Category Archives: Politics

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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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“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 →

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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 →

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Two Cheers for the Community of Loiterers

Posted on January 24, 2014 by hessd

Here is today’s dilemma.  I don’t really know what to do about it.  That’s why it gets only two cheers. THERE’S an old Italian saying, “A tavola non si invecchia,” which means: At the table, you don’t grow old.” All … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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

The Land of the Free

Posted on November 27, 2013 by hessd

Here’s a thought experiment.  It’s an imagined scenario that is going to offend some people, but I think it’s worth the risk, particularly because: a) I’m not sure anyone who reads this blog is going to be offended and b) … Continue reading →

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