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.

The Value of Routines in a Marriage

Posted on January 4, 2013 by hessd

I have been a husband for a long time now and I have learned something about being married.  At the very least, I have learned something about being a husband in the kind of marriage I want to have.  Just … Continue reading →

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

What We Know About God

Posted on December 30, 2012 by hessd

On Christmas, the New York Times published this op-ed piece by Maureen Dowd.  It is, in fact, a reflection by Father Kevin O’Neil.  Dowd asked him if he could write something that reflected his faith and his practice in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Theology, ways of knowing | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

It’s not really about Hef. It’s about you, you smug SOB

Posted on December 25, 2012 by hessd

Chuck Tatham has written an absolutely dizzying op-ed piece in the New York Times.  You really ought to read it for yourself.  It rubbed me in so many sore spots that I considered, only briefly, that I was having a … Continue reading →

Posted in Words | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Luke’s story, for kids

Posted on December 23, 2012 by hessd

I learned “the Christmas story” the same way you did.  Unlearning “it” has been one of the great delights of my adult life.  In unlearning “it,” I was free to learn “them,” and that has been very satisfying. “Them” are the … Continue reading →

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

Hark, the Herald Angels Sang (in traditional barbershop harmonies)

Posted on December 15, 2012 by hessd

You don’t have to read much of Tanya Luhrmann to feel like a fan.  Today’s editorial in the New York Times ought to be enough.  If this tickles your appetite and you like more academic prose, which she also does … Continue reading →

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

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be unclear.

Posted on December 4, 2012 by hessd

It is not quite fair to either Horace Greeley or to Abraham Lincoln to characterize them the way I am about to.  Lincoln won’t mind, I am sure.  And despite Mark Twain’s caution that one should not pick a fight … Continue reading →

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

Having Bill and Lou for Dinner

Posted on December 1, 2012 by hessd

For years, I have treasured the title of an article my brother John called to my attention.  I haven’t actually read the article; I just liked the title.  It is “Carrying Capacity is a Rural Truth; Bambi is an Urban … Continue reading →

Posted in Sustainability | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Nonviolent Communication

Posted on November 22, 2012 by hessd

The cover story in a recent issue of The Christian Century is called “Beyond Anger and Blame.”  That sounds good to me.  The “beyond,” especially, sounds good to me.  I have no complaint at all about getting “beyond” anger and … Continue reading →

Posted in Living My Life, Political Psychology | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

“Next to our liberties, most dear”

Posted on November 11, 2012 by hessd

Here’s the way I picture it.  It is April 13, 1830.  President Andrew Jackson and his Vice President, John C. Calhoun were attending a Jefferson Day dinner.  Jackson was a proponent of national dominance; Calhoun of the states’ right to … Continue reading →

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

What Was It All About?

Posted on November 8, 2012 by hessd

The recently concluded—mostly concluded—election of 2012 is over.  What was it about?  As I look at the results and the arguments that led to them, it seems to me there are really only two questions involved.  The first is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments