The Absolute Minimum
Highlights from a reading of 200-plus letters to the editor, from newspapers in all 50 states, to determine what Crazy America thinks about raising—or lowering—the minimum wage.
America, America, Burning Bright
A collection of 9 issues
Soldier’s Heart
A post-World War II documentary, banned by the military in 1946 but lately released online, is one of the earliest depictions of psychotherapy. But it says even more about contemporary Americans’ interest in the veterans they love to praise.
Deplorable, Lousy, Godawful, and Required
People complain that politics are worse than ever. It happens to be true. But history contains as many examples of the contentious, weird, and wacky as the present—and those absurdities are actually vital to our democracy.
Bright Inaugural Day, Washington
The U.S. presidential inauguration in January will be one for the ages. A hat tip to Langston Hughes.
The Well-Known Citizen
In spite of all the reporters crawling around Alaska, Gov. Palin remains unknown to the general public. Thanks to W.H. Auden.
The Republican Speaks of Jungles
The presidential election continues to bring forth policy promises and attempts at soul-bearing honesty.
Do Not Go Gentle
With primary season nearly over, the two remaining Democrats are each facing their own demons. Perhaps some poetry will be an inspiration?
We Not Cruel
Delegates, primaries, ads, and speeches, mean the campaign season is full of chaos and noise. Putting things in order—in iambic tetrameter, that is.
Coiffed Beast Saunters
Soaring rhetoric is getting the short straw this campaign season, so how about some pointed poesy?