Category Archives: Culture

The following rather long posts are connected to an assignment I give my writing students at the college. I challenge them to argue for what they think is the best foundation for making moral decisions about public and social issues. … Continue reading →

I am in the middle of reading a batch of student essays explaining what they think is the best foundation for making moral decisions on public issues.  As a teacher, I am encouraged that many have had the courage to … Continue reading →

(This post is my attempt to write the essay I assign to my students every year: what makes right, right?) Many people in the last election cited moral values as their reason for voting for one party or the other. Candidates … Continue reading →

 The TV show Portlandia, which documents the quirkiness and political correctness of Portland Oregon, has recently received some critical acclaim and national attention. Oregon’s weirdness either has a long and illustrious history or G. K. Chesterton is truly a prophet. … Continue reading →

True confession. I like watching the old Bonanza shows on TVland. Yes, that makes me a geezer. I like the well-crafted and traditional plot structure. Even more, I like the moral structure of the Bonanza world: a father who is not … Continue reading →