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.

Mayor Murphy and half-a-loaf politics

Posted on July 11, 2017 by hessd

This might be the time to take another look at Mayor Murphy. We have all the True Believers and hyperpatriots we really need right now. We have a Congress full of people who have signed pledges of ideological purity and … Continue reading →

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A Wedding, a “Declaration” and an “Address”

Posted on July 5, 2017 by hessd

Written July 4, 2017.  Happy Independence Day! I’d like to look today at Thomas Jefferson’s well-known statement that “all men are created equal.” Some critics have said that this is the height of hypocrisy, coming as it does from a … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Studies, Communication, Political Psychology, ways of knowing, Words | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

There is more to this story

Posted on July 4, 2017 by hessd

Does this illustration remind you of anything? It reminded me of that whirlwind survey of the relationship of Carl and Ellie Fredericksen, with which the movie, Up, begins. They are little children, they are lovers, they are spouses, then he … Continue reading →

Posted in A life of faith, Getting Old, Words | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The Book of Henry

Posted on July 2, 2017 by hessd

I’d like to invite you to see one of the most thought-provoking movies I have seen in a long time. It is The Book of Henry, directed by Colin Trevarrow. If you are going to see it, you might want … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies, Society | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Inclusio

Posted on June 30, 2017 by hessd

I have, in mind for today a tactic to help me watch movies. I ran into it in biblical studies, where it is called “inclusio.” [1] I’m going to spend a little time on what this technique is, but let’s … Continue reading →

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

The End of the Enlightenment?

Posted on June 28, 2017 by hessd

What’s the matter with Kansas? wondered Thomas Frank [1]. They don’t seem to vote in favor of the programs and candidates that would benefit them most. I like the way Frank framed the question, but I’d like to take it … Continue reading →

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

Al Franken: Giant of the Senate

Posted on June 21, 2017 by hessd

I will not be the first to observe that Al Franken—that’s Senator Al Franken to you—is a very funny guy. Bette and I went to hear him here in Portland as part of a Father’s Day extravaganza. [1] Today I … Continue reading →

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A chair with four legs

Posted on June 14, 2017 by hessd

This morning, I had an “If you build it, he will come” moment. It was in the shower, where I normally hold the team meetings.[1] I don’t want to say I “heard” these words; I’m not entirely sure how I … Continue reading →

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

Why am I doing this?

Posted on June 9, 2017 by hessd

I would like to thing about two questions today. The first is “WHY am I doing this” The second is “Why am I doing THIS?” I want to think, in other words, about motivation and discernment. Motivation. A motivation is … Continue reading →

Posted in Getting Old, Living My Life, ways of knowing, Words | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

A woman’s right to choose her own feminism

Posted on June 7, 2017 by hessd

In Season 3, Episode 14 of The West Wing (Night Five), a temp named Celia Walton is working in the White House. Celia is what I think I am going to call a Hillary Clinton “kind” of feminist [1] She … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Politics, Sustainability | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment