Welcome to CommonSense2 Issue # 33. This is the June issue. This summer we will have a July issue and then a combined August-September issue so that I may take a vacation at the end of August. In addition, all our bills and overhead for CS2 come due in the summer. Please consider making a donation by hitting the donate button on top of the cover. Your donation will help us expand and continue our coverage. Thanks in advance to those who make a donation.

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We are excited about the new three-part series on the American prison which debuts in this issue with part1: The Enemy of the Good: The Social Impact of the American Prison. Eric Johnson, who teaches at Kutztown University is one of the most popular writers to ever appear in CS2. His work is always entertaining and professional, and this series is no exception. Check it out.

Every time I read Brenda Koehler I wonder why she doesn’t appear more often in CS2. After reading her I’m sure you’ll ask the same question. This month Brenda looks at the Gulf oil catastrophe and puts it in perspective for us with BP, The Oil Spill and Our National Sovereignty.

As time goes on and the recently passed health care boondoggle, comically referred to as reform in some circles, unveils its particulars to a disgusted citizenry, the amount of public anger continues to rise. This month Ron Stouffer and Rosie Skomitz discuss why we put up with The Pig in the Middle. Or, stated another way: Why We Hate Insurance Companies and You Should Too.

Sara Mullen is the Assistant Director of the PA ACLU. Here, she makes her CS2 debut with a case in which a school district turned over a girl’s private nude photos of herself to law enforcement. Big Brother is bigger than ever in ACLU of PA Sues School District For Illegally Searching Student’s Cell Phone. 

Kathleen Welch is in top form this month with another installment of her Road Less Traveled series. Don’t miss Whisperings.

One thing I really liked about what Joe Sestak said in his recent campaign against Arlen Specter is, “Sometimes your party asks too much.” Damn right, Joe! Anyone who sits still for the clowns running the Democratic Party and cheers them on mindlessly deserves to lose. I’ve had enough of the so-called party strategists. Check out Dumb-O-Crats! Have No Mendoza Line.

Karen Feridun, President of the Kutztown Area Democratic Club, looks at some polling on the turnout of voters in recent elections and wonders if what the voters need is A Reason To Show Up.

What’s behind the environmental disaster we are currently experiencing in the Gulf? Award winning regular to the pages of CS2 Walter Brasch makes the case for Oily Politics. Walter also appears along with his wife, Rosemary, to discuss the crazy events and politics of Arizona with Arizona and the Alien-Nation of America.

Jerry Policoff is a candidate for State Representative  in the 41st Legislative District. Jerry wonders why states in tough times always go after workers rather than the enormous waste in government. Read: Harrisburg Wastes Enormous Amount.

The always outspoken Dorothy Reilly has twice as much to say this month. First, she looks at the relationship between the Obama Administration and BP with Obama Administration Tied At the Hip With BP. Then, Dorothy wants to express her disappointment with the Obama administration in We Thought After Bush It Couldn’t Get Any Worse.

Jack Lindeman is here with another installment of his excellent series of literary criticism  in Thoughts From An Unquiet Mind XII.

James Patrick, our book reviewer is here to take another look at John Updike with Bech is Back.

Poetry editor Jack Romig rounds out the issue with 4 poems that are strictly top-drawer:

Mother in Law by Will Kiffer.

Empathy Now by Jack Lindeman.

State of the Union Drive Day by David Baratier.

Of Bodies Torn To Pieces by G.K. Thomas.

Well, that’s it for now. Enjoy your summer. And for those readers who live locally, don’t forget the Kutztown Area Democratic Club picnic on July 17th.

Until next month, keep on keepin’ on

Charlie