Category Archives: Commentary

“Cancel Culture” has taught us that Christopher Columbus and Robert E. Lee have one thing in common…

Commentary …they were both lousy at their jobs. But Columbus outdid Lee in sheer ruthlessness. Today is “Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” the holiday formerly, and in some places still known as “Columbus Day.” Or, in the New York City school system, “Italian Heritage Day/Indigenous People’s Day.” While on Fifth Avenue in NYC the Columbus Citizens FoundationContinue reading ““Cancel Culture” has taught us that Christopher Columbus and Robert E. Lee have one thing in common…”

American Exceptionalism is over. Was it really ever a thing?

Commentary A Times’ newsletter gave me the opportunity to review my feelings about the concept of American Exceptionalism. What’s your take? The subject of today’s New York Times’ “The Interpreter” newsletter is “American Exceptionalism.” In the newsletter, the authors, Max Fisher and Amanda Taub ponder, “Changing American attitudes about their country’s role in the world.”Continue reading “American Exceptionalism is over. Was it really ever a thing?”

‘The Many Saints of Newark’ airs tomorrow

Commentary For ‘Sopranos’ fans, this prequel is “must see TV” even if the reviews are mixed I’m not sure about you, but as I write this on September 30, I have only one thing on my mind. No, not my usual blathering about Ron DeSantis or Marco Rubio. Or immigration. Or our dysfunctional political system.Continue reading “‘The Many Saints of Newark’ airs tomorrow”

Another Viewpoint – Florida’s new surgeon general is not just reckless; he’s dangerous

Commentary Please be aware, while this story focuses is about Florida, it’s really more than that. It’s about the sorry state of affairs in this country. I’ve noticed that when I write about Florida-specific issues, I tend to get fewer views. As an example, my recent piece, “Rubio’s pandering knows no bounds,” (https://around-the-block.com/2021/09/15/rubios-pandering-knows-no-bounds/) received about one-halfContinue reading “Another Viewpoint – Florida’s new surgeon general is not just reckless; he’s dangerous”

Rubio’s pandering knows no bounds

Commentary Given his history, Marco Rubio’s cynical opportunism in calling for General Milley’s removal is not surprising Initial responses to difficult situations are often the best measure of a man. In his response to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Milley’s alleged “undermining of former President Trump,” Senator Rubio showed he’s not aContinue reading “Rubio’s pandering knows no bounds”

Reflections on the “Days of Awe”

Commentary As many of us “celebrate” the Jewish High Holidays, I wonder, “What’s God have to do with it?” This colunm might be offensive to some readers. For that I apologize in advance. Today marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days. Beginning with Rosh Hashanah, literally “the head of the year,” or moreContinue reading “Reflections on the “Days of Awe””

Supreme Court’s egregious Texas abortion law decision

Commentary And my Congresswoman’s response – a fund raising email disguised as SCOTUS outrage Yes, I know, I know – I said I was going to take a break from Around the Block for a while to focus on some other writing projects. But sometimes I simply can’t help myself. In this case I wasContinue reading “Supreme Court’s egregious Texas abortion law decision”