Outside the U.S. and Alarmed? How You Can Help
If you're a reader of this blog outside the U.S., a list of ways you can support people fighting for democracy in the U.S.
A map of states with school book bans, part of the 2023 World Voices Festival.
Banned Books Week 2025
People and organizations working for the freedom to read and why it's important.
GOAT in Exile
Novak Djokovic's recent exile in Greece and what it means when prominent athletes head for the exits.
Large Countries and the Value of Life
In the wake of a tragic assassination, a discussion of whether a country can be too large and populous for its own good.
The Grim Reaper and the Dictator
Why rumors surrounding a leader's demise are endemic to dictatorships and why only the good die young.
What’s in a Name?
A response to the announcement of an Executive Order changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico and Google's rapid compliance with this decree.
“Be Wary of Paramilitaries”
Recognizing the rise of paramilitaries in the US following the pardons of the January 6 insurrectionists and what to do.
A Creative Crisis
Deciding to write a different kind of historical novel in the face of a more repressive environment, but not giving up my commitment to social justice.