Commentary | Why are We Surprised? The State of Our Media is What We Made It

"Owning Our Choices"

I watched the debate Monday night along with more than 80 million of my fellow Americans, according to Nielsen. We all knew what we would get from the candidates. Few were disappointed. As also expected, moderator Lester Holt received his share of criticism over how he performed his duties. However, Holt gave us exactly what…

Read More

Commentary | Sing Along, Then Speak Up

Cover art for MTJ column "Hamilton's fight"

I’m in the same boat as everyone else — I can’t figure America out. Despite the times I express criticism and discomfort, irritation and downright anger — I’m a proud American. Maybe it’s because I’m an opinion writer and a playwright and am a veteran content consumer (fancy way of saying I’ve watched a lot of TV…

Read More

Commentary | What It Feels Like

Cover art for Michelle T. Johnson reading "fear of fear"

I’m afraid of the fear. That’s the bottom line I have left over from the Republican National Convention last week in Cleveland, Ohio. (And, trust, I’ve got plenty to process next week about the fallout from the Democratic National Convention.) Not that my fear is new. Pretty much since the momentum that is Donald Trump…

Read More

‘Religious Freedom’ Amendment a Shield Not a Sword, Says Proponent

Pat McInerney and Ron Freeman discuss the 'religious freedom' amendment to the Missouri Constitution on March 31, 2016

With estimates of the cost to Missouri mounting, proponents of the state’s ‘religious freedom’ amendment found little sympathy among commentators on KCPT’s news program “Ruckus” last week. The amendment to the Missouri Constitution (pdf) would give protection from lawsuits to churches, clergy or anyone who provides a wedding-related service to the public, but wants to refuse that service to…

Read More

Commentary | Let Common Sense Prevail In Battle Over Religious Liberty

George Diaz holds a bilingual Bible as he attends services in Louisville, Ky. Services at the chapel are delivered in both English and Spanish. (Photo: Ed Reinke |AP)

The very day in late February that five Republican candidates for president participated in a smash-mouth debate in Texas with much moaning and gnashing of teeth about the erosion of religious freedom in the United States, these things also happened: I gathered with Episcopalians, Catholics, and mainline Protestants for a Bible study I help to…

Read More