Us versus them. That may be the core of American politics these days. It often becomes a “wedge” issue. That’s a single, polarizing cause, usually focusing on social concerns, which gets translated into a political war. Candidates make a wedge issue the focus of their campaigns. If they can gain support on the strength of […]

I was born on Staten Island way back in 1938, and as what often happens when one passes through the Geezer Gates, I randomly remember disparate happenings in my life, and today for unknown reasons, I started to think about the great and mighty Staten Island ferry boats. Now, lots of my shenanigans on those […]

Last week I wrote about the great impact that certain teachers can have on our lives. That piece got me to thinking about the “teachers” we have all around us, even as we get up in years. We just have to be open to learning. Here are a few of the things I’ve learned over […]

Many students and parents alike are eager for the start of the new school year, but the stakes are higher for some than others. Rising evictions and homelessness mean more families this year will count on our public schools to meet a variety of their children’s basic needs. “Schools are the only social service agency this country guarantees,” said […]