by Colin Harris | Aug 17, 2011 | Opinion
A long time ago, in a culture far, far away, a political philosopher sketched out the details of an ideal society. His name was Plato, and his portrait of this desirable and sustainable human community is his famous “Republic,” couched as a dialogue...
by Colin Harris | Jul 28, 2011 | Opinion
It seems like it has been a long journey from Jim Crow to the Party of No, but one wonders if it has really been very far. There was a time when a good Baptist deacon would teach Sunday school the morning after wearing a white sheet on Saturday night to terrorize his...
by Colin Harris | Jul 26, 2011 | Opinion
A challenge for any society, especially one that seeks to be just and compassionate, is how to deal with those who have committed crimes or pose a threat to others. Punishment, confinement and efforts at rehabilitation are often uneasy partners in the process of...
by Colin Harris | Jul 6, 2011 | Opinion
Our recent celebration of Independence Day has brought out all the rhetoric of liberty, and rightly so, as we give thanks for a national context where we can live and enjoy many kinds of freedom. It is also a good reminder, especially this year, that some of...
by Colin Harris | Jun 27, 2011 | Opinion
Recent gaffes by public figures who display their lack of historical knowledge provide easy entertainment. Most of the time they provide a good opportunity to clarify facts and refine assumptions. Amusing as these little embarrassments are, they have reminded me of...
