Monthly Archives: May 2019
The Student Loan Mafia
“Student debt collectors have powers that would make a mobster envious”. Thus spake Elizabeth Warren back in 2014 and, if anything, she is understating the student loan crisis. We used to jail loan sharks. Now they run the likes of … Continue reading
Pericles’ Oration to Athenian War Dead
Yesterday we here in the United States celebrated Memorial Day remembering and honoring our war dead. The day originally began right after the Civil War and was seen as a way for the entire nation to honor their war dead, … Continue reading
“How Many Stars in Your Flag?”
A comment by Scott Pelley of CBS News yesterday: “How many stars in the American flag? Fifty, you say? I’m not sure. If there were fifty, then citizens of liberal states and conservative states would join in common purpose on … Continue reading
The Honor of St. Albans – from the Archives
A ward at the St. Albans Naval Hospital in Queens New York Its November 1966 and 24 year old Toritto is still in the Army with one more year to go on his four year enlistment. Those of you who … Continue reading
Green Cathedral – from the Archives for Memorial Day
The son of the Allentown butcher will lead the way point man on the sweep today through God’s heavenly green cathedral Verdant canopy reaching to heaven flickering sunlight illuminates mottled parrots red and blue on the moss a mantis waits Her … Continue reading
Casualties Were Few – from the Archives for Memorial Day
The casualties were few we’re told while preparing to withdraw Just three last month in Kandahar Your son, my son and a boy from Florida. “Your son, like mine, your eldest boy? Handsome, straight and tall? Mine too, a young … Continue reading
Harem
Photo post-card of the Chief Eunuch of the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II, photographed at the Imperial Palace. The Qizlar Agha, (the Keeper of the Firls) was one of the most powerful and sometimes the richest men in the Ottoman … Continue reading
Winged Victory – From the Archives for Memorial Day
The Mekong – Vietnam . The fields are fully green again where only yesterday was shed wild blood of exuberant youth beauteous youth their blood staining the earth still, unseen now, the stain beneath fields of green flowering gardens. Unseen … Continue reading
Peace Train – For Memorial Day
Have you heard sweet Melanie’s song? There’s a chance peace will come in your life please buy one. How long, how long ’till the peace train holy roller? Fear I won’t live to see the light peace train gliding through … Continue reading
GOT, Fandom and Art
Well Game of Thrones is coming to an end soon and I feel for the maniacal fans who will have nothing else to fret about. What will they talk about on Monday mornings over the watercooler or a $5 latte? … Continue reading
