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 Call of Moses as a Fish Story

Posted on September 4, 2017 by hessd

Yup. Moses. [1] Not Jonah. [2] Our lectionary calls for the reading, at the September 3 service, of the story of the call of Moses. The sermon was actually based on a parallel scripture in Matthew, but I was completely … Continue reading →

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

Garbage Time

Posted on September 3, 2017 by hessd

Yesterday I attended a meeting at which a lot of appropriate things were said.  After that, the meeting deteriorated into a free for all of bad questions and posturing. It is that latter part of the meeting that I am … Continue reading →

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

The Descent into Tribalism

Posted on August 31, 2017 by hessd

David Brooks wrote a really good overview of the Trump and Comey controversy on June 9. I read it and valued it and filed it in my mind. But one small clip from that article has continued to float up … Continue reading →

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The Incredible Trump

Posted on August 29, 2017 by hessd

“Caught in the blast of gamma radiation, brilliant scientist Bruce Banner is cursed to transform in times of stress into the living engine of destruction known as THE INCREDIBLE HULK. “ With a start like that, you have every reason … Continue reading →

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

Holladay Park Plaza, Year 1

Posted on August 27, 2017 by hessd

A year ago today, Bette and I moved into Holladay Park Plaza and I want to tell you a little about it. For me, there is always the question of what to call today. I have been celebrating the various … Continue reading →

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

The Solar Eclipse at Holladay Park Plaza

Posted on August 22, 2017 by hessd

Thank goodness there is no “right way” to watch a solar eclipse. And I think a lot of people felt that way. It didn’t seem to me that up on the roof, the part of the 16th floor, which surrounds … Continue reading →

Posted in Living My Life | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

With malice toward none

Posted on August 18, 2017 by hessd

WITH MALICE TOWARD NONE WITH CHARITY FOR ALL WITH FIRMNESS IN THE RIGHT AS GOD GIVES US TO SEE THE RIGHT LET US STRIVE ON TO FINISH THE WORK WE ARE IN TO BIND UP THE NATION’S WOUNDS TO CARE … Continue reading →

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

Really bad political arguments

Posted on August 16, 2017 by hessd

In his column of August 12, which is an important contribution to today’s debates, Frank Bruni introduces Professor Mark Lilla, of Columbia University. Lilla comments that “classroom conversations that once might have begun, I think A, and here is my … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Politics, Society | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A staff you can lean on

Posted on August 13, 2017 by hessd

Nobody ever accused President Jed Bartlet of being too candid as President over his seven years of presiding over The West Wing. On the contrary, the hits he took in public were about being too distant, too intellectual, too removed … Continue reading →

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Enjoy your meal

Posted on August 12, 2017 by hessd

That seems straightforward enough. It’s the kind of thing many waiters and waitresses say as they leave your table, having just served your meal. And if the alternative is not enjoying your meal, I think it is the best of … Continue reading →

Posted in Living My Life | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments