The dictionary defines hope as “desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment”. This common definition evokes the idea of gratification, happiness, our dreams coming true. It describes wanting something and thinking that what we want will magically appear. It is high on waiting for others to act and low on taking action oneself.…
This summer, my family and I visited friends who live in northwestern Illinois for a weekend of swimming, roasting marshmallows, and looking up at the stars. One afternoon, our hosts invited us to attend the local County Fair – rides, games, and tasty treats were on offer, so we said yes. We drove over country…
It was 1pm and we were scheduled for a 1:20 tour of Independence Hall. We had just gotten off the bus and were meandering a couple blocks down a Philadelphia street before getting in line. The temperature and humidity were conducive to meandering – I could feel the sweat gathering on my back while a…
The usual is usual because it usually happens. We think we know exactly what is going to occur, because what we suppose is what most often comes to pass. But in a moment, everything can change. We learn this lesson again and again in life. A new job we didn’t think we would earn. Dramatic…
The US presidential election process is deeply flawed. It is based more on cults of personality than substantial policies. It is infected by financing from whomever has the deepest pockets. It is about sound bites and publicity rather than policy. Presidential debates exemplify these flaws in the best of times. In the days of Biden…
Early this morning, the University of Chicago invaded and tore down the student encampment set up to protest the university’s investment in corporations and institutions that support Israel’s attacks on Gaza. University police removed the protesters, destroyed the camp, and cleared the ground. All that is left of are the outlines of the tents where…
I said goodbye to a friend this week. Not a human friend – a tree friend. When we moved into this building in 2005, the tree grew in the center of the courtyard. It wasn’t the largest or most beautiful. Even then, it was a bit misshapen. In the spring, it grew tiny, white flowers…
February is Black History Month, where we honor the triumphs and achievements of Black culture across this country throughout our history. Last Saturday, Lunar New Year observances began, a time when many Asian cultures recognize family, culture, and the dawning of a new year. Sunday was the Super Bowl, a secular American commemoration of capitalism…
We focus much of our political energy about climate change, like much of our political energy in general, at the national level. What laws can Congress pass? What executive orders can the President implement? And don’t get me wrong – these are important questions. When Congress passes laws or the President implements executive orders on…
Blood is on our hands. We send bombs. We send jets. We send tanks and guns and body armor. We send money for whatever military supplies they want. We give our blessing, and they use it to carry out a genocide. “History has taught us when terrorists don’t pay a price for their terror… they…
Entwining 