That airport scanner

The TSA employees do not understand that my visceral level reasons for not going through that airport scanner that takes and keeps the equivalent of your naked photograph is not shyness about the body, but the fact that to have that photograph taken, you must stand in the prisoner of war position, hands on your … More That airport scanner

The Sierra Club

They telephoned me. I do not like to receive telephone solicitation at home. I said I would put my membership renewal in the mail. They said I should do it by phone, now, as a special, high level donor. I said no. They said I really ought to renew by phone, at least, to save … More The Sierra Club

On patriotism

This is a response to Undine’s post — which is quite thought provoking and thus, good — and yes, I do respond to that scene from Casablanca but in the end, I do not trust any form of patriotism or nationalism because I am American and we know patriotism means bombs bursting in air. This … More On patriotism

“America”

From a conversation I heard, there was this: referring to people killed in alcohol related car accidents, “that is just how we die here,” someone said. This was not a good Fourth of July because of the hot, rainy weather, because my car will not start, and because the one invitation I had was cancelled … More “America”

Sticker Shock

The food in the United States is bad. You have to, or would have to search far and spend a great deal in order to match the freshness and purity of the groceries you can get at your local feria in Mexico. And the restaurant food here is bad, too; it is fatty and overcooked … More Sticker Shock

An e-mail

«Dear Student, «Have we met in person? I believe we have corresponded, and I am sure you are eminently well qualified for X. However, I have never served as a reference for someone I did not know directly and had not actually worked with. Someone who gives you a reference should be able to say … More An e-mail

Louisiana Education «Reform»

Act 1 adversely affects Louisiana teachers by changing tenure laws, hiring and firing policies, and compensation. It removes the jurisdiction of school boards over teacher employment, and redefines the role of local school superintendents. Act 2 radically redefines public education. It expands the state’s voucher program, which pays tuition to private and religious schools, and … More Louisiana Education «Reform»