threaten to sabotage a goal, I’d like to consider “patience” in a more positive, intentional, and interactive way. A recent movie I saw, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” centers on Mister Rogers and how he became so special to children and many adults. The intriguing portrayal of Rogers by

I am a partisan, in my politics and my theology, which means I must keep my mouth shut at thanksgiving dinners. I am partial to Democrats because I am partial to the Judeo-Christian tradition that proclaims God’s partiality toward the widow and the orphan, those dispossessed in our society. But I have a confession to make. My partiality caused me to vote for Governor Rod Blagojevich two times. I am ashamed that I allowed him to fool me not once, but twice. It embarrasses me to admit that blind

A “Real ID” will be required in October 2020 to get into federal buildings, onto commercial aircraft, admitted to nuclear plants, and for any “official purpose” as defined and required by the Secretary of Homeland Security. I have the following government-issued IDs: A U.S. passport, a U.S. Army DD214, a Known Traveler’s number, a Social Security card, a Medicare card, an FAA pilot’s license, certifications in the Supreme Court of the United States, the 7 th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Western

Ah, the holidays are upon us. Time for parties and get-togethers. Time for laughter and love. And time to collect scintillating kernels of information that we can use at our next holiday gathering. The other night I was out for the evening with a nine-year-old and his mom. Suddenly, without warning or decorum he deposited this information into our conversation: Wombats poop square. Announced during dinner, I’m sure the other guests at the restaurant were delighted to hear this news while

Not so long ago I went to YouTube and watched a few old Roy Rogers TV episodes. They brought back how much I, as a kid, admired Roy as a Western hero. In a single episode, he could sing three songs, ride his palomino at full gallop, beat up and capture a few bad guys, and still, his cowboy outfit yet looking resplendent, share a few jokes about Nellybelle , the cranky old jeep on the show. Not even Superman was that good. Superman never sang a note. Imagine, then, how disillusioned I was when

At last Thursday’s Democratic debate Pete Buttigieg said something I hadn’t heard before. “I know you're only ever supposed to say middle class and not poor in politics,” he said, “but we've got to talk about poverty in this country.” He’s right, the Democrats do talk a lot more about helping middle and working class people than those who are poor. Yet an estimated 11.8% of the US population is considered poor -- 38.1 million people. That’s a lot of people to not talk about. There was a moment

It’s Christmas Eve and my thoughts turn to tradition. December holds many cultural traditions that bring our lives meaning. My tradition comes from the Christmas Story. When my children were young, we read the story about the shepherds. An angel visited the shepherds and said, “Do not be afraid.” What a strange thing for an angel to say. Throughout the Christmas story, angels visit Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. Each time, their first words are “Do not be afraid.” It‘s important, my kids

As I write this it is a cold clear night. It is also the night our President was impeached. A sad day for our Country regardless of your political view. It has been a day of bitter bickering and angry politically based debating, a day of us versus them, which has left me feeling sad and anxious. When you hear this it will be two days before Christmas. A time of year for being together, yet this year we as a Country, will be as divided as we have ever been. Civil discord has always been the