Barack Obama
Can you identify national values that unite us as Americans?
Just two weeks ago, we paused to remember those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, as the unthinkable happened: America was attacked by a foreign enemy on its own soil. In the aftermath, amid the horrid loss of life, the pierced veil of safety once thought impenetrable, the fear and uncertainty about what was ahead, Americans […]
Advocates tout an “incredible opportunity” to tamp down gerrymandering
Despite all the horrors of the coronavirus pandemic, it delivered one wrinkle that some advocates believe is an unprecedented opportunity to mitigate “partisan gerrymandering.” Ever wonder why Congress or the state legislature not only refuse to do things that have support of 70% of the public, they often turn around and do the exact opposite? […]
It’s time. Put Harriet Tubman on the $20
I’ll readily admit that the face gracing the $20 bill is not our most urgent issue — not with 433,000 people needlessly dead and 45 Republican senators saying that their insurrectionist-in-exile should get a pass. So, in that sense, it surely matters whether the face on the $20 bill depicts a racist genocidal white guy […]
Sure 2016 was a big surprise, but 2020 has some stunners of its own
Driving home to Austin from San Antonio in the wee morning hours of Nov. 9, 2016, I was still unable to wrap my head around the fact that Donald Trump had just been elected president.
Southwest Ohioans unite in concern for country’s future
The 39-year-old Trotwood woman’s absentee ballot arrived a couple of days earlier, but she still hadn’t filled it out. “It’s voting time and I still don’t know where either side stands on the issues…all I’ve heard is a lot of bickering,” she told a group of fellow Southwest Ohioans during a Your Voice Ohio (YVO) […]
In richly diverse conversation, Ohioans share desire for unity
Karen Smith choked on tears when she tried to explain the year leading up to the 2020 presidential election. “My life became a train wreck, honestly,” Smith said. She lost a wedding, her job and in-person medical appointments she depends on because of the pandemic. She can’t talk to her “ultra conservative” family about anything […]
Namesakes in landmark gay marriage case oppose Barrett’s confirmation to Supreme Court
Sen. Brown on court packing: ‘All things are on the table’ The namesakes from the 2015 landmark case Obergefell v. Hodges warn that confirming Amy Coney Barrett to fill an open Supreme Court justice seat could have “drastic” implications for the LGBTQ+ community. Five years after their case led to same-sex marriages becoming legal across […]
Ohioans can’t afford to lose the Affordable Care Act
From the counselor who provides a lifeline to isolated patients struggling with substance use disorder, to the nurse who holds the phone for their COVID-19 patient while they say goodbye to loved ones, Ohio’s health care workers are Ohioans demonstrating great acts of selflessness and compassion during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), […]
Cleveland debate: Fact checking claims from Trump, Biden
President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden squared off in their first General Election debate in Cleveland on Tuesday night. There were plenty of fireworks throughout the night, most coming from the debate stage and not from Progressive Field three miles away. (Sorry, Indians fans.) Here is a look at several claims with […]
Grief over Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and dread for what comes next
Bereft. That’s the only word I can think of that fits how I felt at the news of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death. It’s not just about the loss of a stalwart warrior for equality and justice for people like me. Without Ginsburg, perhaps our country still would not recognize a constitutional right against sex […]
Control over the federal courts is about raw political power, nothing more
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has used his leadership position to exercise raw political power in shaping the federal judiciary for many decades to come, and he’s been enormously successful. The death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has brought McConnell to the zenith of that power. A question never existed as to whether he […]
Portman, Brown flip on issue of filling Supreme Court vacancy
U.S. Sens. Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown are singing much different tunes this week than they did in 2016. The recent death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg has led to an unexpected vacancy with the General Election just six weeks away. Both parties are gearing up for a legislative and presidential showdown — […]