What makes a relationship right, or an important decision? How can you tell if deep spiritual questions have an answer? As children, we all asked these questions. They came naturally. Is there a God? Do I have a soul? What happens after I die? Children are too young to understand that their parents are just as confused as they are. But the answers are given, and for a time they suffice. If Grandma went to heaven to be with Grandpa, a child will sleep better and feel less sad.

When you grow up, however, the same questions return. You can postpone the deeper ones, perhaps, but not in matters of love, relationships, and personal decisions. Everyone wants to know the answers to those kinds of dilemmas. And thus you discover that your parents, however well intentioned, never showed you the way (unless you happen to be one child in a million who had very mature parents who could truly love and understand you). Published Oprah.com

A recent review of Sarah Palin’s bestselling book, Going Rogue, ends by declaring that she is the worst nightmare come true for democrats with a small d.  This is both a startling and an obvious claim. It’s obvious in that Palin is a rabble-rouser. Without shame or apology she targets the crazy right, fueling their resentment and anger with outright lies. “Death panels” are only the most colorful example. She is willing to bait the mob with any fear about America’s future, from financial collapse to terrorist devastation. (more…)

I am far more worried about an invisible epidemic than I am about H1N1. I’m referring to the spread of distrust that has become contagion beyond all reasonable boundaries.  Politicians have always borne the brunt of mistrust. It comes with the job, since no piece of legislation satisfies all constituencies, not even tax cuts and cheap drugs.  But when mistrust becomes the actual, avowed basis for politics, healthy skepticism has turned malignant. (more…)

If I could pick one ally in the pursuit of happiness, I would pick the body, and that means everyone’s body, not just the beautiful, young, fit ones. I know how millions of people feel about their bodies.  America is getting to be an obese nation, reaching down into childhood. A bad body image is the chief source of shame and disappointment for many women in particular. Published in Oprah.com