Education

  • The Second American Civil War

    Let’s get straight to the point: the Second American Civil War, fueled by the right wing of the Republican Party (GOP), found its beginnings with the election of President Barack Obama. We can debate (I enjoy a good debate) whether… Continue reading

    The Second American Civil War
  • Dear Mr. President

    Dear President Donald J. Trump, What the hell are you thinking? Look, it’s no secret that I am not a fan of yours. I didn’t vote for you in 2016 or 2024. I was shocked but not surprised by the… Continue reading

    Dear Mr. President
  • The Flag

    One in a series of narratives on being American The red, white, and blue flag waved on high as it celebrated freedom and loyalty, even as the founding enslavers who promised everyone freedom, But it was really meant only for… Continue reading

    The Flag
  • Something Happened

    A long read inspired by Jill Talbot‘s “Emergent.” Something happened to me at the Catholic seminary—seventy miles northwest of the Bronx in Middletown, New York. I changed forever. Life before the seminary was not idyllic, but it was simple. 1948-1962.… Continue reading

    Something Happened
  • Ok Boomer

    Ok, I’ve never quite understood the whole “insult” thing between Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) and everyone who came after us: Gen Xers and Millennials, or Generation Z (Wikipedia). I read that there is a new generation called Generation… Continue reading

    Ok Boomer
  • Little Notes

    On Life-long learning: “My aim in life is to learn what I can from my experiences, to act on that learning and by example share what I’ve learned with others.” #63 MODERN AFFIRMATION 1,001 Meditations by Mike George (Published 2004… Continue reading

    Little Notes
  • American History

    They told me that I would want to be like ThemAn American Like Them. (I was born here)They told me to learn EnglishThat would make me an AmericanLike Them (American was speaking English like Them)They told me to salute/worship/put my… Continue reading

    American History
  • Instructions For Making and Using an Ax Handle

    An Ax Handle, also called a haft, has five parts: the Eye, the Shoulder, the Belly, the Throat, and the Knob. ALL we wanted was to be served lunchat the whites-only lunch counterInside a F.W. Woolworthfive-and-dime store In Jacksonville, Florida,… Continue reading

    Instructions For Making and Using an Ax Handle
  • eight years

    When I graduated last year on May 21, I had been attending college for eight years, first at Long Beach City College and then at California State University, Long Beach. I had learned a lot, even for a then-75-year-old. what… Continue reading

    eight years
  • Elation

    On May 21, 2024, I graduated Summa Cum Laude at the age of 75 with a BA in English-Creative Writing. Happy Anniversary. It was a hell of a ride. After the long journey -arriving home-the feeling of ending and beginningof… Continue reading

    Elation