Cathy's Turning Leaves

Here we go again with the Bible in schools fight; it’s been happening with great regularity ever since the Scopes Monkey Trial in the 1920s. Currently, Louisiana is requiring that the 10 Commandments must be displayed in public schools, and Oklahoma says that schools must teach the Bible in the classroom. No doubt that’s only the beginning, and more states will come up with their own new laws. I have no objection to these things if parents want it in their own school district, but states have no business making laws, and if parents don’t want it, then don’t do it. If residents of California can vote on how much…

People who have not been homeless, and have not intimately known the homeless, have some very wrong perceptions about the subject. Those on the far right think that if the homeless would stop being lazy and just get jobs, the problem would be solved. Those on the far left think we should round up the homeless like stray puppies and find good homes for them. Both sides have some learning to do. I’ve been homeless more than once, and fit in more than one of the below categories. I’ve also done a great deal of volunteer work that involved the homeless. I feel reasonably certain that I am qualified to…

Anyone who’s around me for very long knows how much I love old TV shows (40s to early 60s), and old movies (from silent films into the early 60s). But my interest isn’t entirely for the sake of drama and entertainment; I find them a fascinating look into society and culture as it was in former generations. I always notice the parts assigned to people of color. Most are portrayed as not very bright. Most black people are in a subservient role and usually don’t speak unless spoken to. Hispanics are often portrayed as poor farmers or as outlaws. Asians tend to have stupid expressions on their faces. Native Americans…