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A Few Good Thoughts on Dr. King’s Birthday (Jan. 16, 2023) I appreciate all the good ways of honoring Dr. King that we see going on around us once a year; the honoring is so extensive that it has become a social movement in its...

George Floyd: In Memoriam

Blogs, FACEBOOK BLOG POST |

I wrote a blog following the death of Michael Brown called “The Tragedy in Ferguson.” I’ve...

Women’s Movement for Equal Rights

American society has undergone a number of major changes since its founding, perhaps none more...

Why Trump Lost

American History, Blogs, Donald Trump |

Preface One of the things that bothers me the most about Big Boss and his Big Steal attempt is...

Juneteenth as History

Eulogies and Remembrances, FACEBOOK BLOG POST |

A lot of people know about the Juneteenth celebration now who didn’t know about it when I was a...

“Call Me Kong!”

Blogs, FACEBOOK BLOG POST, Stories for Grown-Ups |

It was interesting being a teacher in San Jose during the 1980s. Schools were changing very...

In Memory of Emmett Till

EMMETT TILL I Be A Ghost Unto Thee [Curtain rises] For those who believe in a heaven and hell, I...

STOP THE UKRAINE WAR!

FACEBOOK BLOG POST |

One shouldn’t let fear dictate policy. Right now the world watches as Ukraine burns because the...

Legitimate B.S.

American History, FACEBOOK BLOG POST |

The Republican National Committee (RNC) employed the phrase “legitimate political discourse” in...

Math Prodigy

FACEBOOK BLOG POST, Stories for Grown-Ups |

I want to tell you a story about a 3rd grade student I knew once. I met her during a six-week...

Black Pushes Back!

Blogs, FACEBOOK BLOG POST |

This “moment” is not for the faint of heart as it involved a real life incident in the classroom....

At Grandmother’s Grave

Native American Writings |

I had a funny incident happen to me one summer in Yosemite. I was a regular visitor in those...

For Classical Music Lovers: Half A Senior Moment

FACEBOOK BLOG POST, SENIOR MOMENTS |

I’d like some advice from my friends. I have two small incidents to report which may qualify for...

MASKING UP TO SAVE LIVES

Abraham Lincoln, American History, Slavery in the United States |

Are masks good or bad? Why do people wear masks? There are times when a person may choose to wear...

Juneteenth Today

The truth is, if you are going to study American History, you have to study Black History too—because they are one and the same, really. It’s a hard responsibility because in order to become truly well-informed you have to include learning about the most horrible living and working conditions, and punishments so cruel and sadistic it will make you physically ill.

THE SHADOW IN THE DOORWAY

I was subbing somewhere in San Jose—Anne Darling maybe—when I had a very curious encounter with a Giant Shadow in the Doorway. The back story is this: the grade was fourth, as I recall; they were mostly Hispanic students...

WHITE MAN IT’S YOU

On Gun Safety |

Some white supremacists feel the need to arm themselves to the teeth to protect themselves against anticipated violence committed by others, presumably minorities. Perhaps they have misidentified the source of the danger.

Freddie and Me

Stories for Grown-Ups, Vignettes |

give all glory to God for saving me and my dog. I was living in a small room in San Francisco and I was sick and needed medicine but I didn’t have no money and couldn’t afford to go see no doctor.

Why Trump Lost

There seems to be confusion why Trump lost the election. The following essay attempts to clear up the confusion . . . safe journey!

How Dickens’ Grandmother Saved Helen Keller

American History, Humor and Light Reading, Literary Endeavors, Stories, Stories for Grown-Ups, Vignettes |

The book is eagerly read by a woman in Alabama, by a mother who is dealing with a terrible tragedy: her daughter contracted an unknown illness at a very young age (19 months) which has left her eyes unable to see and her ears unable to hear: dreaded news, her daughter is deaf-blind!

Deep in the Heart of Texas: Deep in the Heart of All Americans

My heart goes out to the millions of people suffering this freezing winter in Texas . . . . Let us learn from our mistakes and go forward together to build a better life for all!

Marjorie Taylor Greene

Blogs, Republican Party, Stories |

Marjorie Taylor Greene = MTG = Meet The Grinch Who Is Trying To Steal Our American Democracy I...

Mob Riot in D.C.

Blogs, Donald Trump, Open Letters, Republican Party |

Like anyone, I felt a disheartening mix of emotions about what happened in Washington D.C. when...

Why Do White People Lie?

American History, Essays, Humor and Light Reading, Literary Endeavors, Native American Writings, Other Writings |

TABLE OF CONTENTS Dedicated to the Great American Scholar W.E.B. DuBois Foreword On the Positive...

One Last Look

Blogs, Donald Trump, Politics |

In general I hate to kick a man when he’s down . . . but I do make exceptions and this is...

TRAPPED IN THE MOUNTAINS

Even before his personal contributions to the growth of San Jose began, Reed was...

Farewell to John Lewis

They are holding services today for John Lewis. It’s a sad time for family, friends,...

THIS JUST IN: FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Trump explains American history in clear, easy to understand language. (His period of lucidity did not last long, of course.)

To Chief Justice Roberts

Blogs, On the Supreme Court, Open Letters |

We ask the Court to reject the government’s argument and maintain its original landmark decision that the Affordable Care Act was and is constitutional.

An Elder Reflects on Black Lives Matter: A New Day Begins

It makes my heart incredibly happy to see so many people on the streets demanding accountability...

Honoring George Floyd

Blogs, Eulogies and Remembrances |

THE NEW DAY BEGINS It makes my heart incredibly happy to see so many people on the streets...

To President Trump: You Ain’t Black, Either!

They say Trump and the GOP will be going after Biden’s “you ain’t black” comment. Whether he should or should not have said it is one matter but let’s not forget who is attacking him. Are we to believe that Trump is...

Biden Ain’t Black

It looks like Biden made another gaff with his “You ain’t black” comment: “If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black”. Biden supporters will have...

Thoughts on Death: not “in a morbid sense”

I gotta say this Coronavirus pandemic has got me thinking about death more than I ever thought possible. I am writing out my will and taking care of other such documents. I suppose we all understand that life comes...

The Islamic Philosopher

Without freedom, what is the point of being Muslim? Human beings are individuals, each with his or her own unique personality. No effort to stamp religious conformity upon every single person in society can ever...

Two Hippies on a Hill

It is my firm belief that every writer, every poet, should author in his or her lifetime at least one piece with the words “on the hill” as part or all of the title. This is my effort to comply with that imperative. Cast...

Chicken Gravy for the Soul

I give all glory to God for saving me and my dog. I was living in a small room in San Francisco and I was sick and needed medicine but I didn’t have no money and couldn’t afford to go see no doctor. Well, right...

The Alchemist President

President Trump reminds me of these medieval Alchemists even though he has a slightly different goal. He wants to be able to turn any lie into truth . . . on his own say so!

COLUMBINE HIGH SCHOOL

In Memoriam Columbine High School Shooting April 20, 1999 (Idea borrowed from Dylan’s “Who Killed...

Trump Smells Like

A moral individual, a righteous man, an honest president does not pile up one serious accusation after another of such wholly unethical and unconscionable conduct.

How Far to the Right is Far Enough?

I repeat my question: When will the GOP stop moving farther and farther to the right? How far to the right is far enough?

The President Addresses Homelessness

The president is supposed to address the needs of the whole country; it is his responsibility to come up with creative solutions to help all Americans.

The Navy Yard Shooting and the Principal’s Office (September 16, 2013)

It’s hard to imagine the journey this boy, this man, must have traversed from that first breath of life to the moment when (with mighty arsenal in hand!) he opened fire delivering fiery death everywhere . . .

Columbine High (1999)

In Memoriam: Columbine High School Shooting April 20, 1999 (Idea borrowed from Dylan’s “Who Killed Davey Moore?”) Who killed Columbine High? And what’s the reason why? Not I, says the NRA, clutching its money We...

Trump and Patriotism

It is ever so: men of little courage and little principle cannot grasp the bravery and honor of men willing to fight and die for their beliefs.

America’s Healthy Economy

When it comes to discussing Trump’s long-term influence on the economy, the night is young.

EBONICS AGAIN?

Blogs, On Education |

EBONICS AND ENGLISH: WHAT HAS CHANGED? Years ago, I wrote a piece expressing my opinion...

Trump and Global Climate Change

Even if the current president doesn’t “believe” in the tremendous preponderance of evidence being offered to describe the phenomenon of climate change, he should remain sensitive to certain traditional bits of folk wisdom such...

Rock, Paper, Scissors

Using a kids’ game to explain the news Covington Catholic: Growth and Change A few days ago we had an interesting glimpse into ourselves and the soul of our country, if we know the right question to ask: what did we see? It...

Trump’s War on Evidence

Do you ever wonder what constitutes “evidence” in the president’s mind?

Jimmy Eldridge

Jimmy was a fine human being whom I admired and respected deeply. He was a fighter for social justice, like everyone else in his family.

DISHONEST DONALD

There are sound reasons, well understood by climatologists, why such extreme weather events are continuing to increase in frequency, duration, and severity due to global warming–as recent history amply demonstrates.

TRUMP ATTACKS FREE PRESS

Children's Stories, Stories for Grown-Ups |

These two events may not seem equal in scope and magnitude; indeed they are not. Jamal Kashoggi was murdered while Jim Acosta was merely denied entry to White House press conferences.

The Road and Sam Starkey

Roger's Life, Stories, Stories for Grown-Ups |

Hitch-hiking takes the traveler-by-thumbing to amazing places: unique glimpses into the lives of the people you meet . . . .

Is There Really a Black Santa Claus?

The last I heard of him he was in Canada somewhere up around Hudson Bay and still headed northward.

Sons and Daughters of Mother Earth

American History, Native American Writings |

In part that is what the study of history is all about: change. The answer to “who we are” can be found in the lives of the people who went before us.

We Killed the Last Rat!

Blogs, Roger's Life |

The last rat that lived hidden somewhere in the basement of our house went scurrying across my backyard.

PICKING A SUB

On Education |

PICKING A SUB: ADVICE TO TEACHERS IN OUR CREDENTIAL PROGRAM Dear _______________ If you...

United States History: Introduction

INTRODUCTION The American Revolution The Constitution The Civil War Every introductory class on...

Five Democratic Principles

Constitutional Government A written constitution A government elected by the people Equality of...

The Man in the Red Pickup Truck

Roger's Life |

An incident happened to me a short time ago which reflects on the nature of life in our society...

American History: Table of Contents (alphabetical order)

WordPress normally organizes blog posts by posting date with the most recent post appearing on top. Personally, I prefer to offer visitors the option of an alphabetical listing as well. You can call me “old school”: I won’t mind!

Labor Historians

The labor movement has moved forward in this country against great obstacles . . . . For with the power of the pen, the struggle goes forward in academia–as well as in the factory and mine–as nearly all of these authors have proven time and again with immensely informative, valuable, and thought-provoking works of the first order.

Brett Kavanaugh: A Judge by any Other Name

A man who can be accused of engaging in drunken and lewd behavior, including sexual assault, is not made of the right moral caliber to become a judge on the United States Supreme Court.

Trump’s Seven Stages of Denial

Stage 1: I didn’t do it, nothing happened, Fake News! Stage 2: Okay, maybe something happened but...

From King James to King Donald

As most of my friends know, I used to be a teacher. I’ve corrected so many papers that it’s...

Witch Hunt? Or Impeachable Madman?

Donald Trump a witch? Hardly. But an impeachable madman? Yes, possibly yes!

Unite the Right vs. Dis-unite the Right

One of our most successful strategies is to pour sunlight on the Far Right: who they are and what they represent. They don’t do quite so well when exposed to sunlight.

Goodbye to John McCain

Well, Mr. President, I can tell you this much: sometimes you have to accept the opinion of the majority, sir.

Trump and Teaching

All this craziness with Trump reminds me of a day in the classroom. I had a kid who excelled at sneaking out of his seat to go join other kids whenever he could.

Defend Mother Earth

For normal people, watching Donald Trump can be very enraging and tiring. Trying to figure out what makes the man tick is like an exercise in clinical psychiatry. Trying to predict his next move is like joining a gambling game on the Titanic.

Escape from the Mirror

Children's Stories |

Harry had been caught behind the mirror before but never this badly. He had no way out!

The Late Great Mr. Hyde

Stories for Grown-Ups |

“I first began life as a man and not a child, I know not how or why.”

The NRA and the Rights of Americans

On Gun Safety |

The National Rifle Association (NRA) holds to the view that the Second Amendment gives its...

Larger Than Life: A Tribute to Helen Cowan

I think that in some ways my friend was larger than life. I do not mean to exaggerate her virtues or to claim a place for her among mankind’s immortals. She was an ordinary woman and she herself was well aware of this fact.

Jim Thorpe, My Hero

Blogs, Eulogies and Remembrances |

It was curious to read in a book that Jim Thorpe was a greater athlete than most people realized! The author conceded readily that most people knew Thorpe’s reputation as a terrific athlete but that nevertheless there were still misconceptions about him.

Civil Disobedience: The Duty to Disobey

On Civil Disobedience |

This fundamental attack on the welfare, tranquility, and living standards of the American people effectively abrogates the social contract between the people and their government.

Is Civil Disobedience a Moral Right?

On Civil Disobedience |

The right to disobey an unjust law is a universal human right and is written into the American Constitution. Americans have the right to oppose their own government if it should ever become increasingly anti-democratic.

Dr. King Ain’t Dead

The bullet that struck you hit us, too. It entered our necks just the way it entered yours . . . silly to say as much, ain’t it?

On Race and Racism

On Race and Racism |

CONCLUSION Can a Black Person Be a Racist? Some Observations on This Topic and Related Matters and...

The Witch of the Air

Children's Stories |

My name is Beth. I’m ten years old. I don’t believe in ghosts. I do believe in witches. Once I...

The Three Sides of Truth

Poetry |

The good The bad The ugly Honesty & truth Exaggeration! Lies & Falsehoods ...

La Sombra del Halcón

Children's Stories |

Dicen que los problemas comenzaron cuando era joven. Tomás tenía seis años cuando comenzó ir a la...

Short Stories: Table of Contents (alphabetical order: click on title for link)

A Dark and Stormy Night A Shift in the Wind Emiliano Misses a Recess Lincoln and the Almighty Oops! Scream Shadow of the Hawk La Sombra del Halcon The Biggest Mosquito Ever! The Little Black Shadow The Time Machine Falls Apart...

Outside Means

Poetry |

Outside to me means . . . . Outside the house, fresh air, smell of flowers Inside a can of beans Means to a bean Inside the can Inside the house Inside the outside Outside to a bean inside a can of beans Means...

Conscientious Objector

Poetry |

Conscientious Objector – Poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay I shall die, but that is all that I...

Lincoln: An Ordinary Man

Abraham Lincoln |

Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky, a slave state, in 1809. His family moved to Indiana and then to Illinois. His mother, Nancy Hanks, died when he was a boy . . . .

A Passover Reflection

What does the Star of David mean to a Jewish person?

Sanctuary Cities and the Moral Imperative

Susan B. Anthony, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Henry David Thoreau: here’s to you!

Roger’s Rules for a Better Life

If the reader has a desire to improve his or her life, it is hereby recommended that the following aphorisms are perused carefully and selectively, applying only those which seem best suited to develop in you good humor and fortune in all future endeavors.

Checkers or Chess, Mr. President?

President Trump has two choices, neither of which augurs well for his future: to answer the Special Prosecutor’s questions or to fire the Special Prosecutor.

Give Me That Old Time Religion

“Fornication” was a fancy way to refer to those people sleeping around too much, especially two people having sexual intercourse who were not married to each other.

Why Won’t Congress Vote?

Apparently what we were taught in school is not really true, that Congress is the legislative branch of government and passes laws for the good of the country. We were taught that If Congressmen feel strongly about an issue, they may address it with legislation–regardless of how the president feels.

A Question of Prejudice?

Are you tired of all these illegal immigrants the way I am? I think they have some nerve! They leave the country where they were born and come to America because they believe things will be so much easier for them here. Do they ever think about the people already here?

Less Gunfire

Blogs, On Gun Safety |

Re the president’s proposal: I suppose it appeals to some people as very nice thinking on the surface: let’s arm teachers at schools. Surely the bad guy will think “oh no, I better stay away.” Still, there could be a couple of problems with this reasoning:
First, the bad guys are not noted for think rationally.

American Cloud of Violence

Blogs, On Gun Safety |

Within the American atmosphere which rises above our heads—one layer atop another—there exists one special layer many people can’t see or prefer to ignore as though it never existed. That is the layer we must call the American Cloud of Violence.

Another School Shooting

Blogs, On Gun Safety |

EVERY TIME THE TRIGGER IS SQUEEZED IT SHOULD BE APPARENT TO ALL THAT GUNS DO KILL PEOPLE!!!

The Recall of Judge Aaron Persky