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.

Sex, Coffee, and the Law

Posted on March 8, 2014 by hessd

I’m not kidding about the Law, but it isn’t the law you were thinking of.  “In a short, sheer, baby-doll negligee and coordinated pink panties, Candice Law is dressed to work at a drive-through espresso stand in Tukwila, and she … Continue reading →

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

Playing Cards: The Death of Dialogue

Posted on March 7, 2014 by hessd

“Playing cards” was not an activity in the little town where I grew up.  It was an object.  “Playing cards” referred to what you used when you played poker and other devious games.  “Playing cards” is an activity for people … Continue reading →

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

First, Apologize

Posted on March 2, 2014 by hessd

I just finished spending some time with the latest New York Times/CBS poll and I have to tell you, I’m discouraged.  It is not that there is not information in the poll to gladden the heart of any liberal Democrat—that’s … Continue reading →

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

Why the NCC Works

Posted on February 28, 2014 by hessd

One of the groups I belong to calls itself, modestly, the Northwest Corner Caucus (NCC).  We meet at “our Starbucks” most mornings.  We solve problems; we cause problems—it’s your ordinary group of guys (mostly) sitting around with too much caffeine.  … Continue reading →

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

“Should Obesity be a ‘Disease’?”

Posted on February 24, 2014 by hessd

“Should Obesity be a ‘Disease’?” That’s the headline on a piece in the New York Times by Crystal Hoyt and Jeni Burnett, both of the University of Richmond.  It irked me a little and I had to stop and remember … Continue reading →

Posted in Political Psychology, Politics, Sustainability | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

The One Way to Save Obamacare

Posted on February 19, 2014 by hessd

I spent some years of my life being paid to give political advice.  My advice, like nearly everyone else’s, was accepted some times and not others; when it was accepted, it was successful some times and not others.  And when … Continue reading →

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

On Having a Miserable Job

Posted on February 15, 2014 by hessd

Isn’t it just amazing what we learn to be satisfied with? We think, sometimes, that living the way we do is inevitable.[1]  Or we think that doing what we would have to do to live otherwise would be wrong or … Continue reading →

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

Orthopathy. Really.

Posted on February 11, 2014 by hessd

On November 16, 2008, Jason Walter, a first year student at the Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies, led a discussion on Louis Berkhof’s Summary of Christian Doctrine.  I had never heard of Jason or of the Institute of Reformed Baptist … Continue reading →

Posted in Love and Marriage, Theology, ways of knowing, Words | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Robert Dahl, R.I.P

Posted on February 10, 2014 by hessd

Robert Dahl died this week at the age of 98.  The man loomed over political theory before, during, and after my years as a political scientist.  When I began reading political science, Who Governs? Democracy and Power in an American … Continue reading →

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

Valentine’s Day 2014

Posted on February 9, 2014 by hessd

I do love Valentine’s Day.  It has taken me awhile to get there, but I am there now. I started having trouble with Valentine’s Day in elementary school.  It was our practice that everyone was to get valentines from everyone … Continue reading →

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