Opinion

AT THE FREEDOM FORUM, we’ve thought about creating t-shirts that read: “Free speech: Complicating Thanksgiving Dinner since 1791.” But this pandemic-era Thanksgiving, as families and friends assemble around a Zoom screen or an actual dining room table to celebrate, all of the freedoms of the First Amendment should be high on the list as we count our blessings.

THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC has laid much of the American economy on its back—but a bright spot made the disaster less crippling than it might have been. That is the Paycheck Protection Program, which funneled money to workers through small businesses.

THE LAST 10 DAYS of election fracas have recalled to mind a prayer, from the evening of Nov. 4, 1992, less than 24 hours after William Jefferson Clinton defeated George H.

IN A POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT like Washington, D.C., the kinds of legal perils encircling Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton might be grounds for firing, impeachment, or congressional investigation. Paxton, indicted more than five years ago on securities fraud charges, has not yet had his day in court.

FOR ANYONE WORN-OUT from the election and disillusioned by the state of our politics (and that probably covers most of us), we now have the perfect antidote–Veterans Day. It is a day to honor those who have served, who had a purpose bigger than themselves, who protected what is most important, and whose service helped make our country stronger and better. Veterans Day is intended to honor them, but this year the rest of us may need it even more than they do.

TEXAS IS NOT BLUE, but after this latest election, its Democrats are. The party’s latest effort to turn Texas its way fell short on Tuesday.

THE PANDEMIC HAS introduced several unusual challenges—from remote learning and NBA “bubbles” to virtual graduations and socially-distanced Real Housewives reunions. More importantly, COVID-19 has highlighted our vulnerabilities as a nation and the many things we take for granted.

AS A LIFELONG lover/friend/relative of conservative Republicans, I’m at a loss about how to communicate with them this week. Do I smile, nod and commiserate about the crazy weather? Should I surreptitiously slip them contact info for the best mental health professionals I can find? Begin stock-piling baked goods for carb-numbing? I dunno…it’s just exhausting.