“Assassins” then, would be assassins now

Commentary I was in the process of outlining this story the other day when I got the news: Stephen Sondheim had passed away at the age of 91. The Times headline said it all, Stephen Sondheim, Titan of the American Musical, Is Dead at 91: He was the theater’s most revered and influential composer-lyricist ofContinue reading ““Assassins” then, would be assassins now”

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”

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”

The cynical, hypocritical and deadly politics of the GOP

Republicans, and their Fox News (and other right-wing media voices) truth distorters, are now blaming the pandemic on migrants on the southern border, bringing back to center stage one of their favorite tropes, immigration/fear of the other, while blaming Biden for the current Delta variant surge.

Trump loyalists top McCarthy’s list of picks for the Jan. 6 inquiry, signaling a partisan brawl

House Minority Leader Joseph McCarthy…er…Kevin McCarthy (sorry, Freudian keyboard slip) announced which of his members will serve on the select committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection on the Capitol by a pro-Trump mob. 

Cancel Culture: County opts to honor Black professor, not slave owner

I don’t know about you, but I’m conflicted about this “cancel culture” phenomenon, particularly the part in which public institutions are being considered for a name change because they’re named after an individual who is now considered unfit for the honor.