How One of My Favorite Movies, Demolition Man, Explains Trump’s America

There is a tendency in much amateur criticism to find exactly the societal critique that one is looking for within a particular cultural artifact that the author already adores. It reveals less about the…

The Radical Moderate vs. The Moderate Radical

I am a moderate. Moderation is my blessing and my curse.

I think and teach and question Socratically. I remove my thoughts from the conversation and interrogate those who claim to know the truth. Fat lot of good it did…

I Love Panera Bread. There, I said it.

I love Panera Bread. There, I said it. It feels good to get this off my chest. I am a…

American Dreams

Rabbi Joseph the son of Rabbi Joshua the son of Levi fainted and went into a trance (he dwindled away and his spirit went forth)…

Trumpism, the Empire, and the Managerial Revolution

This is still the post I intended to write, although the lede has to change. Time moves too fast now. My pithy intro was superseded by actual events.

One Million Dollars

My father received a certified letter from the State Attorney’s office. Ask him what the letter said and he’ll highlight only the most the essential details: We still have your guns. You can come get your guns. Please bring the necessary paperwork. For my father, the letter served both as a…

Holding Hands at the Edge

Bianca has a tumor. Many female rats develop these mammary tumors. They are benign but fast-growing, to the point that the animal can no longer function — can’t eat, walk, or bathe herself effectively. This is not yet the case for Bianca, who continues to bounce happily across the bed to greet me…