Category Archives: Sparks from Science and Society

Responses to current events, reflections on society, and commentary on readings and ideas from science.

Out of the depths

This video includes a song I wrote based on the opening line of Psalm 130. I believe we can expect to find peace only if and when we ensure justice for all our people. On June 15, 2020, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, will reopen after shutting down due to the Covid-19 virus. In light of the killing of George Floyd and the many protests that have followed, this summer, if we take proper precautions, might be a time to visit this outdoor site and ponder its somber message.

Ask your children

Some years ago I wrote a song called simply “Daughter.” In the current context, I view the song as asking people my daughter’s age and younger if they will, in effect, accept the burden of rescuing the planet and our nation from the scourge of conspiracy theories and those who promote and encourage them. I hope they will be able to turn benighted believers away from such magical thinking and return our world to a sane and caring forward path.