At times one feels compelled to venture out on thin ice. The term is used as metaphor to capture the hazard that attends to speaking the absurd, or on the other hand, speaking truth from which one’s fellows are conditioned to turn away. Equality is bedrock to the American experiment, to these United States….
A final evening of the DNC event at the United Center featured Kamala Harris’ acceptance speech of her parties nomination as candidate for the presidency. I was transfixed by the superb choice of words, the artistry of the rhetoric, while feeling a bit of discomfort. Upon reflection this morning I understand that the speech…
I do not keep secret that I am a recovering evangelical. My evangelical roots will always be residual in my personality, my style and manner of life. The past, however it might have been, continues to reverberate through us. (Just a note of gratitude, – without a past you and I would not be…
I was inclined not to watch. I assumed the first evening of televised speeches from the Democratic National Convention were likely to be similar to the first half of most NFL football games. Each team gets a feel for the game plan, taking the measure of the opponent, a tepid warmup of sorts. Some…
The National Convention of the Democratic Party begins today in downtown Chicago. As one would expect the event is conceived to produce maximally persuasive visuals for television, for electronic distribution. The convention as a whole, including various groups coming to Chicago to exercise the opportunity for free expression in the “public square” – will…
This passage is haunting. Europe of the late 19th century was on the cusp of shattering events. July 28, 1914 was the inception of WWI, and September 1st, 1939 the Wehrmacht invaded Poland, arguably a continuation of the earlier conflict. Nietzsche wrote in 1886 describing the social and moral dislocations of the modern era….
…but someone with an uncommon eye for the overall danger that “humanity” itself will degenerate, someone like us, who has recognized the outrageous contingency that has been playing games with the future of humanity so far – games in which no hand and not even a “finger of God” has taken part! – someone…
…a new type of philosopher and commander will be needed for this someday, and whatever hidden, dreadful, or benevolent spirits have existed on earth will pale into insignificance beside the image of this type. The image of such leaders hovers before our eyes: – may I say this out loud, you free spirits? The…
Finally, as for the common people, the great majority, who exist and are only allowed to exist to serve and to be of general utility, religion gives them an invaluable sense of contentment with their situation and type; it puts their hearts greatly at ease, it glorifies their obedience, it gives them (and those…
Another magnificent day, a morning all sunshine. I spoke with a friend about preparing for the growing season. He grows dahlias, and I grow vegetables. Nature is one of the bonds between us. Another bond, we see one another almost daily at the Geneva Starbucks. Perhaps both of us prefers dark roast coffee? Last…
