Our Fight Is Their Fight
Having newborn babies in the family has made us think of their future, what kind of world they'll grow up to live in. Jonah and Reed were conceived during Derrick…
Independence Lost
Comparing the national security law that eliminates Hong Kong's independence to the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968.
A Message from Portugal to the World
Elections for the European Parliament take place this weekend, and in many of the EU countries, anti-democratic and neo-fascist parties are poised to increase their share of the vote. Among…
Family Heritage Trip, Part 2
A trip to Prague, where my daughter learned of the country's 20th century history and its struggle for freedom.
Young People Rally for #NetNeutrality
Thursday December 7 saw nationwide rallies to protest Federal Communications Commission director Ajit Pai's promise to end Net Neutrality at the FCC's monthly meeting on December 14. Most of the…
The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Thoughts on the House passage of a draconian repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and on withdrawing rights people have enjoyed and come to take for granted.
A Fable for Our Time: The Queen of the Frogs
Discussing a book I translated from Portuguese, The Queen of the Frogs, which since last November has become a timely story of democracy's erosion.
Remembering, and Learning From, Mário Soares (1924-2017)
Remembering the life of Mário Soares, Portugal's first elected prime minister after the dictatorship, and what we can learn today from his courageous work.
Lost Your Democracy? How Long Will It Take to Get It Back?
How long did it take countries in the 20th century to get their democracy back after they'd lost it? On average, 21 years.
Reclaiming Our History: The Colorado Student Walkouts
A response to the Jefferson County, Colorado school board's effort to teach obedience rather than history, and the student walkout that ensued.