The Persian Gulf States lie east of the vast expanse of sand that comprises the “Empty Quarter” of Saudi Arabia. Tales of travels through the Persian Gulf go at least as far back as Marco Polo in the 13th and 14th centuries. The combination of rugged and foreboding terrain, savage weather, “exotic” inhabitants, nomadic Bedouins and transcontinental traders has been
In my last essay I discussed the strange case of Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez. In that piece I focused on the surprising political ascendancy of young woman that appeared so completely bereft of common sense. What was the key to her success? It certainly wasn’t her articulation of a reasoned and coherent policy platform. It certainly did not appear to be an
Dear readers, ever since June 26, 2018, I have been puzzling over something very curious. And my puzzlement has only increased with the passage of time. Something wasn’t right. Something didn’t jive. What I’m referring to is the outcome of the 2018 New York State Democratic Primary. In that contest, a here-to-for completely unknown individual materialized out of the “political
The following essay was written by guest writer LRM. Recently Senator Kamala Harris announced her candidacy for the Presidency of the United States. Like many of her fellow “progressives” in the Democratic Party, she promises “Medicare for all”. In a CNN town hall interview she stated that health care was a “right” and like all rights, it would need to
His testimony was emotional and riveting. His admission of guilt was dramatic. The assembled politicians of every political stripe were in thrall. His message could not have been clearer: “I’ve made the worst mistake of my life.” “I should never have let myself be lured to commit a crime.” “The administration should never manipulate people like myself.” And, finally: “I
Dear readers and friends, please note that, early next week, I will be taking a brief “sabbatical” for travel and study. To insure the necessary “mental space” for my sabbatical, I will temporarily suspend my website, Facebook Account, and phone service. I plan to restart all of these at the conclusion of my time off in late February. As I’m
Dear readers, by ‘tricentennial” I mean not to refer to my AGE (although it sure feels like it sometimes!), but rather to the fact that I have posted over three hundered essays on this website. The term “flor regium” is a Latin term that translates, literally, as “a bunch of flowers”, but its figurative meaning refers to a collection of
Dear readers, by ‘tricentennial” I mean not to refer to my AGE (although it sure feels like it sometimes!), but rather to the fact that I have posted over three hundered essays on this website. The term “flor regium” is a Latin term that translates, literally, as “a bunch of flowers”, but its figurative meaning refers to a collection of
“I heard gun shots outside….They arrested my neighbor first…five officers armed with machine guns came and I froze. They forced me into the kitchen where my nephew was eating soup, facing me. My mother was at the stove to my left… they forced me to the ground… They sent my nephew into the next room and said to my mother:
Last week, New York State passed a law that they have termed the “Reproductive Health Act”. In a televised speech, and to much fanfare, New York’s Governor, Andrew Cuomo, presented the new law as if it were the pinnacle of Western Civilization. He touted it has a great step forward, and beamed that New York was, once again, leading the