ESSAY: What Kind of American Are You?

ESSAY: What Kind of American Are You?

By Tom Robotham Last month, I saw Alex Garland’s much-discussed film Civil War. Since then, I’ve not been able to stop thinking about it. I don’t mean to imply that I think it’s a great movie. I continue to have mixed feelings about it. Nevertheless, the specter it...
ESSAY: What Kind of American Are You?

ESSAY: Leaving The Treehouse

By Tom Robotham For the last few weeks, I’ve been looking for a new apartment. It’s not that I’m unhappy with my current place. Not by a long shot. For 17 years, it has served me well. In the afternoons, on clear days, the living room is bathed in sunlight filtered by...
ESSAY: What Kind of American Are You?

ESSAY: The Slow Creep of Dementia

By Tom Robotham Recent speculations that President Biden is afflicted with dementia have caused me to reflect on the disturbing experience of watching my mother descend into her own delusional state of mind.  I’m not sure exactly when she began to show signs of it. I...
ESSAY: What Kind of American Are You?

ESSAY: Fast Times at Wagner High

By Tom Robotham It’s hard to believe, but it’s fact: This year, my high-school graduating class will celebrate its 50-year reunion. In recognition of this occasion, I find myself reflecting on my high-school experience.  From the beginning, it was pretty grim. My...
ESSAY: What Kind of American Are You?

Growing Up with The Beatles

By Tom Robotham In December, 1963, my sister received a package from her “pen pal” in Scotland. Inside, was a 45 rpm record made exclusively for the “official fan club” of a band called The Beatles. Although Beatlemania had not yet come to America, and I was only 7 at...
ESSAY: What Kind of American Are You?

ESSAY: The Flame of Faith

By Tom Robotham Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ On these two commandments hang all...