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.

Screwtape 3:16. Really.

Posted on March 17, 2025 by hessd

If you are willing to put up with a paragraph of so of apologetic throat-clearing, I will tell you why I chose this odd title for today’s post. I appreciate now in a way it had not occurred to me … Continue reading →

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The Watcher has a better idea

Posted on March 7, 2025 by hessd

In an email to a friend this morning, I wrote “interested” when I had intended to write “interest.”  The sentence contained the phrase, “your interest has outlasted…” I noted it because the Watcher (that’s what I call the alien intelligence … Continue reading →

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The World of Mr. Hugo

Posted on February 17, 2025 by hessd

I have been attracted today by a character created by Simon Van Booy in his The Illusion of Separateness.  We never learn the character’s name.  As a German soldier, then a former German soldier he is referred to as A.  … Continue reading →

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Just lucky, I guess

Posted on January 8, 2025 by hessd

I’ve been noticing the way some very accomplished people attribute their accomplishments to luck and I’ve gotten to wondering whether that is a good idea. At the personal level, I suppose it doesn’t do very much harm.  It isn’t really … Continue reading →

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The Experience of Decline

Posted on December 24, 2024 by hessd

I remember using the argument that people should not be worried about me—and that I should not be worried either—because I was “on track.”  My wife had died of cancer and I was done with all the busywork associated with … Continue reading →

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A Christmas Visitor

Posted on December 22, 2024 by hessd

I like watching movies over and over.  Not all movies, of course, but they don’t really have to be good movies.  In my first approach, I think of myself as an audience member and I consult myself about whether I … Continue reading →

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The “right way” to watch a story

Posted on December 14, 2024 by hessd

At the risk of sharing domestic details, I am going to use my own recent experience as the illustration for a serious strategic dilemma.  It turns out that what I like best about stories is finding out how they got … Continue reading →

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Christmas Blessings to a Sad Friend

Posted on December 14, 2024 by hessd

Today, a friend shared with me a poem that I liked very much.  I still like it.  In fact, I like it more now that I did when I first read it, because I have put it through the mill … Continue reading →

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The Fiery Darts of the Wicked

Posted on November 14, 2024 by hessd

This morning, I happened on a letter by an Episcopal bishop, Sean Rowe. It was phrased in language I am familiar with and which I always like on first contact. But the more I think about it, the more uncomfortable … Continue reading →

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Watching myself teach

Posted on November 1, 2024 by hessd

I won a free throw contest once. A long time ago. It was set up as a tournament; I won my bracket and a friend of mine won the other bracket. So we met in the finals. The setup was … Continue reading →

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