About hessd
Here is all you need to know to follow this blog. I am an old man and I love to think about why we say the things we do. I've taught at the elementary, secondary, collegiate, and doctoral levels. I don't think one is easier than another. They are hard in different ways. I have taught political science for a long time and have practiced politics in and around the Oregon Legislature. I don't think one is easier than another. They are hard in different ways.
My wife, Bette, is the First Reader (FR) of the posts. I have arranged that partly because she helps me write better posts than I would otherwise and partly because I can hold her responsible for the mistakes that I would, otherwise, have to own up to myself..
You'll be seeing a lot about my favorite topics here. There will be religious reflections (I'm a Christian) and political reflections (I'm a Democrat) and a good deal of whimsey. I'm a dilettante.
The first time I saw this wonderful cartoon, I thought it was just funny, The second time, I thought it was witty and funny—not at all a common combination. I still think it is witty and funny—the whole Olympic gesture … Continue reading →
In these brief comments, I reflect on the way Providence (formally Providence Health and Services) markets itself. At every Providence site I have seen—and I have seen many in the Portland area—these five framed posters are displayed. It is a … Continue reading →
In Portland, Oregon, where I live, there is a section of North Portland called St. Johns. St. Johns is a pleasant bike ride from my neighborhood and my brother, Mark, and I rode up there today with the idea of … Continue reading →
Timothy Egan posted a pointless rant in the New York Times today. I don’t think it will do any damage because the only people who will get past the first several paragraphs are people who want to see a really … Continue reading →
I would like to begin by changing the form of this word. The reasons will become evident. I would like to summon up parallel terms, one for offense and one for defense. I am thinking of something like the pair … Continue reading →
Nothing against journalists. The “journalism” I have in mind is the perverse practice of reading the Bible as if you were reading a newspaper account. I think the Bible should be read as if it were a sermon with really … Continue reading →
There is, of course, no such word as “Godiness,” but you will recall that not very long ago, there was no such word as truthiness, and now it is hard to do without it. Truthiness is the kind of thing … Continue reading →
