I try to read a lot and am stunned that I didn’t know this about the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS): they’re crucifying people and killing children by the hundreds to encourage conversion to Islam. Some children are being beheaded! I heard about this at Church today on Sunday, and was so surprised
Category: Politics
The U.S. Oil Boom
Energy is in everything we buy. I’m drinking coffee this morning. Farmers used energy to grow the beans. A processor used energy to dry, roast and grind the beans. A shipping company used energy to pick/pack/ship. And, I drove my car to the grocery store to buy the coffee, and just used a coffee maker
Israel, Gaza and Ethics
“Who is right, Israel or Gaza?” one of my children asked. “Well, it is complicated,” I said. The two of us were out for a quick dinner of tacos and summer ice cream cones. We had a very interesting discussion about the recent events in Gaza and what gave rise to the conflict. The more
My Annual Physical (and, A Dream About Europe)
I went in this morning for my annual physical exam. I’m fortunate, in that I really click with my doctor. She is a few years out of medical school and is very up to speed on the latest technologies. We also share an immigrant background. Her family left Iran for the U.S. just before the 1979
My Health Care: A New World
I am all for universal coverage. I think health care is a public good and a human right. It’s not a private good, like buying a car. In my opinion, we should stop pretending that health care delivery is a business. It really is a state-sponsored service. But, will we manage the bumps as we
When Will the U.S. End?
I had a sudden thought the other day in the shower: when will the U.S. end? I mean, every empire or super-power hits the skids at some point, and so, we’re not going to be an exception. I have been thinking of some disparate data points: Some high school friends commenting about how hard it