Offensive words can prevent intelligent debate about issues of importance

posted 08:05 AM 07/20
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While walking in downtown Seattle the other day, I encountered a group of protesters. As a firm believer in the freedom of speech, I normally wouldn’t have paid much attention to protesters who are peacefully exercising their rights on a sidewalk, trying to attract the public’s attention.

At first I didn’t notice the group’s posters until my daughter asked why President Barack Obama had a funny mustache. This particular group had taken a picture of President Obama and placed a “Hitler mustache” on his upper lip. Clearly, the protestors were attempting to make a comparison between our president and one of the most evil and diabolical leaders the world has ever known, whose reign resulted in the systematic murder of an estimated six million Jews.

I was personally offended by this image.

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National news programs exploit crime victims and their families

posted 11:48 PM 06/14

If you watch any of the 24-hour cable news channels, you can’t avoid the nightly barrage of shows which focus, ad nauseam, on true crime stories with an emphasis on missing, exploited and murdered children.

Social crutch of cellphone texting is killing the art of casual conversation

posted 11:49 PM 05/10

Recently, I was out to dinner and noticed a group of women friends at a nearby table. I made the false assumption that my quiet dinner for two would be interrupted by the high-pitched laughter and rowdiness of a girls’ night out.

People on Facebook ignore mother's advice to keep life’s details private

posted 07:51 AM 04/06

Once you become an adult, you can no longer wear your varsity letterman's jacket, and not just because it doesn't fit anymore. For anyone looking to win the equivalent of "Best Personality" or "Most Likely to Succeed," there is a mechanism to gauge your importance in the adult world: Facebook.

Parents would not be the best driver's education instructors

posted 06:35 AM 03/02

High school is filled with many memories. For some, it's being crowned prom queen or winning the championship game. For others, it's a daily barrage of acne, fighting and dodging bullies in the hallway.

Let's add some resolve to all those New Year's resolutions

posted 09:19 AM 01/26

It is that time of year again. The time when we contemplate breaking the New Year's resolutions that we made with such gusto before 2011 began.