steinharterm

I think she’ll win

I read an article in the Economist recently about how Kamala Harris is an excellent candidate, but questioned whether she can govern well. It worried over her experience with international affairs, her track record with the economy and immigration, etc. I have thought about this and there are some valid points. I then thought someContinue reading “I think she’ll win”

Best Retirement Gig Ever

My youngest child is an outdoors-minded kid. Actually, all of my four children love the outdoors, which is rewarding for us all, but this one is ALWAYS outdoors. He’s not had an indoor job since he graduated from college (is that an indoor job?). Like everyone in my family, he loves Maine, especially the littleContinue reading “Best Retirement Gig Ever”

He’s just so grumpy

There are many reasons not to admire (much less vote for) Donald Trump. He lies – about everything, apparently. He’s pretty clearly racist. He’s all about himself, to the point of being more of a mob boss than a politician. He basically is a cult leader, giving “permission” to so many people who don’t careContinue reading “He’s just so grumpy”

Doing the right thing

The book I am reading now is An Unfinished Love Story, by Doris Kearns Goodwin. She must be one of my favorite authors and this is her latest book. It is a ‘personal history of the 1960s’ in the USA, based on her own experiences and particularly those of her husband Dick Goodwin, who wasContinue reading “Doing the right thing”

Feed my empty heart

These are a few words from the latest book I am reading, Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It’s a beautiful book, and in the chapter I am on now she reminisces about how empty her heart felt when her daughters went off to college, and she tried to avoid coming home to an emptyContinue reading “Feed my empty heart”

Cuba

This is my second post in a row inspired by an extraordinary book. This book is Cuba: An American History, by Ada Ferrer. Ferrer is a professor at NYU and is Cuban. This book taught me more than I have ever learned about this island. It is a lively read, great stories about the personalities,Continue reading “Cuba”

Palestine

I recognize that I am taking on a topic here that is rife with controversy and complexity. I am jewish by background (Ashkenazi jew from eastern Europe according to my dna test). I grew up in the United States where we are all taught and hence accepted that Israel is our friend and that supportingContinue reading “Palestine”

Where are the limits of freedom of speech?

This is a question asked by Dalia, an important figure in Sandy Tolan’s outstanding book, The Lemon Tree. She is referring at that moment to how someone has dressed Itzhak Rabin in a German nazi uniform, to make a point. She figuratively shakes her head at the actions of this far right actor who thinksContinue reading “Where are the limits of freedom of speech?”

I have liberal friends and conservative friends…but not maga friends

Politics can be divisive as hell, as everyone knows. I lean liberal on most things and I have many friends who do as well. My wife’s family were conservative and she grew up that way, but has changed a lot. My kids are pretty liberal as evidenced by the take on social issues like LGBTQ,Continue reading “I have liberal friends and conservative friends…but not maga friends”

News

It is March 2024 and every morning when I look at the news it depresses me. Here is a sample of today’s headlines: Donald Trump is on a path to win the Republican nomination and is polling ahead of Joe Biden. Could this bombastic asshole get elected President again? One news article said it isContinue reading “News”