The U.S. invaded Vietnam because many in our government - Lyndon Johnson's best and brightest - imagined it could impose a government on that country that would provide a buffer against China and stop the supposedly rolling dominos of Communism. Jay Parini brightbufferchina share on social
There's been an unquestionable decline in American culture. The education system is thin on the ground. People don't read as deeply and at length as they used to. And the media has been scattered into so many cable channels. Jay Parini americancablechannel share on social
It's probably incorrect to say that Islam is 'a religion of peace,' as some politicians like to say. Overstatements like that don't clarify anything. Jay Parini clarifyincorrectislam Change image and share on social
I'm tired of hearing about this 'well-regulated militia' that is so necessary for American freedom. Jay Parini americanfreedomhear Change image and share on social
One thing a narcissist doesn't like is to look in a mirror that is in any way genuinely reflective of what's on the other side of it. Jay Parini genuinelymirrornarcissist Change image and share on social
Jesus remains the most influential person in history, one who has inspired untold followers for millennia. Jay Parini followerhistoryinfluential Change image and share on social
I regard Jesus, like the Buddha, as a figure with the power to shape our lives. Jay Parini buddhafigurejesus Change image and share on social
Language kills, and inflamed rhetoric of the kind that spews almost daily from the lips of Donald Trump, Ben Carson, Mike Huckabee, and others running for public office in this country should be condemned. Jay Parini bencarsoncondemn share on social
Christmas is a story that has both religious and pagan origins, and to ignore its power is to ignore the power of myth - those symbols and legends that help us to ground our lives. Jay Parini christmasgrindignore Change image and share on social
To bolster his right flank and attract women voters, John McCain had cynically opted for a running mate who was, by any stretch of the imagination, unqualified for a position a heartbeat away from the presidency. Jay Parini attractbolstercynically share on social
