Words can inspire. But they can also be dangerous. Words on Fire author Helio Fred Garcia spells out why and how President Trump’s rhetoric is reckless and perilous. I’ve personally experienced Garcia to be a great teacher, and that … [Read more...] about Words are important
Steve Vogel's Clippings
We Need to Talk About Kevin
It was a lengthy, interesting profile of journalist and author Lionel Shriver in a recent issue of The New Yorker that stirred me to read the most disturbing fiction I’ve ever encountered—her "We Need to Talk About Kevin". I don’t read that … [Read more...] about We Need to Talk About Kevin
On being a (temporary) minority
I've just run across a piece I drafted for my weekly newspaper column that (for reasons I don't recall) never appeared. Given today's important discussions about racial justice, I find it to be at least as timely as when it was written for Black … [Read more...] about On being a (temporary) minority
Schlafly vs. Friedan
"Mrs. America," a nine-part streaming series starring Cate Blanchett, has revived interest in Phyllis Schlafly, described in her New York Times obituary as "one of the most polarizing figures in American public life." … [Read more...] about Schlafly vs. Friedan
Baden on “60 Minutes”
I’ve written twice before here about how Dr. Michael Baden, a former New York City chief medical examiner, has been drawn into the investigation of the death of Jeffrey Epstein, the financier and convicted sex offender. Baden, an almost dominant … [Read more...] about Baden on “60 Minutes”
About “The Two Popes”
It’s one of those movies you wish wouldn’t end. “The Two Popes”—now on Netflix—is an excellent film featuring extraordinary performances by Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, both just nominated for Golden Globes. It has also scored nominations for … [Read more...] about About “The Two Popes”