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By ALLEN WOODS

By ALLEN WOODS

By ALLEN WOODS

No one except the most extreme political or religious fanatics encourages or embraces murder. Its prohibition is a bedrock value in every society and stated explicitly in laws, and religious and moral teachings.But, of course, there are exceptions....

By ALLEN WOODS

 Judging by the number of cultures and religions that celebrate the winter solstice, I guess my yearly November-into-December slump isn’t just about me. Nearly every group has a holiday associated with the pivotal day, although the celebrated event...

By ALLEN WOODS

In the weeks since the gut punch of Donald Trump’s reelection, The Boston Globe reports that some fervent supporters of Kamala Harris have fully retreated from the political arena — an area that now feels like the Roman Colosseum where slaves and...

By ALLEN WOODS

In my first try at college, beginning in 1968, I didn’t major in journalism, or English, but experimented with writing, and read voraciously. A literate friend tutored me in the types and styles of writing, including the period’s passionate debate on...

By ALLEN WOODS

I’m generally not a fan of speeches at political conventions. The long list of speakers preaches to the choir when they need to reach a broader congregation. They feel free to make extravagant promises without specifics or programs to support them....

By ALLEN WOODS

One inevitable, and unenviable, task of getting older is accepting that people who made an impact on your life die. Today, they might be termed “influencers,” although for me, influence stemmed from actions and accomplishments beyond looking...

By ALLEN WOODS

It’s a new presidential race now, with opponents who couldn’t be more opposite. As a loudmouthed promoter of democracy and constitutional defender, you’d think I’d be thrilled at casting my vote in what people consider “the most important election in...

By ALLEN WOODS

It seemed the voracious broadcast media fanned out almost before the vivid red blood streaming down Donald Trump’s face had a chance to be cleaned in an ambulance. They wanted reactions from eyewitnesses, and asked the usual inane questions.Most...

By ALLEN WOODS

Americans spent a lot of time and emotion fighting among ourselves in 1969. We fought over the Vietnam War, the compulsory military draft, and the “counterculture” springing from it. As a youngish man (or oldish boy) nearing 20, I was happy to march...

By ALLEN WOODS

Earlier this year, my extended family met in Washington, D.C. to celebrate multiple anniversaries and accomplishments and marvel at the grandeur of our nation’s capital. The elders and young adults relived some memories with the two youngest boys and...