Freedom of Expression and Our Universities

Photo Courtesy UVM   UVM’s recent decision to cancel an appearance by Palestinian poet and journalist Mohammed El-Kurd from Israel was a poor choice. It was reportedly based on the… Read More

We’re Poisoning Ourselves

  Kraft Heinz advertisement   I once weighed 485 pounds. I now weigh a bit over half that. My addiction to sugar and refined carbohydrates was killing me. When I… Read More

Beauty, Eroticism, Sexuality, and Pornography

Michelangelo’s David courtesy of BBC Media When I was young and in search of the facts of life, there was no discernible pornography. The closest we ever got was a book we… Read More

Patient – Observer

  I’ve written much about the state of healthcare in the nation and here in Vermont. As a former chair of then-Fletcher Allen Health Care some 20 years ago, a… Read More

The Moral Determinants of Learning

Photo By Glenn Russell of VTDigger.org Dr. Donald Berwick’s Moral Determinants of Health, presents the fundamental tenets of sound healthcare policy. It looks beyond healthcare infrastructure, such as providers, clinics… Read More

Less Government, More Government, or More Effective Government?

  Photo courtesy State of Vermont I regularly read True North Reports (TNR), billed as “the other side of Vermont news.” I’m troubled by TNR’s cutline as it refers to… Read More

A New Vermont Prison: Build it and they will come?

 Photo courtesy VT Digger   As a community, we need to make cost-efficient, long-term, and morally responsible decisions. Are we a punitive state or a supportive community that enables healing… Read More

Current Legislative Compensation Favors Privilege

  Two weeks ago I wrote about extending gubernatorial and legislative terms from two-year to four-year terms. Since then, good friend and revered former State Archivist Gregory Sanford sent me… Read More

It’s Time for the Four-Year Term for Governor and Legislators

  It’s time again for my biennial screed against Vermont’s two-year term for elected executive and legislative positions. I’ve watched the damage done by this narrow time horizon play out… Read More

Road Safety for Fauna: A Primer

Gray squirrels: Be decisive don’t zig-zag down the road directly in front of your automotive pursuer. Make up your mind and run to one side or the other. Red Squirrels… Read More

The Girl in the Yellow Pant Suit by Becca Balint a review (April 7, 2022)

I’ve just finished reading an advance copy of Becca Balint’s forthcoming collection of essays, The Girl in the Yellow Pant Suit. I had no idea what to expect from this… Read More