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.

Paleo Acres High School

Posted on August 1, 2014 by hessd

Bette and I have been browsing retirement centers.  Our plan is to move into one in 2017, which was a long time away in 2005 when we first decided to do it.  Now it is close enough that we are … Continue reading →

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

The Lone Ranger and the High Salt Diet

Posted on July 29, 2014 by hessd

I grew up listening to the Lone Ranger on our radio.  I heard there for the first time a lot of music I came to understand better later.  Like everyone else, I heard the William Tell Overture there.  I heard … Continue reading →

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

They aren’t Puritans; they are Quakers

Posted on July 27, 2014 by hessd

There are narratives that are so powerful that it might feel, in the middle of one, that you are in the whitewater rapids of a swollen river.  The river (narrative) wants you to go here and you don’t want to … Continue reading →

Posted in Political Psychology, Society, Theology | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Do Women Talk more than Men?

Posted on July 24, 2014 by hessd

It is my goal in this essay is to argue that that is a silly question and to say why. If you are the one who is asking a question, it is tough, sometimes, when the response comes in the form … Continue reading →

Posted in Living My Life, Paying Attention, Political Psychology, Society, ways of knowing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Perils of Personhood

Posted on July 22, 2014 by hessd

Through our long and largely successful run as a species, we  have had to ask and answer a lot of questions.  We have not been asked to formulate and answer some questions that are coming to seem fundamental.  Obviously, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Getting Old, Movies, Society, ways of knowing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Lust! Oh my!

Posted on July 18, 2014 by hessd

Marcel LeJeune seems to have the particular ministry of talking about sexual dilemmas to young hormone-addled Catholics.  Some days, that must feel like being the geek at the carnival, the guy who astounds the crowds by biting the heads off … Continue reading →

Posted in Living My Life, Society, ways of knowing, Words | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Individualism and Authenticity in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”

Posted on July 15, 2014 by hessd

“…the perturbation of Elizabeth’s feelings was every moment increasing.  She was quite amazed at her own discomposure.” [1] Even if Elizabeth Bennet were not famous as the heroine of Pride and Prejudice, this little clip would still probably be recognized … Continue reading →

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Should Germans read “Mein Kampf”?

Posted on July 11, 2014 by hessd

I learned from this article in the New York Times that Germany has been officially suppressing Mein Kampf since German government was reconstituted after World War II.  I’m sure that doesn’t mean that the full text isn’t available online.  But … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Paying Attention, Politics | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Gideon in the Land of Oz

Posted on July 5, 2014 by hessd

I know of a distressingly bad senior center called Lakeview. It is losing money; it has already cut costs; the owner is a bully; the doctor is a wimp; the residents live pathetically limited lives.  What they really need is … Continue reading →

Posted in Getting Old, Movies, Paying Attention | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Divergent: What the un-society looks like

Posted on July 5, 2014 by hessd

It is a really good idea to keep an eye on what you are for.  Otherwise, you will make important decisions based only on what you are against.  Ordinarily, that doesn’t work out well.  It doesn’t work out well for … Continue reading →

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