Ray Keating’s 12 Rules for Writing Commentary and Analysis – From Books and Articles to Facebook Posts and Tweets

 by Ray Keating

The Keating Files – March 19, 2021

 

Whether one writes books and articles, or simply Facebook posts and Tweets, a simple question must be answered: Why? Or, what’s the point? Why do you do this?

Now, if you’re just looking to vent your spleen and attack others, and that somehow that makes you feel better, then don’t bother with this. Get back to your important angry rants.

 

However, if you’re looking to actually persuade others, to try to help them see the truth, then perhaps consider the following “rules” for doing so. I jotted these down initially to help myself. I’ve been in the commentary/economist/analysis business for more than 31 years now, and things have changed, dramatically. 

 

A big part of that change has been technological. The digital/computer/telecommunications/internet revolution has expanded opportunities, allowing more individuals, for example, to have their voices heard on wide-ranging matters. That’s great. 

 

At the same time, the speed and immediacy of the internet, if you will, has meant that some things can be – and have been – lost, such as time for reflection in order to more deeply explore and more articulately express those ideas, as well as the diminished role, to the detriment of both writers and readers, of editors. Also, too many “experts” now possess ankle-deep, talking-points level of knowledge of issues upon which they spout off. That’s not so good.

 

These developments, along with an assortment of others in our culture, have led to an expansion of the us-vs.-them mentality – a return to tribal thinking. In fact, this has reached the point that large swaths of people simply assume that those they disagree with are unreachable – profoundly stupid and/or evil. That’s an unhealthy development, to say the least.

 

So, given that I write for a living – and I profoundly enjoy it – I have been thinking more and more about how to better engage people on ideas and issues. Over the past three decades, I have written some things that I would express in a different way or tone today, especially given the toxic, other-guy-is-just-evil mentality that has deeply infiltrated both the Left and Right today. 

 

The question I asked myself was: What rules do you need reminding of when sitting down at the keyboard?

 

I came up with the following 12, and thought they might be worthwhile to others who work to engage, teach, criticize, and persuade others – from commentators and authors to pastors and priests to elected officials to those who just enjoy discussing policies and ideas, again, via Facebook or Twitter. These should be straightforward and self-evident, not in need of much expanded explanation.

1) No Name Calling. After all, what’s the point?

 

2) Work to Persuade Using Logic, Reason and Facts. Using logic, facts and reasons is always better than just yelling stuff.

 

3) Always Offer a Solution, Remedy or Worthwhile Lesson. I had a longtime editor who emphasized this, and it could be the most important lesson I learned for writing.

 

4) Assume Your Opponent is Mistaken, Not Evil. Assuming that someone who disagrees with you is evil is rarely productive. While there certainly are evil people in life, assuming that all of your opponents are evil ignores the more likely reality that, for a variety of reasons, they simply are mistaken.

 

5) Firmly Criticize When Warranted, But Respect Others. Yes, you can criticize and disagree with someone, and still treat that person with respect. 

 

6) Do Not Assume All Who Agree With Your Position Understand the Issues.Particularly in recent years, I have had to learn this lesson.

 

7) Do Not Assume All Who Agree with Your Position Act in Good Faith and Warrant Your Allegiance and Defense. Watching allies on issues defend the indefensible because the indefensible has been perpetrated by someone on “our side” has been perplexing and discouraging – and it is an expanding plague in recent years.

 

8) Just Because Your Opponent Misbehaves Doesn’t Give You An Excuse To Do the Same. Hey, it’s simple: Don’t stoop down to the same unsavory level as your opponents.

 

9) In Your Pursuit of Truth, Bring Others Along With You. The ultimate point should be to bring light and truth to others.

 

10) Try to Delve Deeper Than the Talking Points. Perhaps it’s wise to refrain from spouting off confidently on something about which one knows little-to-nothing.

 

11) You Can’t Be An Expert on Everything, So Find Reliable, Well-Reasoned Experts.This is increasingly hard, but more essential, it seems, with each passing day.

 

12) Abide by the Golden Rule. As in Matthew 7:12: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them…”

 

I’m hoping that these rules will help me to be a more thoughtful, persuasive and productive writer, and perhaps you as well.

 

_________

 

Ray Keating is a columnist, novelist, economist, podcaster and entrepreneur.  Keating has two new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13ththriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

You also can order his book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York  from Amazon or signed books  at RayKeatingOnline.com. His other recent nonfiction book is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know. 

 

One of the best ways to enjoy Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries is to join the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship! For the BEST VALUE, consider the Book of the Month Club.  Check it all out at https://www.patreon.com/pastorstephengrantfellowship

 

Also, tune in to Ray Keating’s podcasts – the PRESS CLUB C Podcast  and the Free Enterprise in Three Minutes Podcast  

 

Check out Ray Keating’s Disney news and entertainment site at www.DisneyBizJournal.com.

 

Why Are Conservative Christians in Retreat?

 by Jerry Bowyer

Guest Column

The Keating Files – September 24, 2020

 

Me: "Company X did something really bad."

 

Conservative Christian Kneejerk Response: "I'm going to sell Company X from my portfolio."

 

Me: "If Congress does something stupid do you instruct the department of elections to remove your name from the list of registered voters?"

There is something deep in the current Christian psyche that automatically opts for retreat. There is something in the general conservative psyche of the moment that is drawn to the role of standing outside the castle yelling at those inside.

 

The other side, on the other hand, seems to have a governing mindset. They don't have a good governing philosophy. They've left a wide trail of failure behind them. And yet, they still tend to govern our institutions. 

 

They take the mandate of Jesus to “occupy” more seriously than we do - but without His true principles. They take more seriously than we do the command to “disciple the nations,” except not the part where Jesus said to teach them all things HE commanded. They disciple the nations away from his commandments, while we don't really think in terms of discipling them at all.

 

Of course, I'm not talking about all of us. If you are reading this, you probably do not fit the standard pattern. But there is a factory installed default to conservative Christians when it comes to nation building and that default setting is “retreat.”

 

__________

 

Jerry Bowyer is the editor at Townhall Finance, and his new book is The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics.  

 

Zack Snyder’s Messy Super-Jesus

 by David Keating

The Keating Files – September 21, 2020

 

Fans of filmmaker Zack Snyder tend to be either amazed or annoyed by the way he blends modern superhero stories with classic legends, myths, and, oftentimes, spirituality. And we certainly will have more to discuss and debate with Snyder’s now-HBO-Max-approved Justice League: The Snyder Cut on the way.

While the myths and legends worked for the Greek and Roman inspired 300, fans of the superhero genre often find themselves split on the outcome of Snyder’s films. Some praise his dynamic visual style and broody kind of storytelling, while others prefer the more optimistic tone, colorful visual palate, and humorous banter that comes with Marvel Studios’ series of films. 

 

Given Snyder’s preference for portraying superheroes as modern myth and legend, I find myself coming back to his films frequently to dissect what he’s trying to communicate through his trilogy of Superman films. 

 

Snyder first began his trilogy with 2013’s Man of Steel, followed by 2016’s Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. A troubled behind-the-scenes production for 2018’s Justice League led to Snyder stepping away from the project, leaving Joss Whedon to step in and finish the film. Without detailing the drama surrounding Justice League, it’s enough to say that the film did not accomplish what Zack Snyder originally intended for his trilogy.

 

Man of Steel began with a reimagining of the character of Superman. Snyder drew on the comic book origins of the character and then took Superman in a new direction. Whereas Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster (who were both children of Jewish immigrants) imagined Superman as an immigrant figure or, perhaps, a new Moses as Superman escapes his alien world and finds a home in a new land, Snyder opted to take a different direction. Snyder’s Superman is much more akin to a Christ-like figure. Superman still escapes from his home world as a baby sent away by his parents and makes a home for himself in Kansas. However, in Man of Steel, Superman is now also a savior for the planet. At the climax of the film, Superman flies down to earth in a cruciform pose, while being told that he can “save them all.”  Similarly, Superman finds himself in a church, discussing his impending clash with the villains of the story with a priest. Behind Clark Kent, Zack Snyder chooses to frame a stained glass portrait of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. 

 

In Batman v. Superman, Snyder continues to develop the theme. Superman was able to “save them all” in Man of Steel, however, in BvS, Superman will concern himself primarily with saving one man: Bruce Wayne. The version of Batman presented in the film was an older, jaded version of the character. This Batman’s Robin has died, his tactics have gotten more brutal, and Bruce even confesses to his butler, “We’ve always been criminals, Alfred.” Many audiences reacted negatively to this very unfamiliar, jarring version of the character. And yet, this is exactly what Snyder intended. 

 

Toward the end of the film, Superman must sacrifice himself to end the threat of a monster named Doomsday. Superman heroically gives his life in order to save Batman, Wonder Woman, Lois Lane, and the rest of the city. As the body of Clark Kent is lowered down from the rubble where the battle takes place, the viewer can see three crosses made from debris in the background. Batman leaves the battle a changed man, vowing to find other heroes like Superman, now having been reinspired by the sacrifice of the Christ-like character. 

 

If this all seems a little on the nose, it most certainly is. Zack Snyder is not shy about using this kind of powerful religious imagery in order to elevate his stories. The only problem that I have with his version of Super-Jesus is the way in which he uses violence. In Man of Steel, Superman does indeed save the world, but in order to do so he kills his nemesis, General Zod. In Batman v. Superman, Superman gives his life in order to save the day and (in a way) make atonement for Batman’s sins. However, he does this not out of submission to any kind of divine figure or by putting himself in the way of those for whom his is atoning, but, instead by ramming a kryptonite spear through the villain’s heart. 

 

So, what is the problem with Snyder’s Jesus character? Zack Snyder uses religious imagery to amplify his stories and yet he doesn’t carry his analogies all the way through to their logical conclusion. If Superman is meant to be a Christ-type, then he should save in a Christ-like manner. Jesus saves, ultimately, not through stylized hyper-violence, but out of humble service to the Father and out of deep compassion for sinners. Admittedly, this isn’t the kind of exciting stuff audiences want to see in blockbusters, so, for now we will have to settle for Snyder’s Super-Jesus, kryptonite spears and all. Only time will tell if he will continue his Jesus/Superman story in the same way with a tale of resurrection in the upcoming Justice League: The Snyder Cut.

 

__________

 

The Reverend David Keating is pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Curtis, Nebraska.

 

Previously by Pastor Keating…

 

“Short Message: How Do, or Should, Christians Witness?”

 

“Amazon’s ‘The Boys’ - Does Christianity Have a Culture Problem?”

 

“Reflecting on 9/11: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?”

 

Review of Behind Enemy Lines

by Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★

The Keating Files – June 8, 2020

The journalistic side of Ray Keating’s writing comes to the fore in Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left Wing New York. Boasting a traditional conservative voice that is measured, self-aware, confident, and persuasive, Keating’s arguments are original and thought-provoking, while many of the ideas explored in this book are surprisingly nuanced.

As a journalist, fiction writer, and general observer of life, Keating has written more than 8,000 columns and pieces over the past thirty years, remaining steadily in the lane of idyllic conservatism – family, God, and country matter above most else. Having read many of Keating’s Pastor Grant novels, the conservative bent to much of this book’s arguments is unsurprising. His iconic protagonist is a gun-toting, Constitution-defending, God-fearing vigilante hero, an appealing figure for a steadfast conservative operating in a bastion of liberal progressivism like New York.

Ranging from lauding praise on Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan to questioning Obama’s ultimate motives and decision-making ability, these opinion pieces are anything but impartial, but they are also well-structured and level-headed. Criticisms of taxpayers picking up the NASA tab, scathing reviews of governmental function (regardless of party leadership), and discussions of the quiet titan of Christianity within American politics are just a few of the subjects touched on in this unexpectedly riveting collection.

Keating’s journalistic style is similarly fearless to his fiction writing, unafraid to dabble in any realm and apply his firmly held beliefs into peaceful debate with those who would disagree. Unlike so much other conservative writing in recent years, especially pro-Trump partiality, Keating has a frank and honest voice that appears to be morally uncompromised. He makes it clear that while his economic, social, and geopolitical opinions may fall on the conservative spectrum, his principles are still very much in place...

Read the rest of this review here...

Ray Keating Talks about His New Book BEHIND ENEMY LINES: CONSERVATIVE COMMUNIQUES FROM LEFT-WING NEW YORK

BEHIND ENEMY LINES serves up a wide-ranging collection of columns and essays from Ray Keating. These essays cover politics, economics, faith, history, trade, New York, foreign affairs, immigration, pop culture, business, sports, books, and more. 

You’ll find paperbacks and the Kindle edition at Amazon.com via https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086PN1NNZ

In these often confusing and contradictory times, Keating describes his brand of conservatism as traditional, American and Reagan-esque, firmly rooted in Judeo-Christian values, Western Civilization, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and essential ideas and institutions such as the Christian Church, the intrinsic value of each individual, the role of the family, freedom and individual responsibility, limited government, and free enterprise and free markets.

Keating is a longtime newspaper and online columnist, economist, policy analyst, podcaster, and novelist.

What’s Inside Ray Keating’s BEHIND ENEMY LINES?

What exactly is inside Ray Keating’s new book BEHIND ENEMY LINES: CONSERVATIVE COMMUNIQUES FROM LEFT-WING NEW YORK? The book offers a wide-ranging collection of columns and essays from Ray Keating covering politics, economics, faith, history, trade, New York, foreign affairs, immigration, pop culture, business, sports, books, and more. 

There’s a great deal to enjoy, learn from, agree with, get annoyed by, appreciate, reflect on, roll your eyes over, and argue with in this book that offers perspectives on where we are today, where we’ve been, and where we might be headed.

Following is the complete Table of Contents. 

I. What is Conservatism?                         

II. Politics: Unsavory and Not-So-Unsavory                                        

Introduction                                          

The Impact of President Reagan – 

Personally, Locally and Globally

Recalling William F. Buckley’s        

Charm and Generosity

Margaret Thatcher – Then and for the Future

Doubts About the U.S. Still Being 

a Right-of-Center Country

George W. Bush: The Right Speech            

at the Right Time

George W. Bush: Assessing 

the MBA President

Presidential Elections Mean Denial           

on Wall Street

President Obama was the Anti-Reagan

The Clintons – Yesterday and Tomorrow

A Day for the U.S. Constitution      

State of the Democrats at the                      

Dawn of a New Century: 

The Ethical Decline of a Once-Great Party

State of the Democrats in 2020:                  

The Journey Left Accelerates

State of the Republicans 

at the Dawn of the 21^stCentury: 

A Party in Near-Perpetual Confusion

State of the Republicans in 2020: 

Deep Confusion

State of Conservatism            

at the Dawn of the 21^stCentury: 

Influencing or Being Influenced?

State of Conservatism 2020:            

Seduced by Populists

State of Liberalism at the 

Dawn of the 21^stCentury: 

Intellectually Bankrupt, But Politically Potent

State of Liberalism 2020: 

Still Advancing, Still Incoherent

The Character Question Isn’t New: 

When Giuliani Sought the Presidency

The 7 “C’s” of Voting as a 

Conservative Republican

Cracking the Republican 

Establishment Conspiracy

Any Pro-Life Room in 

Democrats’ Big Tent?

Embryos and Cloning:           

Life and Death in Politics

The Supreme Court Goes in 

Different Directions on Stealing

III. Economics Isn’t Dismal ... Unless Left to 

Politicians, the Media and Professors                                                               

Introduction

Conservatives and Free Enterprise:

Friends or Foes?

In the Age of Trump, Is Free Market         

Ideology a Bad Word?

The Morality of Free Enterprise

Whatever Happened to          

Economic Freedom?

A Walk on the Supply-Side

Less Romance, More Economics in Politics

The Founders and I Hate April 15, Tax Day        

Steps Toward a Rational, 

More Pro-Growth Tax System

Milton Friedman – An Economist 

Changed the World

All Uncertainty from Washington 

Is Not Created Equal

Entrepreneurs, Economists, Educators 

and Politicians, Oh My!

Can Professional Sports Help Us 

to Understand Economics?

Political Spin on the Obama Economy       

The Income Tax at 100 Years          

A Truly Pro-Growth Tax Package Includes 

Big Tax Cuts for the Rich

More on Taxes and the Rich

Kill the Death Tax, Kill the Muni Deduction       

Dying, Death Taxes, and the Economy

Obama-nomics: Incoherent Change

Does the Federal Reserve Really Matter?

Currency Weakness Harms the Economy, 

Manufacturers Too

10 Ways School Choice Would         

Boost the Economy

The Misguided Push for 

National Education Standards

Donating Big Bucks to           

Big Government Schools: 

Wasting Hundreds of Millions of Dollars

Infrastructure: If Concrete Pouring 

Were a Stimulant, the U.S.S.R. 

Would Be Booming

Welcome to Health Care Economics 101

Government Failed Fixes for 

Inequality vs. Private Charity 

Addressing Poverty

All Budget Deficits Are Not Created Equal

Abolition of the Senate's Byrd Rule 

Is Long Overdue

CAFE Mandates, Consumers           

and Auto Manufacturers

An Uncomfortable Shave 

from Antitrust Zealots

Government Takes on the 

Beer Monopoly – Really?

Why Does Government Impose 

Big Regulatory Burdens?

Five Ways to Fix Government’s 

Regulatory Mess

What Should Government Be          

Doing in Space?

The Unemployment Rate Is the 

Most Useless Measure of All

Greater Manufacturing Production 

and Fewer Manufacturing Jobs

Economic Doctors Have 

Misdiagnosed the Economy

Coronavirus Economy I: 

Is the U.S. in a Recession Right Now?

Coronavirus Economy II: 

The Realities of the Coronavirus Economy

Coronavirus Economy III:

The Economic Realities of the Coronavirus

Coronavirus Economy IV:

This Economist’s Top 4 Concerns

Labor Day I: What’s the Real Deal 

with Labor Day?

Labor Day II: Celebrate the Decline 

of Labor Unions

IV. Lessons from the 2008 Mess and Its Aftermath              

Introduction

Obama, Trump and 2% Growth

Heading Into the Mess: Why is this 

Optimist Down on the Economy?

The Mess Hits: Is More Government 

Really the Answer to Wall Street’s Woes?

Government Sucking Up Resources 

Makes No Sense

Stimulus from Government?

The Sad Economic Story: Now and 

for the Foreseeable Future

The Economics of 

President-elect Barack Obama: 

Repeal the Laws of Economics?

In the Economy, Failure Must Be An Option

Grading George W. Bush on the Economy

The Era of Silly Economics

V. Faith Matters                                                                                                                                                     

Introduction      

John Paul II: A Pope Who Reached 

Beyond His Flock

The Papal Office – Still a Subject of Division?

Billy Graham: History, Life and Death 

in Flushing Meadows

How Do the Major Faiths 

Respond to Disasters?

More to St. Patrick’s Day Than Beer,        

Parades and Corned Beef

Beyond Narnia to C.S. Lewis 

and Today’s Christianity

After Gibson’s “Passion,” Lent         

May Never Be the Same

What Holy Week and Easter 

Say About Christianity

Conventional Wisdom and Those 

Twelve Days of Christmas

A Season for Journeying Into 

Music and Faith

The Reason for Christmas 

Remains Central

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Catholic Church Scandal: 

Abuse of Children, Abuse of the Church, 

Abuse of the Faithful

The Big Issue Underlying the 

Methodist Divorce

Clergy Controversy Shows the Obligations 

of the Christian Life

Lutherans Escaping Scripture and Reality

One Church’s Effort to Keep the Faith      

The Fall Into Liberal Protestantism

God and Gambling

The Church Has a Limited But 

Critical Role in Politics

The Christian’s Responsibility in 

Time of War and Terror

Holy Week and Easter Comfort in 

Time of War and Death

Judge Roberts, and Faith at Work

History and a TV Star Show You 

Can Be Both Feminist and Pro-Life

First Motion Picture on 

Partial-Birth Abortion

From Catholic to Charter Education

The Pope Needs Lessons in Economics

A Liberal Definition of Fundamentalism

Two Popes on Relativism, Secularism       

and Islamic Fascism

Is Driving an SUV a Sin?

VI. Why Does Anyone Live in New York?                                                         

Introduction      

Leaving New York: No Mystery as to Why 

People Flee the Once-Empire State

A Golf Course Case Makes Clear 

Long Island’s Costly Dysfunction

Trump, Clinton and Sanders:          

Welcome to New York, America

New York Once Had a Principled, 

Conservative Senator

Governor Cuomo Bans Increased 

Economic and Employment Growth

The Numbers Tell New York’s 

Big-Spending Story

Cuomo and Obama Pander on the 

Minimum Wage

New York’s “Bread and Circuses” 

Corruption Bad for Business

Can this Conservative Columnist 

Be Nice to Governor Pataki?

Long Island Land Policies: The Economist 

vs. the Homeowner?

The Beauty and Politics of Jones Beach

Teddy Roosevelt’s Dark Shadow 

Across Long Island

It’s Agreed That New York City’s 

Public Schools Have Failed – Now What?

Can Government Patch Up a Leaky Pool?

New York Politics Adrift on a Sea of Confusion

The New York City Guide to 

Destroying an Economy

In the Green Room with Senator Pothole

Lessons for Long Island from U.S. Presidents

Why Not Truly Free SUNY and CUNY?

A Columnist Says Thanks for the Memories

Golden Retriever Optimism Needed 

for Long Island

VII. The Not-So-Ugly American                                                                                     

Introduction

Terrorist Fallout: War, Politics, the Economy

Yes, the World’s Policeman, 

But Are We Ready?

Shakespeare’s Henry V, President Bush 

and the Justness of War

Life at Home While the Military 

Risk Their Lives

9-11 Anniversary: Where Were You?          

VIII. Trying to Learn from History                                                                                

Introduction

Supply-Side Economics from 

the Civil War to Coolidge

Making Strides in Setting the         

Record Straight on Calvin Coolidge 

The Real Great Depression

The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Great

Depression and the New Deal

Prohibition’s Lessons for Today’s 

Economics and Politics

President Jackson and the 2008 

Presidential Election

IX. Business Isn’t Evil                                                                                                                                           

Introduction

Trust and Entrepreneurship

A Moral Business Serves the 

Common Good of the Community

Work Matters  

Capturing the Capitalist Spirit      

Profits Aren’t Evil

More on Prices in the Economy       

Marx Was Wrong: Owners 

and Labor Work Together

Amazon.com and Corporate Welfare

Equating Disney to Thanos ... Seriously?

Hollywood's Views of Capitalism

Disney Expanding, Not Limiting, 

Epic Competition and Choices

Big Business the Disney Way

Experiences with Anti-Disney 

Customer Service

Disney and the Changing Movie Business

Dumb Ideas from Business Executives

Disney Says, “Take Back Your Subsidy”

A Silly War on Plastics         

11 Point Guide to Working at Home

X. Trade: Opportunity and Stupidity                                                                            

Introduction

Trump: Could-Be-Worse Trade Policy?

Yes, Free Trade is a Moral Good

Could Only Donald Trump Cut a 

Free Trade Deal with China?

U.S. Trade Leadership Has Been 

Absent Over a Decade

NAFTA at 20: Well Worth Celebrating

On Trade: Too Many Barack Obamas        

XI. Immigration: Hope and Opportunity                                                          

Introduction

Three of the Many Big Reasons to 

Love Immigrants

Don't Fear Immigration, 

It's Good For the Economy

Immigration, Faith and Economics

On Being a Welcoming Society        

Obama International: 

Opportunity on Immigration

Republicans, Immigration 

and Political Suicide

From Economic and Moral Perspectives,

We Should Embrace Immigrants

Immigrants Fighting and Dying 

for Their Adopted Country

Getting the Economics of 

Immigration Straight

Immigrants Embraced and Opposed 

Even Post September 11^th, Immigration

Still Has Strong Support

Brad Paisley: Country Music Star 

and Economist on Trade and Immigration

XII. Pop Culture Ponderings                                                                                                       

Introduction

Bing Crosby: Entertainer of the 20^th Century      

The Faith of Father O’Malley

Bob Hope’s Road to Becoming          

America’s Comedian

Huey Lewis and the News Storms 

Back with “Weather”

The Beach Boys: Fifty Years on the 

Beach and in the Music Business

The Return of WCBS-FM and Embracing 

Music Variety

Growing Older and the Allure of an 

Endless Summer

Bond, James Bond, on Long Island

James Bond in Ian Fleming’s Novels

Star Wars: 6 Big Reasons to Love 

“The Mandalorian”

Does Disney Have a Marvel Comic 

Books Problem?

Why Conservatives Should Love Chuck

Hollywood's Inconsistent Take on Cloning

Defending the Video Game Industry Against 

Bipartisan Political Attacks

Star Trek and Moral Clarity

An Exchange with Jonah Goldberg at       

National Review Online Regarding 

“Star Trek and Moral Clarity”

Human Nature in Outer Space: 

Star Trek vs. Star Wars

Faith, or Lack Thereof, in Star Trek

Jeffersonians in Space: Serenity Comes

from Individual Freedom

Jack Bauer and Just War

Can the Western Make a Comeback?

Classic Christmas Films As Meant To Be

Summer, Shakespeare and 

Marriage in the Park

Shakespeare Politics Yesterday and 

Today at Hofstra University

Controlling Arts Dollars – 

Consumers or Politicians?

Movies and Politics in the Park

XIII. Sports: The Great Diversion ... Mostly                                        

Introduction

Sports Beats Politics Every Time

A Baseball Pilgrimage

Was George Steinbrenner a Capitalist?

Would Letting Pete Rose Back into 

Baseball Be Just?

Cooperstown: What About Joe?

Hope Springs Eternal in Spring Training, 

Especially for the Reds 2020

The Super Bowl and the NFL’s

History Problem

Super Bowl: Big Game, But Not 

So Big for Economy

When Billionaires Build Stadiums, 

Taxpayers Get Whacked

Yo, Brooklyn! Get Real About 

Politics and Sports

Both Fans and Politicians Need to 

Keep Sports in Perspective

The NFL Oilers: A Case Study in 

Corporate Welfare

The Masters and Why Tradition Matters

Does the U.S. Open Boost Local Business?

An Appreciation of Private Golf Clubs      

U.S. Open Makes Clear That Is 

Golf Anything But Boring

U.S. Open Fans: Some Honored and 

Others Dissed the Game

The Long Island Classic – Bogey or 

Birdie for Nassau Taxpayers?

The Government’s Assault on Golf

Hosting the Olympics: A Dangerous 

Economic Event

New York Beware: Olympics Offer 

Short-Term Highs and Costly Lows

The Road Ahead for NASCAR         

Four Business Lessons at the          

Belmont Stakes

Is Soccer Un-American?

Sports and Religion at the Movies

XIV. Thoughts on Assorted Books                                                                                              

Introduction

Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton: 

Have New York Politicians 

Changed Since the Birth of Our Nation?

1776: War and History on Long Island

Two Good Books About Presidents, 

Two Lousy Covers

A Definitive Case for 

Supply-Side Economics

Lessons for Trump from Supply-Sider JFK

Getting Freaky About Summer

Economics Reading

Appreciating The Cloister Walk

Substantive Spirituality: 

The Spirituality of the Cross

About That Hollywood Blacklist

Is James Bond a Good Guy?

Christian Fiction: Some Offer Thrills, 

But Dubious Theology

Wild Fire and the Response to 

Nuclear Terror

Want to Understand the Crusades? 

Read The New Concise History of the Crusades

Christianity Going South

Finding Happiness with Adam Smith

The Life of Adam Smith by

Ian Simpson Ross Leaves the 

Reader Wanting Even More

Appreciating Paul Johnson’s 

The Birth Of The Modern: 

World Society 1815·1830

CelebratingThe Creators: 

A History of Heroes of the 

Imagination by Daniel J. Boorstin

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