Standing in the rain outside a polling place today, touting my spouse/candidate for U.S. Congress–Arthur Lieber– I struck up a conversation with a young
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.
The billionaire’s blimp
Talk about overinflated: Missouri’s own right-wing billionaire and political meddler—Rex Sinquefield—has found a novel way to pump up support for his latest pet project.
My great grandmother was a Jewish exorcist
As my mother approaches her 101st birthday, her mind is on fire with long-ago memories. Today, she told me the story of her grandmother,
The team with the most money lost today: Cardinals vs Dodgers–a political parable
Unaccustomed as I am to writing about sports, I beg for indulgence just this once. I’m still breathless from this evening’s amazing come-from-behind win
More health insurers offer “Obamacare” plans, shifting the political landscape
Good news for health-insurance shoppers, bad news for Obamacare haters. For the 2015 enrollment period [which begins on November 15, 2014], healthcare shoppers will
Ferguson aftermath: Why I think Darren Wilson will not be indicted
A few years ago, I was a member of the St. Louis County Grand Jury—the same body that is currently considering evidence in the
The sad state of campaign debates: 2014 edition
Ever since the election-changing Presidential Debates between Richard M. Nixon and John F. Kennedy in the 1960 election, American voters have come to expect
Deadbeat Congress goes home
In the ultimate act of Congressional do-nothingness, Congress has abruptly cancelled the few remaining work days scheduled between now [Sept.18] and the Nov. 4
Air Force requires soldiers to say, “So help me God”
If you want to enlist or re-enlist in the U.S. Air Force, you have to take an oath of allegiance, both in writing and
The political grandmaster behind the big chess tournament in St. Louis: Rex Sinquefield
I have nothing against chess. But for those of you following the big chess tournament here in St. Louis, it might be interesting to