The War

All my growing-up years, guns were in movies and (I imagined) in the hands of people less interesting and educated than me. I had no idea why anyone would want or need a gun. I moved to the city eleven years ago. I remember hearing someone got shot in the parking lot of the drugstore […]

The Balance of Power

Today I was asked to sub for a Shakespeare class. The kids were supposed to watch “10 Things I Hate About You,” which meant I could sit and do whatever the hell I wanted while they were entertained. That’s a good way to earn twenty bucks. I was happily checking my email and reading “Catcher […]

Post-Inaugural

My students were less moved by today’s speech than by the election (as was I). It was a big moment, but nothing compared to that night. They remain deeply concerned about Obama’s safety, suggesting that he is in danger from “all the white people who don’t like blacks.” I ask them for evidence, and apparently […]