What's Past is Prologue (W. Shakespeare, The Tempest,1610/11) I like Heather Cox Richardson's updates about events from US history. She takes a "just the facts, mam" approach that usually speaks volumes. In this case, the focus is on slavery, the main reason for the US Civil War from 1861-1865. I know this dates me but … Continue reading Slavery in 1776, 1861, and 2026
Commentary
“The most valuable service is one rendered to our fellow humans.”
As seen at a Buddhist temple in northern Thailand. Photo by MAA I asked one of my digital servants this question: What does this message have in common with Islam, Judaism and Christianity? It responded thus: The sign reads: “The most valuable service is one rendered to our fellow humans.” What it shares with Islam, … Continue reading “The most valuable service is one rendered to our fellow humans.”
No Safe Childhood
Shared by one of my contacts in Gaza. The cause of these horrendous living conditions? ISRAEL. Remember who and what is responsible for this living hell with every death, every pang of hunger, every untreated illness, and every expression of despair coming out of Gaza. A newborn infant, only days old, is living with his … Continue reading No Safe Childhood
It’s Not Trump. It’s America.
Image created by ChatGPT based on the second paragraph of this post. I often hear this comment from well-meaning US colleagues: "This is not who we are." Perhaps it's a manifestation of wishful thinking rooted in the mistaken belief that MAGA 2.0 is an aberration. My interior monologue always quickly responds, "This is exactly who … Continue reading It’s Not Trump. It’s America.
Another Gaza Soup Kitchen Staff Member Shot by an Israeli Quadcopter
Here's a social media from Hani Almadhoun, vice president of philanthropy at UNRWA USA and co-founder of Gaza Soup Kitchen (GSK). As Hani points out, this is the second member of the Gaza Soup Kitchen team to be shot inside an UN school while doing their job. Mahmoud, Hani's brother, and the other co-founder of … Continue reading Another Gaza Soup Kitchen Staff Member Shot by an Israeli Quadcopter
MAGA meets the clinical, psychological, peer-reviewed definition of a cult.
Here's a recent LinkedIn post by Mitch Jackson, a California trial lawyer & mediator with 40 years of experience who writes and speaks on law, tech, AI, and accountability. US Americans like Mitch give me hope. On a personal note, I remember reading Robert Lifton's work as an undergraduate. March 15, 2026 It's a specific … Continue reading MAGA meets the clinical, psychological, peer-reviewed definition of a cult.
Americans are Beginning to Notice
This is a repost of a Facebook post by the one and only, Michael Jochum, whose tagline is Not Just a Drummer: Reflections on Art, Politics, Dogs, and the Human Condition. My response to the title of this post: May it be so. Peace & Justice, MAA There are moments in history when the façade … Continue reading Americans are Beginning to Notice
Striking a Balance in the Face of Suffering and Cruelty
There is no genuine hope that’s not wrestling with despair. -Dr. Cornel West on fascism, spirituality and the enduring struggle for freedom Here are two posts by Michael Jochum and Yahya Delair that reflect the spirit of Cornel West's quote followed by information and practical trips about sustaining ourselves as individuals and as a groups … Continue reading Striking a Balance in the Face of Suffering and Cruelty
Giving Up Was Never An Option
I urge you to take some time to listen to this February 2026 podcast interview with Ms. Shams Mazen Rajab hosted by the Tortoise Shack, "a hub for some of Ireland’s most creative and curious minds. The podcast world is overflowing with reams of content and but most of it is of little interest at … Continue reading Giving Up Was Never An Option
An International Educator in Vietnam 
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