Sparks of life and mercy

I cheer for writers the way I cheer for the Red Sox. Once a writer – especially a nonfiction essayist – catches my eye, I’ll look for events where I can say “thank you” in person. Such a writer is Kathryn Jean Lopez, a journalist with a deep-rooted prolife commitment. When she appeared recently atContinue reading “Sparks of life and mercy”

A fine bumpy start to Lent: racing a storm

I didn’t spend Ash Wednesday waiting in line to get a cross on my forehead. I had a different memento mori: a day on the highways of the northeast corridor, racing home from Florida to beat a winter storm. The New Jersey Turnpike is an aptly penitential place. Buckled into our car’s passenger seat asContinue reading “A fine bumpy start to Lent: racing a storm”

What’s a “niche” issue?

The most recent edition of the New Hampshire Sunday News featured an op-ed column from a gentleman well-known in New Hampshire political circles.  The headline cheerfully blared “Senate GOP puts NH families first”. The column went on to list the policy priorities announced by leaders of the New Hampshire Senate majority at a recent press conference. Something wasContinue reading “What’s a “niche” issue?”