Archives for 2017

Trump “Leading from Behind” as World Reacts to (Latest) North Korean Nuclear Test

Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 8:27 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

Here is how I framed this recurring international “crisis” just months ago in “Groundhog Day: North Korea Tests Nukes and World Explodes with Outrage … Again,” September 9, 2016. _____________________ North Korea is commanding world attention again, after testing another nuclear bomb. Duly spooked, leaders from China to America are reacting like alarmed parents chastising an… Read more.

The Grammys: Adele Sang and Won; Beyoncé Performed and … Reigned?

Monday, February 13, 2017 at 7:51 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

In the interest of full disclosure, I should begin with this: Lady Gaga literally personifies the triumph of packaged and formulaic acts over talented performances. Which is rather a shame because this girl can sing. … By sterling contrast, Adele not only sings like an angel, she might just be the music industry’s saving grace. Unfortunately, this industry… Read more.

Yale Whitewashes Historic Figure to Appease Politically Correct Nincompoops

Monday, February 13, 2017 at 7:37 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

After a swelling tide of protests, the president of Yale announced on Saturday that the university would change the name of a residential college commemorating John C. Calhoun, the 19th-century white supremacist statesman from South Carolina. The college will be renamed for Grace Murray Hopper, a trailblazing computer scientist and Navy rear admiral who received a… Read more.

Men Talk; Women Do

Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7:12 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

It is so often thus, in so many facets of life, no…? Related commentaries: Woman power… Read more.

Nordstrom Rejects Trump Brand. Court Overrules His Muslim Ban

Friday, February 10, 2017 at 8:51 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

Donald Trump spent most of his post-election transition making corporate America fear that a simple tweet from him could cost any corporation billions if it failed to do as he decreed. Even worse, corporations like Carrier and Ford began kissing his … brass ring – as if they were Catholic bishops and he, the pope.… Read more.

McConnell Rebuking Warren Is about Racism and Sexism Not Senate Decorum

Thursday, February 9, 2017 at 7:51 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

The rebuke of Warren came after the Massachusetts Democrat read a letter written 30 years ago by Coretta Scott King, the widow of Martin Luther King Jr., opposing the nomination of Jeff Sessions for a federal judgeship. Warren cited the letter during a debate on the nomination of Sessions — now an Alabama senator —… Read more.

Prince Charles Draws Analogies Between Trumpism and Nazism

Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 6:19 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

Prince Charles is the Constitutionally apolitical heir to the British throne. Yet he has a habit of using his platform to deliver very political messages. This was certainly the case on December 22, 2016, when he was the featured speaker on the BBC Radio 4 program, “Thought For The Day.” The curious thing, though, is that… Read more.

Trump Is Wrong about Most Things. But He Is Right about This!

Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at 6:23 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

President Donald Trump appeared to equate US actions with the authoritarian regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin in an interview [with Bill O’Reilly of Fox News] released Saturday, saying, ‘There are a lot of killers. You think our country’s so innocent?’ (CNN, February 6, 2017) Unsurprisingly, CNN commentators led near-universal condemnation of Trump for what… Read more.

Patriots Stun Falcons to Win Super Bowl 51

Monday, February 6, 2017 at 6:47 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

The National Anthem Here is what I wrote about this ritual last year in “Broncos Tame Panthers to Win Super Bowl 50,” February 7, 2016. __________________ Whitney Houston set what might be an unsurpassable bar with her rendition at Super Bowl 25 in 1991. Arguably, last year, Lady Gaga came as close as any singer… Read more.

Don’t Look to the Super Bowl to Escape Politics…

Sunday, February 5, 2017 at 8:57 AM

Written by Anthony L. Hall

Former President Ronald Reagan popularized the Super Bowl pre-game interview. But every president has been keen to focus more on Football than politics. Unfortunately, that will not be the case with President Trump – who will be interviewed by the equally obnoxious Bill O’Reilly of Fox News. For Trump is bound to say something stupid or incendiary… Read more.