New Life with Kamala and a Second Declaration of Independence
A Story Told
Weekly readings of social and political commentary from local journalist, activist, and Vietnam War veteran Michael McCusker.
A shellfish massacre, west coast labor unrest, and Mein Trump.
Michael McCusker shares essay about liberty, independence and profit motive.
Michael McCusker observes Independence Day with an analysis of democracy and government.
Michael McCusker discusses a range of topics, including tourism, undersea volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and trees.
Michael McCusker talks about global supremacy and humankind’s unrelenting tendency toward war.
Michael McCusker discusses humanity’s preoccupation with war.
Michael McCusker talks about the real Memorial Day on May 30, and the staggering death toll from US wars.
Michael McCusker traces the fascinating history of European exploration of the Columbia River region, and the history and legacy of Mt. St. Helens.
Michael McCusker recalls student protests in Portland in the 1970s, and shares the recollections of a wheelchair-bound friend who was also an active protester.
Michael McCusker commemorates a brilliant old friend who suffered from cerebral palsy, and recalls the horrors of the Kent State campus shootings that happened this month in 1970, where four student protesters were shot and killed by National Guard troops.
Michael MCusker talks about current campus protests that echo anti-war protests in the 1960s, and takes a look at the history of U.S. global power.
“The Sprays to Spring and Criminalizing Houselessness”
Taxism, Civil War, and the passing of an Astor.
Michael McCusker commemorates the 213th birthday of Astoria, Oregon.
Michael McCusker remembers the assassination 56 years ago today, of the Rev. Martin Luther King. He also discusses the rollback of a permissive Oregon drug law that has been linked to higher crime rates and overdose deaths.
Michael McCusker discusses why it’s vital that women get involved and stay involved, in politics. He reads an essay he wrote called, “Ms. Smith goes to Washington.”
Michael McCusker commemorates the anniversary this month of the infamous My Lai Massacre, a war crime committed by US Army personnel – the mass murder of unarmed civilians in South Vietnam – which happened on March 16, 1968.
Michael McCusker remembers the birthday of Albert Einstein, born on this day in 1879. He also discusses Pi Day, March 14, and recounts the embarrassing history of women’s suffrage in the US.
In honor of Women’s History Month, Michael McCusker shares an essay from the World Women’s Congress, entitled, “Women Are The Mothers of Earth.”
Michael McCusker takes us out of Black History Month and seques into Herstory Month on a Leap Day.
Michael McCusker talks about a recent ranking of US presidents, an assessment which rated Donald Trump at the very bottom.
Michael talks about politics, including the Oregon Supreme Court’s ruling to allow Donald Trump on the 2024 state primary ballot. The show ends, at Michael’s request, with a musical piece performed by Paul Robeson.
Michael McCusker reflects on the demise of 2023, as we embark on what seems certain to be an uncertain, troubling, and fraught election year.
Michael McCusker offers perspectives on Donald Trump’s run for president, and takes a look at stats on global warming.
Michael McCusker shares poetry to ring in the new year, and shares a story about music, children, and world peace.
Michael McCusker discusses the kind of New Year’s resolutions that could help preserve our democracy in a crucial election year.
In honor of the impending Christmas holiday, Michael McCusker shares some insightful essays previously printed in his newspaper, the North Coast Times Eagle, offering an alternative take on traditional holiday themes.
Michael McCusker talks about Bill of Rights Day, the future of frogs, and the influence of Donald Trump on US culture.
Michael McCusker tells the riveting story of the Astoria fire of 1922, which happened on December 8th of that year. The fire reduced most of the downtown corridor to smoldering rubble, and inspired residents to rebuild.