All posts by Dr. Robert N. Minor

Boy with partially covered face

Egyptian Hope; American Pessimism

The world watched as younger generations in Egypt rose up against the old guard represented by 82-year-old Hosni Mubarak, who had been their President as long as most could remember. On February 11, his Vice President, Omar Suleiman, announced that Mubarak had resigned, transferring authority

The Capitol, Washington, D.C.

This Generation Gap Really Matters

The election returns are in. There are many ways to look back at them as we look forward to a new Congress characterized by even more Republican bullying. For many of us, the country took a step backward. It looks like a real mess, at

The Capitol, Washington, D.C.

When Can a Speaker of the House Cry?

Some are calling right-wing Ohio Republican John Boehner “The Weeper of the House,” as he strengthens his control over the US House of Representative’s agenda. New Speaker Boehner openly tears-up when he talks of his own working class background and his personal success in achieving

Protest against London Fashion Week at Kings Cross, London, United Kingdom

And Now We Boycott Target?

So, it’s come to this in the good ol’ U.S. of A. Private corporations are so running our politics that we have to direct our political energy to boycotting and supporting large businesses in order to change anything. Our national values are now promoted to

The Capitol, Washington, D.C.

Will the U.S. Ever Like Educators?

Back in 1970, the AFL-CIO-affiliated American Federation of Teachers became the first major union to stand against discrimination against lesbians and gay men. In 1974, its larger national rival, the National Education Association added sexual orientation to its anti-discrimination policy. Both unions have struggled with

Funny USA America Flag Retro Sunglasses

Our America on Our Mind

When I saw the oily executives from BP and its drilling partners, Transocean and Halliburton, testify before the Senate May 11, I was reminded of another confrontation of business with government. Last December, President Obama summoned the heads of the nation’s banks to the White

Chaotic People on Charles Bridge in Prague

Gay or European?

Gay or European? People used to ask that about a man who didn’t fit the American image of manhood: “Is he gay, or is he European?” In an episode of Seinfeld, Jerry acquired a small bag to carry around everything that stuffed his pockets. When

Wooden Church Tower

Watching the Church Deal with Its Sex Problems

It’s been haunting the church for decades. It’s an issue the Roman Catholic Church is currently dealing with in the way any international corporation would. What we’re seeing in the current discussions of priestly abuse of their positions sexually and the standard institutional cover-up, is