Columns

For this one sentence, Trump earns praise

I was not expecting to give the president a standing ovation Tuesday night. I have been a lukewarm supporter at best, and many conservatives have been angered by my occasional criticism. In some cases, as when I marched myself down to the airport to protest his Muslim ban, I’ve been a vocal critic.

Sunday set to remind: ‘Be kind’

In these heated, divisive times, all of us sure could use more kindness. This coming Sunday, Feb. 17, offers us a reminder to embrace kindness. Feb. 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day 2019. It’s a day when humans around the world pay homage to the simple art of being kind to their fellow humans.

One reason why some people voted for Trump

There are people, particularly in areas like Philadelphia where progressives tend to congregate, who cannot understand why anyone would have voted for Donald Trump.

Questions nobody wants to hear on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a time for exchanging sweet nothings and terms of endearment. It is an occasion for sharing candlelit meals and opening romantic gifts. It is an opportunity for igniting new sparks or basking in the warmth of comfortable, memory-filled long-term relationships.

Kamala Harris tests CNN’s campaign

CNN’s “Town Hall” Monday night, featuring fast-rising Sen. Kamala Harris, was moderately helpful in assessing the California freshman’s presidential candidacy, but far more useful in evaluating what television must do in the critically important 2020 race.

In Louisiana, make performance matter

How do you put a dollar value on the worth of a public official? How about this idea. Shouldn’t receiving any salary increase be based on results?

President Ocasio-Cortez? No chance

Here’s a scary political thought for all Americans. If Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez were old enough, and American voters were stupid enough, she could be elected president next year.

Judging by rhetoric

Seventy-one years ago this month — in January 1948 — a black, 17-year-old high school dropout left home. The last grade he had completed was the 9th grade. He had no skills, little experience, and not a lot of maturity.

Andrew Cuomo rejects fundamental values of his faith

Thirty-five years ago, while visiting the University of Notre Dame, former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo gave a landmark speech on the topic of abortion.

Tech making ‘Car Guys’ endangered species

My Uncle Jimmy would’ve hated the late-model SUV I rented for a recent trip to New Jersey. I sure did. You see, this modern SUV boasted “smart” technologies designed to keep me safe and happy. It made me miserable.