Unchained
The German philosopher Martin Heidegger stated: “It is because of an inclination toward falling (Verfallensgeneightheit) that the factical life, which is always in fact that of the individual, is not usually lived in that way.” As Wolfram Eilenberger states in his new...
Between an Orange Rock and a Heart Place
As the United States begins its rapid descent into tribal and race warfare, we must accept the inevitable end of life as we know it. That life was, after all, partially an illusion. Those of us who enjoyed the post WWII boom and benefited by our class and race are, by...
Certainly Uncertain
Since early March, I have been on a slowly evolving new relationship with myself. What started as an urgent isolation to avoid being infected by COVID-19 has become, more or less, a way of life. I suspect that it may be the new norm for a very long time. It may even...
Was #45 Necessary?
"In the time of universal deceit telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." —George Orwell In early 2016, I had a heated on-line debate with a Native American political activist from Minneapolis who was advocating that Native Americans vote for Donald Trump. He...
Keeping Positive
In these days of self isolation and radical people avoidance measures, we are all facing our inner selves in many ways. Some are in denial and reaching for spirits beyond reason to justify a closeness that will likely kill many of them. Others are relishing this time...
Joe v Bernie
I am in a strange mood regarding the choice between the two last candidates standing for the Democratic candidacy. For my whole voting life, I have always voted the democratic party's ticket. I also have a deep appreciation for and belief in the democratic process...
Individuality + Togetherness
Beginning today, my wife and I are following the sound medically and scientifically proven advice of social distancing and staying home. We will be good citizens and not jeopardize others with ill-advised travel and human contact. Even though we may not contract the...
More Thread Please
At last I find At last I find in my confusèd soul, Dark with the dark flame of the cypresses, The certitude that I cannont be whole, Consummate, finally achieved, unless I be consumed and fused in the white heat Of her sad finite essence, so that none Shall sever us...
Simultaneous Collapse and Expansion of Time
It has been a while since I posted an article. As the rhythm of my life after work unfolds, I am witnessing a very strange phenomenon. Time is both slowing down and speeding up. I find the long arcs of the days speeding by—while simultaneously feeling like things are...
Leaving the House
Since the crazies were flushed out from under the floorboards in 2016 with the election of #45, I have tried to maintain some sense of sanity in this insane place. Each time I witnessed a bit of sunshine and hope, the dark clouds of bigotry, racism and...
Leaving Facebook Phase 3
Earlier this year I stated that I would be leaving Facebook by the end of the year. That self-imposed deadline looms. During the past several months, I have thought long and hard about whether to stay or leave. Dozens of folks, to my surprise, have asked me not to...
Pain in the heart and foot
It has been nearly three months since I last posted an article. That post centered on the progress of the healing to the foot that was surgically corrected. In these last three months I have progressed from a rigid cast to a removable brace. In addition, I have been...