On Alberto Gonzales

Dear Mr. Gonzales: It’s time for you to go. You’ve lost Republican Senators. You’ve lost the New York Times. When their editorial page writes: If Attorney General Alberto Gonzales had gone to the Senate yesterday to convince the world that he ought to be fired, it’s hard to imagine how he could have done aContinue reading “On Alberto Gonzales”

On a Non-Theist in the House

Congressman Pete Stark of California made news this week as being the only member of Congress to “come out of the closet and [acknowledge] that he does not believe in God.” This revelation came from a survey done by the Secular Coaltion for America. From their press release: Rep. Stark is the first open nontheistContinue reading “On a Non-Theist in the House”

On Jefferson's Qur'an

In November’s mid-term election Minnesota elected the first Muslim, Keith Ellison, to the House of Representatives in American history. Tomorrow Ellison, along with the rest of Congress, will be sworn in. There are generally two swearing-in ceremonies–the first is simply an affirmation of the oath of office, the second is often a photo-op for theContinue reading “On Jefferson's Qur'an”

On Grandmothers and Eight Year-Olds

We’ll start with an eight year-old. I’ve never recommended a YouTube video. More than likely I never will again. But if you hate Bill O’Reilly, watch this eight year-old spout sense that would do Keith Olbermann proud. I’ll put it like this. My jaw hit the desk a few times. You go, girl! Now, myContinue reading “On Grandmothers and Eight Year-Olds”

On Some Political Speculation

There’s a rumor that Vice President Dick Cheney may be resigning in the near future. Considering that Cheney is the one person in the government with lower approval ratings than the President, unloading the albatros that is Cheney might give the administration some bouyancy. Oh, who am I kidding? President Bush is his own albatros.Continue reading “On Some Political Speculation”

On Rumsfeld and War Crimes

I just realized. I may hold the odd distinction of writing the only Star Trek story to name-check Donald Rumsfeld. But what might that have to do with anything? Former Defense Secretary Rumsfeld may be facing a new challenge in the weeks and months ahead: war crimes prosecution. Charges will be filed in Germany nextContinue reading “On Rumsfeld and War Crimes”

On Voting and a Recurring Dream

I’ve had a recurring dream the past few days. The first time it happened I woke terrified. It haunted me after I woke in the morning, as much from its subject matter as its vividness. And I’ve been gripped with a terror ever since. In the dream a space shuttle crashes. It’s coming in forContinue reading “On Voting and a Recurring Dream”