United States of America

  • An Angry People

    You can’t avoid the videos. They are everywhere. On Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube, Americans are at war with each other. Angry is too kind a word to describe the endless vitriol spewing from people’s mouths these days.… Continue reading

    An Angry People
  • America is Broken

    Video evidence is everywhere. Facebook. X. Especially X. Instagram. TikTok. I’ve even seen evidence on Truth Social, a Trumpian fountain of irreconcilable conflict between reality and fantasy. You know things are horrible when the liars are lying about lying.The videos… Continue reading

  • I, American

    I pledge allegiance to the flag (Whose flag is it anyway?)as I standin the Catholic school classroom alongside a gallery of white faces, red hair, blond hair, white shirts, white blouses, plaid skirts, and black pants and the nuns, covered… Continue reading

    I, American
  • All the Stuff in my Brain

    AgingThe Iran WarThe peacefulness of an empty beachWhat the hell is going on in the Middle EastThe roses blooming in our backyardMy recent stroke and all the rehab and medical appointments I must attendThe number of people, including my wife,… Continue reading

    All the Stuff in my Brain
  • voices from the dark corners

    On the eve of the United States Supreme Court considering the Fourteenth Amendment and Birthright citizenship that defines who an American is, I offer the following. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction… Continue reading

    voices from the dark corners
  • The Overwhelming Loudness of Silence

    When we all go mad, will we still be shocked by the plundering of his heart? Will we be insultedaggrievedoffendedoutragedupsetslighted by his actionsOr simply roll overand be indifferentunconcernedunemotionalimpassivedispassionateapatheticby the winds of his actionsThe Overwhelming Loudnessof the Silence sayingnothingdoingnothingwill break youinto… Continue reading

    The Overwhelming Loudness of Silence
  • Dear America, Can We Talk?

    “…President Trump has fueled a culture of fear, racism, and demonization as part of his efforts to resuscitate a culture of white Christian nationalism.” American Nightmare: Facing the Challenge of Fascism, Henry A. Giroux Excuse me, the late Joan Rivers,… Continue reading

    Dear America, Can We Talk?
  • Jose, Can You See?

    Jose can you seeby the dawn’s early light police stopping you asking questions driving while Brown walking while BlackWhere you from foo No where you really from What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleamingGraciela can you see… Continue reading

    Jose, Can You See?
  • The Last Days of Fear and Anxiety

    This essay was originally published on October 11, 2024, one month before the election that returned Donald J. Trump to power. Thanks, America. “The moment we no longer have a free press, anything can happen. What makes it possible for… Continue reading

    The Last Days of Fear and Anxiety
  • Rant #2026

    I write a lot of theseHysterical sometimes illogicalScreaming storming kick assRANTSI read & hear a lot of these These daysHow the F’ing damn didWe come to this moment In historyWhy A better questionThe Rant: This is as American as Apple… Continue reading

    Rant #2026