by Matthew Friedman | Jun 7, 2020 | Commentary, Politics
“Always remember,” my first-grade teacher said as she gestured to Constable Vallières, standing to her left in his crisp blue uniform, “the policeman is your friend.” The constable smiled and tapped the visor of his cap, and we all applauded appreciatively. None of us...
by Matthew Friedman | Jun 2, 2020 | Commentary, Politics
“Is this the Revolution?” I asked, half in jest, half in hope. Demonstrators protesting the murder of George Floyd, yet another African American man killed by police, had stormed a Minneapolis police station the night before; officers gunned down seven people in...
by Matthew Friedman | May 18, 2020 | Commentary
I ran a half-marathon yesterday in the early morning light, all by myself. After 13.1 miles, and more than 600 feet of climbing on the roads that snake ever upward through the fells north of Boston, I staggered to the door of my apartment building, thirsty, tired and,...
by Matthew Friedman | Apr 19, 2020 | Commentary, Politics
Now that Bernie Sanders has dropped out of the Democratic primary and endorsed Joe Biden, the choice facing voters in November will almost certainly be between the former vice president and Donald Trump, barring any unforeseen developments (incapacity, a rebellion at...
by Matthew Friedman | Mar 17, 2020 | Commentary
“Just purchased 4 rolls of toilet paper, kinda feel like Indiana Jones.” My friend had just returned from shopping the bare shelves of a suburban Chicago supermarket like an action hero for the essentials to survive a plague. “It’s eerie and quiet out there,” joked...
by Matthew Friedman | Mar 8, 2020 | Commentary, Politics
Elizabeth Warren has faced entrenched sexism at every turn in her personal, professional, and political life. It is what turned her once-promising presidential campaign into an uphill slog against the misogyny deeply rooted in the soil of American culture. It is the...