“Summer Learning Day” on July 12 is a symbol of how much young people can learn outside of school —and of how those learning occasions can contribute to opportunity gaps. “Gap” is actually an understatement. There are opportunity gulfs, reflecting wider inequalities in this new “gilded age.”
Josiah H. Brown
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Let’s learn history, not political bias
Lori Hopkins-Cavanagh’s Oct. 16 CT Viewpoints piece on Columbus Day is a caricature of an argument. Her essay is full of errors — from petty math to fundamental facts about American history. Evidently unfamiliar with the First Amendment’s scope, she describes Christianity as “intrinsic” to “our uniquely American liberties.” She says Columbus — who sailed for the king and queen behind the Spanish Inquisition — “is the reason why we are a nation founded by Christians and blessed with the only Constitution in the world where the individual citizen derives their liberties from God, not the government.”
Posted inCT Viewpoints
A century later, America’s values are betrayed again: A new ‘Asiatic Barred Zone’
History echoes in the Trump administration’s ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries. Our nation of immigrants has withstood periodic spasms of xenophobia – including creation of the “Asiatic Barred Zone” 100 years ago today. We must recall these errors to endure this era, too.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
‘Revolution’ talk serious, from Shays’ Rebellion to today
Disparaging the U.S. government and election system, with menacing warnings and occasionally occupation and weaponry, is in season…. Would-be rebels and gun zealots revive one reason the U.S. Constitution was created: to counter conflicts like Shays’ Rebellion, when Massachusetts farmers burdened by debt took up arms against the Commonwealth in 1786–87.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
New Americans and young voters to play growing role
Primary season is over, party conventions loom, and the general election will follow in November. New Americans and young voters may play pivotal roles in certain states and Congressional districts. According to a Pew study, “An estimated 69.2 million Millennials (adults ages 18-35 in 2016) were voting-age U.S. citizens … 31 percent of the voting-eligible population.” Yet actual “young-adult turnout depends on … the candidates, the success of voter mobilization efforts,” and other issues.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Sports and the campus climate for women: ‘It’s on us’ men
The reported expulsion of a former Yale men’s basketball captain for alleged sexual misconduct that he disputes — and the team’s apology as teammates balance personal loyalty with support for “a healthy, safe and respectful campus climate”— can raise awareness at universities and beyond.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
The U.S. and Connecticut should do our share to welcome refugees
I reject Dale Dauphinais’ anti-refugee alarmism. If sometimes hard to quantify, the benefits the U.S. and Connecticut derive from accepting a moderate number of refugees exceed the costs.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
A Connecticut father reflects on reproductive choice
I had an abortion. Well, not exactly. But in supporting my then-girlfriend in her decision to end her pregnancy – using mifepristone and misoprostol, which make possible a “medical abortion” – I shared responsibility and the relief this option brought us. Men are free-riders, insulated from criticism of abortion. Men are also among the most vocal critics, denouncing women for controlling their own bodies. Yet men, too, benefit from choice – from women’s ability to decide whether to carry a pregnancy to term.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Basketball is enough. UConn should de-emphasize football, sharpen academic focus
A lifelong UConn Husky basketball fan and taxpayer argues that the since the University of Connecticut’s major football aspirations don’t seem to be panning out, it might make better sense to back down, rejoin the Big East and direct the financial savings toward strengthening the academic programs.
Posted inNews
Op-Ed: Interfaith efforts teach tolerance, both global and local
Conscientious people in Connecticut and elsewhere– from the Ahmadiyya to the Anti-Defamation League, from the Latino-Jewish Dialogue to the Jewish-Muslim Community Dialogue and the Interfaith Youth Core — are working to advance understanding and peace. Let’s join them, or launch our own such endeavors – individually and institutionally.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Op-Ed: Interfaith efforts teach tolerance, both global and local
Conscientious people in Connecticut and elsewhere– from the Ahmadiyya to the Anti-Defamation League, from the Latino-Jewish Dialogue to the Jewish-Muslim Community Dialogue and the Interfaith Youth Core — are working to advance understanding and peace. Let’s join them, or launch our own such endeavors – individually and institutionally.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Op-ed: How Holi(days) can promote unity
The approach of the Hindu festival Holi suggests ways that — in the U.S. as in India — holidays can bring people together across religions and cultures.
Posted inNews
History, civics and balancing ‘STEM’
September marked 50 years since the terrorist firebombing of a Birmingham church killed four girls. Summer saw the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. November marks 75 years since Kristallnacht and 50 since President Kennedy’s assassination; December, 100 years of the Federal Reserve. Studying history, we can recognize context, sharpen thinking and learn humility. We can inspire and caution young people. History can contribute to citizenship, to reading and writing skills.
Posted inNews
Every community deserves a public school
As a graduate of a rural Windham County public school, I am dismayed by efforts to weaken or even close it – the sole school in the town. Hampton Elementary’s enrollment has shrunk, as the population edged up to about 2,000. Fewer residents have children, reflecting a demographic dip statewide. Also, more families opt for private alternatives.
Posted inNews
On Guns and Security: A Parent’s Plea for Reason
I was in Manhattan on Sept. 11, 2001. The events in Newtown have affected me as nothing else since 9/11, now that my wife and I have children, ages 7 and 5. We try to shield them from a climate of anxiety that already seemed pervasive. The National Rifle Association’s call for paramilitary school vigilance […]