An Introductory Note to Readers: This current corona-virus pandemic, though it will eventually pass, will also completely transform our world. That change could be very positive—if we choose to make it so. A long or severe illness can often result in a serious re-evaluation of our personal life and values. There is a... Continue Reading →
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Demonstrations, Democrats, and New Wars
Newport, Oregon, June 14, 2025. No Kings Demonstration On June 14th, I attended the “No Kings” demonstration in Newport. It was deeply gratifying to see so many members of our community show up — nearly 1,000 people strong. I was especially impressed by the creativity and passion reflected in the signs people carried. They addressed... Continue Reading →
From “Golden age” to “Recession”: Trump’s First Fifty Days
It is only about 50 days into the new Trump administration, and we can already see dangerous trends. In that short time, we went from Trump’s announcement of a “Golden age” to his warnings of “recession.” The best analysis of the current state of affairs I have seen came from former republican congressman, David Jolly,... Continue Reading →
The Main Issue is Trump’s Unfitness
Vinnie the Vulture, Ceramic sculpture by Gilbert Schramm Until a few months ago the common view was that this election would be about inflation, the economy, and immigration. Things have changed. People have wised up. It is clear that this election is essentially about one thing: Trump's basic unfitness for office. His unfitness is obvious... Continue Reading →
The Election, GOP Rhetoric, and the Fate of NOAA
Billy the Buzzard, Ceramic piece by Gilbert Schramm Back in the 1980s someone described Republican rhetoric as “An army of empty slogans marching over the landscape in search for an idea.” In retrospect, that seems pretty insightful. Trump’s rhetoric today is more like an army of falsehoods, fictions, and grievances marching in smaller and smaller... Continue Reading →
Gaza: The Death of an American Airman
On February 26, Senior Airman Aaron Bushnell, 25, a cyber defense operations specialist with the 531st Intelligence Support Squadron reportedly died from injuries sustained in a brutal and unusual way. Most Americans mourn the death of any service member. I hope he is mourned as well. He made a tragic sacrifice for a higher ideal.... Continue Reading →
At the Israeli Security Checkpoint in Occupied Palestine
As you approach the checkpointHave all your papers in perfect order.Hold them just in front of you.Always keep your hands clearly in view.Always be humble,Pretend you respect them.Never stare at the guns.And never, never change your mind and run.(Even if you have now almost forgottenWhat it was you so badly needed to do).Remember, they are... Continue Reading →
Reflections on Two Storms
Like many people in the Pacific Northwest, my wife and I were hit pretty hard by the recent ice storm. We live on a patch of woodland just outside of Newport. We lost power and cable early and (since we are on a well) that meant no water. We were offline for almost six days.... Continue Reading →
Netanyahu’s Latest Poison Pill
Gaza in Ruins Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu recently posted an op-ed laying out his three prerequisites for “peace.” I place the word peace in quotes because his plan is basically a poison pill to avoid any serious move towards a just peace which acknowledges the rightful aspirations of the Palestinian people. It is, like many... Continue Reading →
Attrition / Genocide
Another Empty Desk Children learn their numbers best when they can count how many homes and schools were destroyed, how many mothers and fathers were wounded or thrown into jail. -Mosab Abu Toha As a teacher, as a human, I was appalledWhen I first saw the aftermath of an Israeli attack on Gaza A... Continue Reading →
Palestine New Year: The Roots of the Problem
The situation in Palestine is often falsely described as “ancient, complex, and insoluble.” In fact, the modern problem began with the growth of political Zionism in 1895. In The Jewish State, which he published that year, Theodore Herzl announced his plan quite clearly: Palestinians were to be removed to make room for Zionist settlers. That... Continue Reading →
Mind-Cast 