Columnists

THE PUBLIC EYE: Abortion Politics: SCOTUS Goes Rogue

Bob Burnett
Friday May 06, 2022 - 01:23:00 PM

When historians look back on 2022, they're likely to characterize it as "the year of the big reveal." The year Vladimir Putin was revealed as murderous thug. The year Donald Trump was revealed as feckless loser. The year Republicans were revealed as the party of white male supremacy. The year the US Supreme Court went rogue. -more-


ON MENTAL WELLNESS: Dis-Labeled: Is Calling Someone 'Disabled' Just a Label?

Jack Bragen
Saturday May 07, 2022 - 12:11:00 PM

What makes a person "disabled" versus "having a disability"? I'm asking more than semantics--I'm looking for clarification about the assessment of people. Example: Social Security, when it decides disability, looks for a physical or mental condition that makes the assessed person unable to earn a living. In some instances, I've seen the clause "at their usual occupation" while in other instances, not. -more-


SMITHEREENS: Reflections on Bits & Pieces

Gar Smith
Saturday May 07, 2022 - 05:34:00 PM

Breaking News—Literally

Three Peregrine falcon chicks have pecked their way out of their eggshells in a nest high atop UC Berkeley's Campanile tower. Despite the untimely demise of Grinnell, the feathered soulmate of bird-mom Annie, a new brood of peregrines is happily feasting on bits of pigeon brought home by step-dad Alden.

Appropriately, UC announced the news in the form of a Tweet.

You can celebrate "Hatch Day" at this link and take a real-time peep inside the nest, thanks to the 24-7 Falcon Cam located just a click away. -more-


ECLECTIC RANT: U.S. Supreme Court poised to reverse Roe v. Wade

Ralph E. Stone
Tuesday May 10, 2022 - 12:51:00 PM

A leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion In the Mississippi case of Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, indicates that the Court is poised to reverse the 1973 landmark decision of Roe v. Wade. -more-