Conventionally and conveniently, we tend to deflect or ignore in our public discourse painful or unpleasant or embarrassing events. Perhaps that is simply human nature. Often that discourse or what remains of it is conducted with language references that envelop… Read More ›
EDUCATION
Erasure
In grade school, we unquestioningly accepted the duty of a teacher erasing the blackboard no matter what material had been chalked. Sometimes, we might have had some concern that we had failed to copy some vital information into our notebooks…. Read More ›
Yute Voting
In the 1992 film My Cousin Vinny, Vinny Gambino (Joe Pesci) immortalized the term “yute” in an exchange with Judge Haller (Fred Gwynne): Judge: “What is a yute?” Gambino: “Oh, excuse me, Your Honor, two youths.” Gambino demonstrated that his… Read More ›
Santorum’s Blank Slate of Culture
Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum has talked his way into any number of bone-headed corners. Sadly, many of his most notable blunders are related to his unabashed Catholicism and blind attempts to marry religion with the state. Now, Mr. Santorum… Read More ›
The Sons of the Fathers: Evangelicals’ Demise?
Editors’ Note: Reposted from The New York Times, April 12, 2021. Dwindling support in the evangelical world for conservative Republicans. By Ruth Graham Abraham Piper became a sensation on TikTok nearly overnight. He posted his first video in November, and… Read More ›
Who Owns the Space Behind Your Airplane Seat?
Editors’ Note: Reposted from The New York Times, March 21, 2021. We have often remarked that some book reviews are as compelling as the volumes themselves. Here, the reviewer challenges cherished concepts about ownership and possession. Milton Friedman, James Buchanan,… Read More ›
Around the Novahood
LOUDOUN DUSTUPS OVER RACE AND EDUCATION INTENSIFY A group of Loudoun County parents is trying to oust six members of the school board because of an ongoing feud over “critical race theory.” The group, the Fight for Schools PAC, is… Read More ›
Commonwealth Metamorphosis
By Frank Blechman Virginia’s leaders have lately been basking in positive publicity for being “the first state in the South” to do this or that. First to end the death penalty. First to legalize recreational marijuana. First to end choke… Read More ›
Pence NOVA Popup
Likely below the radar of most, the former Vice President Mike Pence had a recent popup appearance in NOVA, Reston specifically. The town’s–and one of the nation’s–preeminent nucleus of conservative values, activities, and communication, the Young America’s Foundation (formerly known… Read More ›