Continuing my series of alternative responses to the New York Times column, The Ethicist, looking at the consequences of one’s actions instead of imposing values on others, here is a take on today’s post, “His Qualifications — and Mine.” While volunteering at a local charity, I became friends with a fellow worker. I considered recommending him for membership to a local service club. The club requires vetting, so I checked[…] Keep reading →

Continuing my series of alternative responses to the New York Times column, The Ethicist, looking at the consequences of one’s actions instead of imposing values on others, here is a take on today’s post, “Two Cents, Too Late.” On public transportation, a young man entered my train car and made an announcement requesting money to pay for medication he needed. Three college-age men teamed up to contribute around $20. After[…] Keep reading →

This year for Martin Luther King day I listened to two recordings of Malcolm X speaking, posted by WNYC in “Remembering Malcolm X: Rare Interviews and Audio.” I recommend listening. People accuse him of racism and inciting violence, but to hear him speak and to hear people who knew him speak about him, it’s hard not to feel those critics missed the essence of what he said, and that they[…] Keep reading →

Continuing my series of alternative responses to the New York Times column, The Ethicist, looking at the consequences of one’s actions instead of imposing values on others, here is a take on today’s post, “Try This at Home!” I live and work in Hollywood. Some of my friends are screenwriters, and they tend to be politically progressive. They often criticize conservatives for ignoring scientific evidence when it conflicts with their[…] Keep reading →

Continuing my series of alternative responses to the New York Times column, The Ethicist, looking at the consequences of one’s actions instead of imposing values on others, here is a take on today’s post, “The Case for Throwback Baseball Uniforms.” Some Major League Baseball teams wear retro uniforms as alternates, allowing for increased opportunities to market jerseys to fans. I’ve seen some teams wearing Negro league jerseys as retro alternates.[…] Keep reading →

Many people associate due process and rights of the accused with being soft on crime and coddling criminals. The documentary After Innocence tells the stories of several completely innocent men falsely jailed for a variety of reasons and the organization, The Innocence Project, devoted to helping them. I recommend it, though it’s at times painful and may infuriate you. The movie won many awards, including a Special Jury Prize at[…] Keep reading →

Continuing my series of alternative responses to the New York Times column, The Ethicist, looking at the consequences of one’s actions instead of imposing values on others, here is a take on today’s post, “D-List Doppelgänger.” I share a highly uncommon name with a very minor celebrity who hasn’t worked much in decades. A fan, mistaking me for the celebrity, sent me a note offering praise for his fine work[…] Keep reading →