Today, when we read to him, or he is encouraged to read his poems, he evaluates their rhyme and meter, their imagery and subject matter, as if for the first time. Often, even if the subject matter seems new to him, the poems evoke the experiences out of which they came.
Trump’s Latest Misguided Foray: South African Politics
This week Trump viewed a Fox program reporting on the South African government’s land redistribution plan from massive white-owned farms to black farmers.
This week Trump viewed a Fox program reporting on the South African government’s land redistribution plan from massive white-owned farms to black farmers.
Zimbabwe: A Teachable Moment
What sets us apart from our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe is that we consent to be governed because we trust in the process that delivers our leaders. When that trust is betrayed, the likelihood of discontent and mob rage increases.
What sets us apart from our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe is that we consent to be governed because we trust in the process that delivers our leaders. When that trust is betrayed, the likelihood of discontent and mob rage increases.
What Would Mandela Say?
“There’s only one way forward. The rule of law. Applied with compassion, forgiveness, and compromise. Everything else is politics as usual.” And then he might smile that broad and loving smile. “The hard part, as always, is getting close enough to the other side so that they can hear.”
“There’s only one way forward. The rule of law. Applied with compassion, forgiveness, and compromise. Everything else is politics as usual.” And then he might smile that broad and loving smile. “The hard part, as always, is getting close enough to the other side so that they can hear.”
The Corruption of Jacob Zuma: The Prequel
Sadly, the right to clean water is not synonymous with the availability of clean water. One might say that, like the right to education and medical care, also enshrined in the South African constitution, clean water for all is an “aspirational goal.”
Sadly, the right to clean water is not synonymous with the availability of clean water. One might say that, like the right to education and medical care, also enshrined in the South African constitution, clean water for all is an “aspirational goal.”
The Trump Method: Does it Work for Running Our Country?
Good for real estate but not for a country.
Good for real estate but not for a country.
Why Not All South Africans Are Cheering Robert Mugabe’s Resignation
What explains the diverse reactions of South Africans to the resignation of Zimbabwe’s autocratic leader?
What explains the diverse reactions of South Africans to the resignation of Zimbabwe’s autocratic leader?
Stranger than Fiction: China and Zimbabwe, the Sequel
It came as no surprise to me that shortly before Mugabe was placed under what his generals politely called “protective custody” last week, the chief of Zimbabwe’s Armed Forces, General Chiwenga, met privately with the Chinese foreign minister.
It came as no surprise to me that shortly before Mugabe was placed under what his generals politely called “protective custody” last week, the chief of Zimbabwe’s Armed Forces, General Chiwenga, met privately with the Chinese foreign minister.
The Dangers of Forgetting Our Family Stories
Share your family stories with your children because those unconnected from their past might lack a sense of historical perspective.
Share your family stories with your children because those unconnected from their past might lack a sense of historical perspective.
When the Mighty Fall: On Aaron Hernandez and Bill O’Reilly
Neither money nor power could keep these abusive men on their thrones.
Neither money nor power could keep these abusive men on their thrones.
Are We Strong Enough to Find a Middle Ground?
Our democracy is delicate. Either we remember that we are in this together, or we risk being torn apart.
Our democracy is delicate. Either we remember that we are in this together, or we risk being torn apart.
The Harm I Caused This Political Season
“Forgiveness and reconciliation are not just ethereal, spiritual, and otherworldly activities. They have to do with the real world. They are realpolitik because in a very real sense, without forgiveness there is no future.”
“Forgiveness and reconciliation are not just ethereal, spiritual, and otherworldly activities. They have to do with the real world. They are realpolitik because in a very real sense, without forgiveness there is no future.”
The Lessons of South African Politics for the US
Voter beware. As in South Africa, you may get the leader you vote for.