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The Words That Mattered in 2012
My review and analysis of the most memorable and meaningful quotations from the year almost-past was published by the History News Network on December 17. “It’s halftime in America” – Clint Eastwood Over six months before Eastwood made headlines by rambling at an empty chair in prime time at the Republican Convention, the actor/director was […]
“Justice has been done.” -Barack Obama, May 1, 2011
One year ago this evening, I went into my bedroom and turned on the television. I was probably planning to watch some baseball highlights, but the tv was on CNN and before I could change the channel, my attention was seized by the news crawl and discussion that President Obama had an announcement coming up […]
“…an iron curtain has descended across the Continent.” – Winston Churchill, March 5, 1946
The following post was originally published on March 5, 2010. It is reposted today to commemorate the 66th anniversary of Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” Speech. Winston Churchill had an unique and lifelong connection to the United States. His fascinating mother was born Jennie Jerome in Brooklyn and was one of many American heiresses in the […]
Various and Sundry – March 2, 2012
* On Sunday, Rick Santorum told ABC News that John Kennedy’s September 12, 1960 speech to Greater Houston Ministerial Association made him want to “throw up.” Kennedy’s address to an assembly of Protestant ministers has typically been praised by Republicans and Democrats for its directness in confronting the false and damaging charges about how Kennedy–who […]
“What a snob!” – Rick Santorum, February 25, 2012
Polls in Michigan a day before that state’s Republican primary show Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum in a very tight race. Both men have been intensely battling for a win in Michigan. For Romney, Michigan’s primary is an opportunity to regain what he hopes will be the clear and closing path to the nomination. A […]
“Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” – Al Michaels, February 22, 1980
Thirty-two years ago today. The greatest upset in the history of American sports. USA 4 USSR 3.
“Let Detroit Go Bankrupt.” – Mitt Romney, November 18, 2008
The following post was published in the Perspectives Section of the Chicago Tribune on Sunday February 19. On Tuesday, Mitt Romney added his voice to the chorus of political writers, observers, and commentators who describe Michigan as his “home state.” Romney opened his op-ed in the Detroit News with the trying-way-too-hard lines, “I am a […]
“…bin Laden is dead and General Motors is alive.” – Joe Biden, January 31, 2012
It took over three years, but Vice President Joe Biden has finally said something meaningful and memorable that doesn’t feature the word, ‘fucking’. Speaking to a private gathering of fundraising donors in Fort Worth, Texas last Tuesday, Biden took 92 words to sum up a nine-word Obama reelection message: “…bin Laden is dead and General […]
“Conservatism is alive and well…” – Rick Santorum, February 7, 2012
Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum scored two impressive victories over Mitt Romney last night; a pounding of the GOP frontrunner in Minnesota and a surprising and solid victory over him in Colorado. Santorum still faces a steep climb to the nomination. The Republican Establishment–or what has been the Republican Establishment–has overwhelmingly lined up behind Romney, […]
“We wish you love, peace, and soul.” – Don Cornelius, “Soul Train”, 1971-93
Don Cornelius, the creator and conductor of the “hippest ride in America”–the groundbreaking television show, “Soul Train”–committed suicide yesterday in his home in suburban Los Angeles. He was 75 years old. Cornelius was born on September 27, 1936 in Chicago. He grew up on the south side of the city and joined the Marines after […]