"Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich in 1999 asked his second wife for an 'open marriage' or a divorce at the same time he was giving speeches around the country on family and religious values, his former wife, Marianne, said Thursday."

I took Newt's advice, and Metro published the result on January 23, 2012.
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Inspired by Newt Gingrich, I asked my wife to consider an open marriage, explaining that the arrangement is consistent with the family values embodied by eminent politicians. And as soon as I get out of the hospital, I'll be sure to express my gratitude to him.

"Beyonce Knowles is taking heat for a new pale-skinned photo promoting her last album. The superstar singer was also airbrushed lighter in a 2008 ad. Some believe any amount of whitewashing sends a damaging message - and the star should know better by now." The Daily News printed my response on January 21, 2012.
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Whether or not Beyonce intentionally allowed her skin to be lightened for some photo shoots, the debate alone over the possibility demonstrates the power we unfortunately invest in skin color. Beyonce should have the freedom to adapt her appearance as she sees fit, even if it may play into a damaging stereotype. It will always be within her power to make other statements with her appearance if she so chooses.

"NYPD cops in riot gear seized control of Zuccotti Park after an officer's hand was badly gashed by a protester, setting off a ruckus inside the Occupy Wall Street outpost. The rookie cop was slashed with a star-shaped piece of glass taken from a protester's Captain America costume."

Metro published my bemused response on November 21, 2011.
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It is disappointing that the most publicized conflict during the recent escalated Wall Street protests has been with police officers and not with the greed-obsessed financial powers that inspired Occupy.

Metro published my first public comment concerning the current presidential election season on November 15, 2011. Unfortunately, enthusiasm was not one of the emotions I felt while writing this.
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The 2012 presidential election seems to be shaping up to a contest between an incumbent who has disappointed many of his supporters and a challenger who is viewed favorably only when compared to his competitors.