Author Archives: hessd

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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. 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 whimsy. I'm a dilettante.

The Apostles Cred

Posted on August 4, 2018 by hessd

In just a little while, I am honestly going to think about the Apostles Creed.  But I just want to savor first, the juxtaposition of “cred” as in “street cred” and “creed,” a word that could hardly be more different … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Studies, Theology | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Moral outrage and moral rigor

Posted on August 1, 2018 by hessd

Lee Siegel begins his examination of “moral rigor” by choosing an exemplar; it is James Baldwin. Siegel knows that “moral rigor” is going to be a tough sell and he is working for as much specific and acceptable material as … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Political Psychology | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Attraction and Engagement

Posted on July 30, 2018 by hessd

There is a criticism implicit in this picture that I think is largely unfair.  It could be a lot worse.  She could be dressed like a showgirl and her hope could be placed as stupid rather than, as here, as … Continue reading →

Posted in Living My Life | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Left-leaning media

Posted on July 21, 2018 by hessd

Where is the plumb line when you really need one?  A plumb line defines straight up and down, deviating neither to the left nor to the right.[1]  Everybody agrees on the absolute verticality of the plumb line because it a … Continue reading →

Posted in Political Psychology, Politics, Society | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

It’s not about time travel

Posted on July 19, 2018 by hessd

I just saw Richard Curtis’s 2013 movie, About Time. [1]  I know, it’s about time I saw it, but I had never heard of it and of all the stars, Bill Nighy is the only one I had ever heard … Continue reading →

Posted in Living My Life, Movies, Political Psychology | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Mother Theresa is a Servant

Posted on July 16, 2018 by hessd

And a hero.  And a saint.  You never hear anything bad about Mother Theresa. [1] And if you were waiting for me to say that I am going to stand up and start criticizing, you will wait for a long … Continue reading →

Posted in A life of faith, Communication, Paying Attention, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“Optimal” aging

Posted on July 15, 2018 by hessd

On a recent visit to one of the legion of doctors I have been seeing recently (don’t ask) I picked up a pamphlet called “Optimal Aging.” The tag line featured on the front of the trifold is:“There’s no place like … Continue reading →

Posted in Getting Old | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

I believe in the integrity of the atom

Posted on July 6, 2018 by hessd

On the morning of the 4th of July, a friend of mine [1] was greeted with a cheery, “Happy Birthday.”  I’m sure he responded to the sentiment in a gentle way, but inside, he felt himself strongly rejected the idea.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Getting Old, Politics, Sustainability | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

There is no Starbucks in Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. Sigh.

Posted on July 2, 2018 by hessd

Bette and I went to see Won’t You Be My Neighbor yesterday, as good a way to begin a July as I could think of.  I knew I needed to see it, but I was hesitant, too, because Mr. Rogers’ … Continue reading →

Posted in A life of faith, Living My Life, Movies | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

It isn’t HIM, it’s THEM

Posted on June 27, 2018 by hessd

The New York Times did us all a service in its June 23 article, “As Critics Assail Trump, His Supporters Dig in Deeper.”  I confess that I liked it partly because it wasn’t news to me, but I also liked … Continue reading →

Posted in Political Psychology | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment