Posts by Gary Pearce
War and Peace
It’ll be good if Trump helps end the war in Gaza. It’ll be even better if he stops making war on half the United States.
Read MoreTrump’s Assault on Freedom
Along with the government shutdown, Trump is shutting down freedom in America. If you think that’s hyperbole, read his “National Security Presidential Memorandum Number 7,” issued on September 25. Trump didn’t write it, of course. He probably can’t even read it. It’s likely the product of Dr. Evil, his aide Stephen Miller (photo). It unleashes…
Read MoreMAGA Golf
A reader, an avid golfer, was struck by the boorish behavior of American fans at last weekend’s Ryder Cup – and what it says about Trump’s America. He wrote, “I’m surprised no one has commented (at least that I’ve seen) on the embarrassing Ryder Cup debacle from the perspective of what it reveals about the…
Read MoreOcracoke to Harvard
It’s not easy to get to Ocracoke from Raleigh. It’s even harder to get from Ocracoke to Harvard. But Katie Kinnion (photo) did it – thanks to North Carolina’s public schools. I read about her during our two-hour-plus ferry ride from Swan Quarter across Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke last week. You have to take a…
Read MoreSunday in America
The headlines were ugly Sunday. “Three killed and five injured in mass shooting in Southport.” “Four killed, eight injured in shooting and fire at Michigan church.” That came after Charlie Kirk’s murder and threats of violent retribution. Sunday night, there was a welcome voice of peace and sanity. On 60 Minutes, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox…
Read MoreTwo Presidents, Two Myths
Two myths told by two Presidents have defined American politics for 60 years. It’s time to retire both myths. Lyndon Johnson’s myth was that the federal government would give us the “Great Society” – banishing poverty, ensuring old-age security and giving every child a great education. Ronald Reagan’s myth was that “government isn’t the solution,…
Read More1A Americans
A podcaster described himself as “a proud 2A supporter” – 2A being the Second Amendment right to bear arms. America needs more “proud 1A supporters” – defending the First Amendment right to freedom of speech. Our 1A freedom is under attack from Trump and the MAGA Right. They’ve been silencing dissent and criticism from universities,…
Read MoreDeath and Hope on Campus
The killing of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University – and now the reaction, rhetoric and threats of retribution – make you tremble for our country. But the Q&A session that Carter and I had the afternoon before at N.C. State University gave me hope. We were at NCSU’s Society for Politics, Economics & the…
Read MoreToo Old
My friend Pat is still vigorous and trail-hiking at age 83, but he’s unsparing about aging. “You may not be old when you’re in your 70s,” he said over lunch, “but when you’re in your 80s, you’re old.” Donald Trump is pushing 80, and showing it. He’s doing what he accused President Biden of doing:…
Read MoreSlava Ukraini
Our young waitress at dinner had a strong accent, and my wife asked where she’s from. “Ukraine,” she said. She’s been here a year. She’d lived near Poland, away from the fighting. On my walk the next morning, I crossed paths with a grandmotherly woman who’s always pushing a small child in a stroller around…
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