Reflections: A Year in Reading (2009)
by James Patrick

An interesting year deserves interesting books.

THOUGHTS FROM AN UNQUIET MIND VII
by Jack Lindeman

If ever a man was the author of his own mythology, Hemingway was that man. We know everything about him except what he was really like.

Book Collecting, First Editions and You
by Chuck Brown

Let’s say you are lucky enough to have a copy of the first edition of Jack Kerouac’s On the Road - which is considered the anthem of the “Beats”. One day you see an advance reader of this same book on sale at a reasonable price. After you stop turning cartwheels, of course you are going to pick it up because it raises the quality or standard of your collection.

Greed, Corruption, and Hate Crimes in Northeastern Pennsylvania
by Walter Brasch

Nearby Schuylkill County, specifically the people of Shenandoah, played a critical part in an April 2009 “Law & Order” hate crime story about the beating and murder by teens of an undocumented Hispanic worker. In Shenandoah, 25-year-old Luis Eduardo Ramirez Zavala, an undocumented Mexican with no criminal history, was beaten by a gang of high school football players in July 2008.

The Courage of Michael Vick
by Rosemary & Walter Brasch

Each of the 32 NFL teams annually honors one of its own with an Ed Block award, named for the Baltimore Colts head trainer who was an advocate for improving the lives of neglected and abused children; the Foundation says it celebrates “players of inspiration in the NFL.” Unfortunately, there is no stipulation that football players who abuse animals are ineligible receivers.

Single-Payer Is Good For Doctors
by Dr. Dwight Michael

Future generations of Americans will credit you as the fathers of our nation’s exemplary, civilized healthcare system, a system in which every person receives healthcare. Pennsylvania will be the state that blazes the trail our nation finally takes to provide civilized healthcare for all.

Historic Hearing
by Ron Stouffer and Rosie Skomitz

Possibly the first-ever hearing on single-payer legislation before a Republican-led committee in any state, it emphasizes the non-partisan nature of the legislation. It will be Republicans and Democrats of conscience who will spur this legislation to passage.

Single-Payer Hearing Follow-Up
by Chuck Pennacchio & Dr. Walter Tsou

I know, I know, you say, we’ve been here before. Right? Politicians raising our hopes and then letting us down. Actually, based upon past and present experiences, I perceive elements remarkably different and, I believe, promising.

On The Flyleaf of By The Light of My Father’s Smile
by Herbert Woodward Martin

In the deep rhythms of this poem, echoes of rage and reconciliation.

If DEGAS SAID IT
by Jack Lindeman

Are we deluded when we’re inspired? CommonSense 2’s favorite poet considers the world from Degas’ view.

My New Year’s Resolution
by Karen Feridun

I can’t recall another period in my life when fear overwhelmed our collective psyche as much as it did these last ten years, and so it’s no surprise that we are experiencing another crisis of Liberalism today.

Drinking Liberally Debutes in Kutztown
by CommonSense2 Editor

Relax and enjoy dinner and a beverage accompanied by animated conversation in the company of active, informed people.

Pennsylvania Borough Gives Homeless the ‘Cold Shoulder’
by Walter Brasch

The borough zoning officer, apparently acting under Council direction, issued a letter that threatened the church with a $500 fine for each day it housed the homeless.

Insurance Industry Whistleblower–Wendell Potter
by Karen Feridun

“My name is Wendell Potter, and for 20 years I worked as a senior executive at health insurance companies, and I saw how they confuse their customers and dump the sick - all so they can satisfy their Wall Street investors.”

Penn Street Says NO to War!
by CommonSense2 Editor

Just days after President Obama announced his plans to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan, Berks County residents expressed their outrage.