Day One

Posted by Fe Bongolan

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Fe Bongolan writes on the event-filled days between the RNC and DNC conventions: a WikiLeaks DNC email leak, Trump’s ties to Putin, and what could be Russian interference in American elections. It’s as though this transition between conventions was written as an international spy thriller by John Le Carre.

Let Me Get This Off My Chest

Posted by Fe Bongolan

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Although Fe Bongolan would rather be writing a recipe for stewed shoes, she will make periodic visits this week to the mind and heart of American darkness — The Republican National Convention — which may at least provide us a way to wrap up any doubts we have about holding on to our nation’s past.

Tests

Posted by Fe Bongolan

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With the shootings in Orlando, Florida, and in Britain under the lights of the summer solstice and the Full Moon, Fe Bongolan asks if we are ready to test our resolve while facing our fears. What will it take to set fear aside and grow?

Bottom of the 9th

Posted by Fe Bongolan

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Framing Sanders’ political situation in baseball terms, he is at bat in the bottom of the 9th inning, with one man on base in a game where the score is 5-1 in favor of the pitching team, with two outs and the count is 2 balls and 2 strikes. And yet, he is still trying to get a hit. Fe Bongolan considers why.

Stubby Fingers on the Red Button

Posted by Fe Bongolan

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Did you know that once the Republicans and Democrats pick their official nominees at the summer national conventions, those nominees get CIA briefings? Does that thought disturb you more than just a little in the case of Donald Trump? Fe Bongolan ponders the possibilities.

The Cap

Posted by Fe Bongolan

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Fe Bongolan contemplates how far the ramifications of our personal voting choices can reach — and considers the unintended consequences of never rebuking young family members. Despite one young, bright relative pulling out a Trump hat at a family dinner, there’s potential for some course-correction.

Touching the Wound

Posted by Fe Bongolan

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In a follow-up to her piece last week about her neighbor Brandon’s experience with police, Fe Bongolan considers the prevalence of trauma in our culture. Featured is an excerpt from the story of a survivor, told in her own words, of the long-term effects of her childhood rape, as she strives toward healing.

What If…?

Posted by Fe Bongolan

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Tad Devine, chief spokesperson for the Bernie Sanders campaign, recently floated the “weather balloon” suggestion of a combined Clinton-Sanders ticket for the 2016 election. While some might see this as a “desperation politics” move, Fe Bongolan parses out the combined potential strength if the two Democratic candidates buried the hatchet.