A Story Told, April 22 2021

On the next Story Told, Michael observes another Earth Day come round, as climate conditions worsen the other three hundred-sixty four days out of the year. Also, “Earth’s Checklist,” a poem, by Margit L. Bowler, and lastly, Carl Safina and Paul Greenberg claim “We Need an Infrastructure Package for Nature,” in their New York Times article.    

A Story Told, April 15 2021

On the next Story Told, Michael remembers when America’s tax day was 15 April in “Taxing the People’s Democracy.” Also, from Robert Brake, “Ahh . .Freedom,” and from Michael Kazin “The 1776 Follies.” Lastly, “What to do when Stopped by The Police,” published by Portland’s Black United Front in 1980.    

A Story Told, February 04 2021

On the next Story Told, Michael kicks off Black History Month with “A call for another Great Migration, this one in reverse,” written by Carlos Lozada as a review for Charles M. Blow’s new book “The Devil You Know.” Additionally, Robert Reiche explains “Why Republicans won’t agree to Biden’s big plans and why he should ignore them.”    

A Story Told, January 28 2021

“Who Will We Be Without Donald Trump?” will be the central question of the next four years, and on the next Story Told, Michael reads an article by that very title written by Frank Bruni. Also, with Deb Haaland now Interior Secretary of the United States, Timothy Egan writes “After Five Centuries, a Native American with Real…

A Story Told, January 21 2021

On the next Story Told, lest Trump decides to run at 78 years old for president, four years away, Michael goes on one final Trump rant to commemorate the new and improved 46th president. Additionally, from Robert Reich, “Biden cannot govern from the center – ending Trumpism means radical action,” and, a piece by Dr. Robert Brake…

A Story Told, January 07 2021

On the next Story Told, Michael chastises the pure white world reign, and elucidates that ethnic cleansing is not a stranger to America. Also “A Short History of the Millennium,” in an appropriately titled piece, followed by Timothy Egan’s “The Next Three Months Are Going to be Pure Hell.” Concluding is Astorian poet Jim Dott with “Birds Into Rain.”  …

A Story Told, December 24 2020

For the sake of festivity, Michael reads a couple seasonal heresies on the next Story Told, one about clinging onto superstition long since outgrown by our species entitled “Come All Ye Faithful,” the other focussing on worker’s rights advocate: Jesus Christ, who was “Born to be a Rebel.” To top it off, some children’s poetry.    

A Story Told, November 26, 2020

This Thanksgiving, on the next Story Told, a diversion from the traditional pilgrimage celebration, in which America gives thanks that it’s been given back it’s democracy in “Donald Trump is Leaving Behind Blueprints to End Democracy,” by Timothy Egan. Additionally, in memoriam, “Auld Lang Syne” for Mathew Joseph Snyder.  

A Story Told, November 19 2020

On the next Story Told, Greta Thunberg responds to what may be the most important question of this generation and the last – Is there any candidate on the right or left who gets the severity of the climate? Her response: No, in “Beauty and the Beast.” Additionally, a list of “Freedoms According to the Right,” by Charles Hillestad….

A Story Told, November 05 2020

On the next Story Told, with an uncalled election left hanging in the air Michael reads “Divided We Fall,” and in a letter to The Astorian newspaper, plus an excerpt from Albert Einstein, an argument for socialism simply titled “Why Socialism.” Additionally, “The Fury Against Trump Has Begun a Democratic Awakening,” by Fahad Manjoo, and lastly, in a possible premature catharsis…

A Story Told, October 29 2020

On the next Story Told, Michael simmers one week from the election with “Redefining Democracy,” and on a particularly pertinent note “What Will You Do if Trump Doesn’t Leave?,” by David Brooks. In addition to confronting the next election, Dr. Robert Brake is also “Confronting Racism.” Lastly, on the cease of the Cuban Missile Crisis,…