Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Distrust Party

Posted on July 20, 2021 by hessd

In situations of persistent conflict, it is really hard to continue to wish good things for your self and your group without also sliding off to wishing bad things for “them.” That is one of the very large problems the … Continue reading →

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My colleague, the Honorable Scumbag from North Dakota

Posted on July 15, 2021 by hessd

It is a commonplace that the United States is now in a hyperpartisan era. People who think that is not true or who think it is not important often pass it off by saying that nothing is more naturally human … Continue reading →

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Living on Autopilot

Posted on July 15, 2021 by hessd

Human personalities are incredibly complex. I know that because I have one, myself. And for some purposes, I think we should lean into and fully appreciate the complexity. But there are other purposes—I am going to explore one today—for which … Continue reading →

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The Crusades (again) in the 2020s

Posted on July 10, 2021 by hessd

I had a friend once who descended from time to time into an irrational rage and he hated to go alone. I am going to describe the process in the form it finally became familiar to me. This will make … Continue reading →

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How well do you want it fixed?

Posted on June 28, 2021 by hessd

In the early 1960s, I dislocated my left shoulder. After many subsequent dislocations, I decided to see if I could get it fixed. I went to team of doctors who were said to have a lot of experience with athletes. … Continue reading →

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I can’t take him anywhere

Posted on June 15, 2021 by hessd

It’s a great line, but it has to be delivered just right. It is accompanied by a rolling of the eyes or a slow shaking of the head. It does some very good things when it is done right and … Continue reading →

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Oregon, Their Oregon

Posted on June 10, 2021 by hessd

Oregon has just revised our state song. It was filed with the Oregon Secretary of State yesterday. It doesn’t get any more official that that. The principal virtue of the new version is that it gets rid of some really … Continue reading →

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An appreciative sort of partnership

Posted on June 5, 2021 by hessd

I know from watching movies that the classic pickup line is, “Do you come here often?” When couples meet in the dining room of the senior center where Bette and I live, the equivalent question is, “So….how did you guys … Continue reading →

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But is it really therapy?

Posted on June 2, 2021 by hessd

I am just about to read a news article (New York Times, June 1) about a “therapist” app named “Woebot.” I have read enough in the area that I think I have a sense of what has to be said. … Continue reading →

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“I wasn’t built to follow your rules”

Posted on March 25, 2021 by hessd

Looking at it from the outside, I might call that a design flaw.  I’m sure she wouldn’t call it that. It may be that the woman who tossed this line at the hospital security guard, didn’t actually mean it.  As … Continue reading →

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