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By J.M. SORRELL

On March 1, the person once again impersonating the president signed an executive order declaring that English is the official language of the United States. The order stated, “A nationally designated language is at the core of a unified and cohesive society, and the United States is strengthened by a citizenry that can freely exchange ideas in one shared language.” Given that over 350 languages are spoken here, it is challenging to grasp the “free” part of the order.

By J.M. SORRELL

March 8 is International Women’s Day. This year during Women’s History Month, I am inclined to write about one of my own paths because of questions posed regarding my activism to combat antisemitism. I am asked if I am Jewish and why I choose to assume this struggle.

By J.M. SORRELL

When saving face is a primary operating mode and when people denigrate others to justify their own harm or inertia, mistrust and chaos ensue.

By J.M. SORRELL

I miss my younger years when resolutions for the coming year included getting more physically fit, reading a certain number of books, helping others in need and being kinder to bad drivers. While some people eschew the ritual, I continue to appreciate...

By J.M. SORRELL

Theories abound for why Vice President Kamala Harris lost the presidential race. Here is the good news: The latest Reuters numbers show that Harris got 48.3% of the popular vote while Trump got 49.9%. There was just a 1.6% difference , so this was...

By J.M. SORRELL

I am writing this before Election Day, so I thought to write about a societal problem that will linger regardless of who is elected president on Nov. 5. Systemic misogyny is hardly new, yet its forms change to meet the moment of each generation. It is...

By J.M. SORRELL

One of the many memorable speeches at the Democratic National Convention was delivered by Michelle Obama. She spoke of hope making a comeback and the potential for good in our country. Ms. Obama also cautioned there are people who will do everything...

By J.M. SORRELL

I would love to write about other topics, and yet the breadth and forms keep expanding. Zionism is increasingly described as a genocidal movement meant to destroy others, yet the actual undertaking was created by Jews with progressive ideals of...

By J.M. SORRELL

 Enthusiasm is high, and I do not think it will wane. We have a presidential candidate who is not afraid to express joy while she is serious about what is at stake. She is smart and has heart.Vice President Kamala Harris is intrepid and humble at the...

By J.M. SORRELL

‘Kill the Zionists!” While I hope that ignorance is at play more than hatred, my concern is that for the narrative to continue to fit one’s reality, such obliviousness evolves into the justification to do harm and so it becomes evil.If you are open to...

By J.M. SORRELL

Antisemitism joins racism, homophobia, xenophobia, and misogyny as features of the far right. It is easy to spot when white supremacists claim that Jews are working with people of color to destroy the white race. Most people find their jokes about...

By J.M. SORRELL

May 1 is May Day. Originally it celebrated spring in Celtic and other traditions. Singing, dancing, bonfires, and competing for the tallest maypoles for male fertility were all the rage. Apparently size comparisons have been around for centuries. Who...

By J.M. SORRELL

International Women’s Day is March 8. While the UN did not adopt the day until 1977, its roots go back to the early part of the 20th century — a time when women in the U.S. and Europe were very active in both suffrage and labor movements. It was more...

By J.M. SORRELL

As we celebrate Black History Month, I am reminded of moments filled with grace and solidarity between allies who respond to particular tragedies and accomplices who walk the walk throughout long-term justice movements. Empathy and an internal ethical...

By J.M. SORRELL

Last month I wrote a column about fighting all forms of antisemitism. I have written a few columns about misogyny as an insidious and acceptable form of oppression in many societies including ours. Over the years, I have had this nagging feeling that...

By J.M. SORRELL

Over the last five weeks, I have been reflecting upon the results of the general election, and I have been grieving and feeling deep concern for the future of our country and the world at large.My integrity as a participant in society now must be more...