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I’m a Professional Comedy Writer — The GOP Has a ‘Punching Down’ Problem
There’s one rule in comedy so universal that it connects comics of every background, genre, and skill level: never punch down. These three simple words can be the difference between being a headliner or being hated. “Punching down” is more than being mean, rude, or vulgar. It’s the intentional act of attacking those in powerless […]
Reimagining a Diversified Teacher Pipeline through Student-Centered Learning
Across the United States, it’s well known that there is a shortage of diverse teachers and curriculums inside classrooms. The growing dialogs on student-centered learning has become the new indispensable model to reimagine and diversify education. While supporting the learner as an individual, barriers affecting progress can be easily addressed and eliminated by allowing students […]
Afghan Adjustment Act Demands Review, Not a Rubber Stamp by Congress
America loves its veterans, and policy advocates love to invoke the support of veterans in favor of their various policy agenda items. Such is the case with those advocating for inclusion of the Afghan Adjustment Act in this Congress’ final Omnibus Appropriations Act, who characterize veterans as being the “most ardent supporters” of the Afghan […]
Why is California Going Backwards on Low-Income Residents?
The California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) is about to vote on its Net Metering (NEM) proposal. This is the second time in less than a year that the state has proposed reforming NEM, which offers generous rebates to homeowners with rooftop solar, for the excess electricity they put back onto the power grid. To say […]
The Time for Cosmetics Reform is Now
Every day, millions of Americans use a variety of beauty and personal care products to enhance their lives – from sunscreen, toothpaste and shampoo to moisturizer, makeup and fragrance. The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and its member companies are proud of the trust consumers place in our products. We take our responsibility to provide […]
The GOP and Senator Krysten Sinema: A Love Story
The Senate in the 118th Congress — which will run from 2023 through 2024 — will be a divided one. Ever since the two Georgia Senate runoffs of 2021, the upper house of Congress has been composed of a 50-50 body, 50 Republicans and 50 Democrats, with Vice President Kamala Harris being the tie breaker. […]
How Can the U.S. Minimize Unintentional Pregnancy Rates?
The percentage of unintended pregnancies in the United States make up almost half of all pregnancies. Sexually active individuals can prevent pregnancy, but not all have the means to do so. Pregnancy is a difficult experience and women should not be forced to go through the mental and physical issues that pregnancy causes unless they […]
Why Regenerative Agriculture Must Be the Priority of the 2023 Farm Bill
Soil has the potential to absorb 250 million metric tons of carbon dioxide – equivalent to greenhouse gas emissions per year in the United States alone. By improving soil health, significant amounts of carbon can be sequestered, which has the potential to slow climate change as well as to reduce the risk of floods and […]
From Rockaway Beach to Sanibel Island, Hurricanes Teach Tough, but Valuable Lessons
I was raised in Rockaway Beach, in Queens, New York. My folks left Rockaway and moved out of Belle Harbor shortly before Hurricane Sandy devastated our peninsula, our (former) home, and homes of our neighbors and friends. Following that superstorm, I volunteered and did a significant amount of pro bono legal work to help victims. […]
Republicans Don’t Like Trump Anymore….If They Lose Power
Well, there it is. Trump is running again. I guess we knew it was coming. But, there’s something different this time around. It’s starting to look like Republicans may have seen the light. In state after state, they under-performed in the November 8 elections where Trump-backed election deniers and MAGA extremists were shown the door […]