Opinion
131 results
Page 2
I feared liberals, and then I became one. But I’m still evolving, and you can, too.
My political journey probably isn’t what you expected.
With partisan politics so toxically entrenched in America, it can be tough to admit that you’re open to change. This Fourth of July, Alaina Johns is thinking about her conservative upbringing.
Editorials
6 minute read
Books are dangerous. That’s why we need the freedom to read them.
This Fourth of July, I’m reading something radical.
Anndee Hochman grew up reading Judy Blume, unaware of how controversial her books were. Today, after raising her own daughter, she knows what book-ban proponents do not: reading is a fundamental freedom.
Essays
6 minute read
The Painter’s Fire: A Forgotten History of the Artists Who Championed the American Revolution, by Zara Anishanslin
The little-known patriots whose art helped spark a Revolution
Some American patriots fought with words or swords, but others aided and abetted the Revolution with their art, both in the Colonies and abroad. They are illuminated in The Painter’s Fire, a new book by Zara Anishanslin. Gail Obenreder reviews.
Essays
4 minute read
This Fourth of July, we need a narrative revolution.
Writers and artists lead America’s nonviolent fight for justice.
The Trump administration is trying to rewrite reality and history. Cass Lewis says we’re not going to let them if writers and artists have anything to say about it.
Essays
5 minute read
The Untied States: 249 years later, America’s still not great—but it could be.
This is our country’s first real chance at greatness. Will we take it?
The Trump administration has brought the United States to a crisis—but only because it revealed what has been there all along. Lindsay Gary asks if we have the courage to respond by making America great for the first time ever.
Essays
5 minute read
In America today, joining the jury isn’t just a civic duty. It’s an ethical one.
American justice relies on jurors more than ever
After serving on a jury earlier this year, An Nichols was surprised by her relationship to her fellow jurors, and learned about the outsize impact jurors can have at the local and national level.
Essays
4 minute read
BSR writers speak up about the June 14 No Kings protests in Philly and beyond
Marchers make history, instead of repeating it
The June 14 No Kings Day protest, organized to reclaim the American flag and oppose unconstitutional actions by the Trump administration in favor of democracy and the rule of law, drew millions of marchers across the country. BSR writers reflect.
Editorials
8 minute read
SEPTA’s “doomsday” cuts would be devastating to Philly arts and culture
Arts lovers must speak up now for public transit funding
A “doomsday” budget that would slash SEPTA service by 45 percent and raise fares by more than 20 percent poses an existential threat to Philly’s cultural sector. But if we all speak up now, we can save our city. Alaina Johns looks closer.
Editorials
5 minute read
Can you pass this quiz on the first 100 days of Trump’s second term?
See how your knowledge stacks up before education is banned in the US
Essayist Anndee Hochman challenges those of us who may need a break from the news with this quiz about our current federal government.
Essays
5 minute read
People criticizing “Hands Off” rallies are ignoring disabled protestors
Disabled people are powerful activists. Do not discount us in the streets.
Criticism or dismissals of the "Hands Off" protests sweeping the US this April aren't just coming from the right. Some left-wing voices are discounting the protest as well. Both sides are ignoring disabled people's courage. Alaina Johns considers.
Editorials
6 minute read