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.

Such a Boy Scout

Posted on January 21, 2014 by hessd

I was a Boy Scout in my younger years.  Scouting didn’t make much sense to me, but it was at a time in my life when nothing much made any sense, so I don’t really blame them.  But you remember … Continue reading →

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

The Growing Middle Class

Posted on January 18, 2014 by hessd

I remember when the Democratic Party was the champion of “the poor.”  I always thought it was pretty gutsy to champion a set of people based on their economic status—especially the class of people that votes at lower levels than … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Let Even the Old Rejoice

Posted on January 14, 2014 by hessd

  Every year, as close to Epiphany as we can get it and still have it fall on a weekend, Bette and I invite friends over to read W. H. Auden’s poem, “For the Time Being” together.[1]  It takes about … Continue reading →

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

Microaggression! Really?

Posted on January 10, 2014 by hessd

I was watching an episode of The Mentalist this week and particularly enjoyed this one line.  I’ll let you know when the line shows up.  This next part is just background So there are these two guys in a bar.  … Continue reading →

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

Do You Understand What You Are Reading?

Posted on January 10, 2014 by hessd

I take the title from the question Philip asks the government official in Acts 8:30.  The official is reading Isaiah and Philip runs up to the chariot to ask if the official is reading with understanding.  The two passages I … Continue reading →

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

The Best Practice for Dying Well is Living Well

Posted on January 7, 2014 by hessd

“Death” is the end of life.  “Dying,” on the other hand, is life’s last task.  I have heard it is a difficult task; difficult, at least, to do well.  On the supposition that we are likely to die as we … Continue reading →

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

Using the Right Words

Posted on January 2, 2014 by hessd

I wish a happy 2014 to you all and as a step toward that happiness, let’s look at one of my favorite scenes from I, Robot.[1]  The guiding genius behind U.S. Robotics’ (USB) success was Alfred Landingham, who appears to … Continue reading →

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

The Neurological Infrastructure of Christmas

Posted on December 28, 2013 by hessd

I’ve been thinking for the last few days about believing in Santa Claus.  You might think that “neurological infrastructure” is a little too much for a piece about Christmas, but hold that thought until you are done.  If you still feel … Continue reading →

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

He Said/She Said: the Two Narratives of the Birth of Jesus

Posted on December 15, 2013 by hessd

I have known for several decades that we have two accounts of the birth of Jesus.  It had not occurred to me until yesterday that one of them (Matthew) has Joseph in the foreground and Mary in the background, while … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Studies, Living My Life | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Nelson Mandela: An Educated Man

Posted on December 7, 2013 by hessd

Most of what matters to me most about Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, I learned from watching—over and over—Morgan Freeman’s portrayal of Mandela in the movie Invictus.[1]  But in today’s New York Times coverage (here), I learned a little more about those … Continue reading →

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