Rhetoric
The Fundamental American Value Missing From Trump’s Inaugural Address
In his inaugural speech, Donald Trump’s dark vision of patriotism omitted a key American value. It’s a Jewish value, as well.
In Giffords's Assassination Attempt, Misogyny Exposed
It’s been a roller-coaster week of emotions in the wake of the Gabrielle Giffords shooting that horrified the nation last Saturday. On Wednesday, Sarah Palin confused and appalled Jewish groups by claiming that she was the victim of a “blood libel,” — a particularly curious choice of words, given that Giffords is Jewish. The same day, President Obama used the power of his oratory to attempt to bring hope and unity to an angry, bewildered nation. Obama urged us to join together and avoid recriminations, and he was right in sounding that note. But without directly pointing fingers I think we do have to interrogate our national character and ask why so many of us were shattered, but not surprised, about Saturday’s events?