With apologies to Ernest Lawrence Thayer, the author—in 1888—of this famous poem, here is my updated, truncated, post-Trump 2016-election version of “Casey at the
Author: Gloria Shur Bilchik
Gloria Shur Bilchik is a freelance writer and community volunteer in St. Louis, Missouri. She is the editor of Occasional Planet. She views the preservation of democratic values and progressive programs as vital to making the US a humane, livable place for her children and grandchildren.
Photo ID: MO Amendment 6 weakens the right to vote
Once again, Missouri’s Republican-dominated legislature is pushing for a photo ID requirement for voting in this state. This time, it’s on the Nov. 8 ballot
Half of a Yellow Sun: The story of a war Americans hardly remember — Biafra
“Half of a Yellow Sun” is a difficult novel to read, but well worth the effort. It’s not difficult in the sense that you’ll
The plot to kill American democracy: This is not a movie
The Republican plot against American democracy is not a myth, a slogan, or a theory. It would probably make a very bad movie with an implausible
Tribalism in baseball and politics: World Series edition
The Chicago Cubs are in the 2016 World Series. Good for them. They’re a great team. So, why am I so bitter and resentful?
Original intent vs. living document: Musing about the Constitution
I’m not an expert on the U.S. Constitution. I’m not a lawyer constitutional or otherwise. But I am a U.S. citizen, I did take
Absentee voting in Missouri: Legit, or “wink-wink, nudge-nudge?”
Missouri does not have early voting. You have to vote when everyone else does, between the hours of 6 am and 7 pm CST
New political code words: an unofficial glossary
Politicians have been using code words for many years [Remember “states rights,” one of the all-time classic code words, meaning institutionalized segregation and racism?]
Bob Roberts: A 1992 movie that predicted Donald Trump
The 1992 movie “Bob Roberts” offers an uncannily prescient, satirical look at a candidacy much like Donald Trump’s. Written, directed by and starring Tim
Pence does Python
It appears that Republican Vice Presidential candidate Mike Pence has been watching “Monty Python’s Flying Circus.” Not just watching, but channeling. In the Vice