A Farewell to Feminism

I have been silent for some time now, because I have gone through a series of major life changes.  One of which (perhaps the smallest) was coming to a conclusion about my writing—the more so since many of my fictional characters are female.  Which is that I am forced to say, I am no longer [...]

Women, Handguns and Civilization

For a law-abiding citizen to bear personal arms is an act of civilization. Not just an act of self-defense or an act in defense of civilization, but an act of civilization. This is true for men and it is even more true for women. For a woman to bear personal arms means that she will [...]

Redefining Citizenship

By my husband, also in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.  Guest Columnist: Redefining citizenship PHILIP GOLD Take a new, liberal president and Congress. Add an economic crisis, assorted international woes and a general lack of confidence. Next, dust off the usual-suspect proposals to reinstate the draft, institute mandatory national service, or just give people opportunities to volunteer. [...]

The Political Economy of Cowardice and the Russian Connection

Run yesterday in The Seattle Post-Intelligencer.    Guest Columnist: The political economy of cowardice and the Russian connection ERIN SOLARO “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” So said Franklin D. Roosevelt in his 1933 first inaugural address, in the depths of the Great Depression that American greed and excess had done [...]

Review Essay: Tom Cruise’s Unwanted Masterpiece

Valkyrie:  Tom Cruise’s Unwanted Masterpeice Valkyrie is rich movie, proud and dark and grieving, offered as a gift to a nation hanging by a thread, at the time of year when it seems even the sun itself can be defeated, not only a terrific thriller but a richly nuanced masterpiece of moral and emotional complexity. [...]

Women and Guns

In a previous post, I mentioned that I voted for Obama, then went out and bought a handgun.  First handgun that is mine, not my husband’s.  Yesterday, I went shooting for the first time in approximately 12 years, and shot a handgun for the first time in at least 15.  Took me a while to [...]

Gay Marriage is a Human Right, not a Religious Issue

Religious arguments for and against legal recognition of same sex marriages (because this is what we are talking about, the marriage already existing in the hearts of those involved) are irrelevant for two simple reasons. The existence of God or the Gods cannot be proven, and even if these Gods existed, they would not be human beings, still less would they be citizens of this Republic.

Women and the US Draft

A correspondent, whose name I have withheld pending permission to use it, has asked me to consider whether or not women’s exemption from registration for Selective Service contributes to the glass ceiling in this country, and whether or not I think women should have to register for Selective Service. In good, ambiguous fashion, my answer [...]

A Hero Betrays His Civilization

From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 1 October 2008 A Hero Betrays His Civilization By ERIN SOLARO GUEST COLUMNIST It is immoral to flaunt one’s pain, and even more immoral to permit one’s surrogates to do it for you, as is happening with Sen. John McCain’s campaign. This is not merely the extension of the despicable American [...]