This morning, for the first time in more than a decade, I had to appear for Superior Court jury duty. The last time I was summoned I got to call a juror hotline the day before to see if I was needed, and I wasn't. This time, there was no call in option--I had to … Continue reading My Constitutional Celebration
Tag: Democracy
“When Home Is the Mouth of a Shark”
Now that the White House has announced its plans to cap the number of refugees allowed to enter the United States at 18,000, the lowest number in almost 40 years, we need to stop and reflect on what causes people to become refugees in the first place. Why do they leave everything behind except what … Continue reading “When Home Is the Mouth of a Shark”
The Perils of Ignoring “Credible”
One year ago today I spent the day watching Dr. Christine Blazey Ford testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Her story of being assaulted by Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh was compelling, sobering, and for those of us sexual assault victims, triggering. Immediately following her testimony, even some Republican Senators said she was "credible." Remember … Continue reading The Perils of Ignoring “Credible”
Be Bold and Speak the Truth
Sometimes another writer's work is so close to my own thinking, I can't help but wonder if they have been secretly hanging out inside my head. This week's "WRighteous" column by Amy Ferris is one of those pieces. I envy her boldness, her directness, her ability to capture the multiple contradictions so evident in our divided … Continue reading Be Bold and Speak the Truth
“These Are Not Times to Hide”
I've been so overwhelmed lately. Overwhelmed by the violence. Overwhelmed by the hate. Overwhelmed by both the "ends justify the means" political rhetoric of the man who sits in the White House and the complicit silence of Republican leaders in response. I'm an introvert, so my natural tendency when overwhelmed is to retreat. But as … Continue reading “These Are Not Times to Hide”
Your Vote Is Your Voice
Sometimes I have trouble finding my voice as a writer--until something really bothers me. It is then, in the midst of frustration, anger, disappointment, sadness, disbelief, shock...that words flow almost effortlessly from my pen to paper. Writing is one way I use my voice. Voting is another. You may have heard that there's an election … Continue reading Your Vote Is Your Voice
Cathy Standiford 