Ohio Ohio
(A 2012 version of the Wonderful Town classic) With the rest of the states either solidly red or solidly blue, the election will be decided in nine or ten swing states. —News reports Why oh why oh why oh? Why did I ever leave Ohio? Why did I locate where, since it’s no swing state, Pollsters don’t trouble to track? Zero is my vote’s weight. Reason to vote? That’s what I lack. Oh why oh why oh did I leave Ohio? Maybe I better go O-H-I-O, Where I could have my vote back.
May 16, 2012 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Attachment Parenting: More Guilt for Mother Attachment Parenting: More Guilt for Mother
Child-rearing fads aren’t really about children. They’re about regulating the behavior of women.
May 16, 2012 / Column / Katha Pollitt
Anti-Intellectualism From Arizona to Michigan Anti-Intellectualism From Arizona to Michigan
From the ethnic studies ban to firings over Travyon Martin, a strange hostility toward progressive education is emerging.
May 16, 2012 / Column / Patricia J. Williams
Adieu, Sarkozy Adieu, Sarkozy
We now must bid adieu to Sarkozy He swerved hard to the right, comme Mitt ici (Mais oui: exactement comme Mitt Romnéy), And said austerity is what’s to be. The French apparently did not agree: The voters sent him packing, COD.
May 9, 2012 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Jazz Fest and the Ghosts of New Orleans Jazz Fest and the Ghosts of New Orleans
In a city divided by extremes, the festival brings together all kinds of people to cook up something marvelous.
May 9, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Eric Alterman
Newt Departs From the Island of Poliwonks Newt Departs From the Island of Poliwonks
(The saddest leave-taking since Max left the Wild Things) “Don’t go!” all the poliwonks started to croon. “What other Republican dared to harpoon The Mittster for being a heartless tycoon? Who’s left to start planning a town on the moon, As if he had stepped from the pages of Dune? Who never did hesitate once to impugn The press—his best foil—when it seemed opportune? Oh why, Newt, oh why must you leave us so soon?” But Newt, though quite portly, as well as jejune, Just floated away, like a hot air balloon.
May 2, 2012 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Marine Le Pen and the False Specter of European Fascism Marine Le Pen and the False Specter of European Fascism
Americans who worry about dangerous trends overseas should take a look at warning signs much closer to home.
May 2, 2012 / Books & the Arts / Alexander Cockburn
Women: Occupy the Left Women: Occupy the Left
Why is it so hard to understand that women's rights are an economic issue?
May 2, 2012 / Column / Katha Pollitt
Ron Paul, Still Standing Ron Paul, Still Standing
Mitt’s opposite number is still in the race. Paul has his supporters; he has his own base. He has his own style, which is folksy, not canned. Religion? He’s got one. His prophet’s Ayn Rand. By Rand’s wacko theories he’s fervently gripped, So he won’t do flip-flops. He long ago flipped.
Apr 25, 2012 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Defending Israel (and Waiting for a Miracle) Defending Israel (and Waiting for a Miracle)
American Jews could play a useful role in aiding our Israeli cousins to see that they are destroying what was noble about their country. Why won't they?
Apr 25, 2012 / Column / Eric Alterman