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Reluctant Moderation
Politics that are Left of Center, Right of Radical
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Kamala Harris and Democrats’ Joyful 2024
Kamala Harris and Democrats’ Joyful 2024
This year, Democrats have (re)discovered the extraordinary power of joy in politics, and it might just see them to victory in November.
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Aug 23
Gus Walz and the Spectacle of Non-Toxic Masculinity
Gus Walz and the Spectacle of Non-Toxic Masculinity
The younger Walz’s tearful celebration of his father’s nomination shows us a path forward for young men everywhere.
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Aug 22
In Praise of the President That Never Was
In Praise of the President That Never Was
How similarities between House of the Dragon’s Rhaenys and the former Democratic candidate for President shed light on the ugly realities…
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Aug 21
America’s Political Press is Failing Us
America’s Political Press is Failing Us
The electorate can’t count on those in the media to protect them from or educate them about the threat Trump and Vance pose to the…
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Aug 19
Whose Life Matters to Today’s Republican Party?
Whose Life Matters to Today’s Republican Party?
Events in Alabama and Oklahoma shine a harsh light on today’s GOP and its skewed vision of life in America, wherein embroyos matter more…
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Feb 28
The Pure Joy of the Puppy Bowl
The Pure Joy of the Puppy Bowl
The 20th. annual Puppy Bowl is a reminder of the simple pleasures this Animal Planet special has always afforded its viewers.
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Feb 12
The Tragic Spectacle of Republican Ineptitude
The Tragic Spectacle of Republican Ineptitude
With the failed impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas, the House GOP has proven once again they can’t be trusted with governance.
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Feb 8
Mitt Romney and the Crisis of Conservatism
Mitt Romney and the Crisis of Conservatism
How McKay Coppins’ new biography of the one-time presidential nominee reveals the bigger questions facing the conservative movement.
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Feb 6
What a Christmas Card Taught Me About Family and Conditional Queer Acceptance
What a Christmas Card Taught Me About Family and Conditional Queer Acceptance
The inclusion of my partner’s name on a family Christmas card reminded me of the power of unexpected grace.
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Jan 10
Educators Who Remain In Red States Are Doing God’s Work
Educators Who Remain In Red States Are Doing God’s Work
Educators and others who remain in red states despite increased hostility from those in state government deserve all the respect in the…
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Nov 14, 2023
The Media Refuses to Give Joe Biden Any Credit — and that’s A Major Problem For All ofUs
The Media Refuses to Give Joe Biden Any Credit — and that’s A Major Problem For All ofUs
Despite the President’s many successes, many in the political media refuse to give him credit for his many accomplishments (and those of…
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Nov 9, 2023
When Your Aunt Uses a Homophobic Slur in Front of You
When Your Aunt Uses a Homophobic Slur in Front of You
How one family member’s casual use of a slur changed the entire way I look at her, and at myself.
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Nov 1, 2023
The Power and Joy of the Appalachian Queer Film Festival
The Power and Joy of the Appalachian Queer Film Festival
The recent celebration of queer film, held in Huntington, WV, was a reminder of the value of such spaces and events in our vexed age.
Dr. Thomas J. West III
Oct 11, 2023
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