How’s everyone’s weekend going? Thanks for spending part of it with the Six.
For us Midwesterners, this weekend is the first taste of fall weather. Many of us had to crank the furnace on for the first time. Soon, we will be spending most of our time indoors.
When it comes to masking, I hope we stay diligent with small acts of civil disobedience.
I’m not wearing one in the grocery store.
I’m not wearing one at Target.
I’m not wearing one at the gym (I rent a private space where masks aren’t required).
I’m not seeing much push back from those charged with enforcement. And I’m seeing is more non-compliance from others.
The exception remains inside schools. This is where the legal system could flip the requirement in the coming weeks.
Governor Pritzker continues to sharpen his sword. The time is now to sharpen ours.
Let’s proceed with the Six.
Why Are Moms Like Me Being Called Domestic Terrorists?
Earlier this month, the National School Board Association sent a letter to President Biden. In the letter, they requested his administration should review violence and threats involving schools to see if they violate federal statutes about domestic terrorism and hate crimes. This news sparked outcry amongst parent groups who took offense at being labeled ‘domestic terrorists.’ This essay from the Common Sense newsletter by Mari Weiss, argues how showing up at BOE meetings to object to autocratic rulings “isn't a crime. It's good parenting and good citizenship.”
Middle School Teacher Faces Retaliation for Blowing Whistle On CRT.
Ramona Bessinger is a longtime middle school teacher in Providence, Rhode Island. In July, she wrote an essay criticizing what she believes to be critical race theory curriculum penetrating her school curriculum and its damaging effects. In this article from Legal Insurrection, she explains why she spoke out and how she has been the subject of escalating retaliation, some of which is racially-tinged, from colleagues and administrators.
Truth And Consequences and Documentaries.
This is a fascinating piece from The Drift, part how-the-sausage-is-made journey through what it’s like to edit a documentary, part rumination on what is and is not journalism, and with a sprinkle of personal essay on what happens when everyone cracks an all-too-easy narrative formula.
William Shatner Flies Into Space, Cracks Back at Prince William.
One of coolest stories this week was the latest Blue Origin space flight. When I learned that William Shatner, aka Captain Kirk, was part of the group, it peaked my interest that much more. Shatner is now 90 years old, more than 50 years removed from his starring role in Star Trek but never has left the cultural zeitgeist. When Prince William criticized the flight and BO founder Jeff Bezos (didn’t realize there was a massive demand for PW’s thoughts on spaceflight), Shatner fired back at the prince with an appropriately common sense response. Highly logical, Capt. Kirk!
HBO Series “Succession” Returns After Two Year Hiatus.
My favorite current multi-season show, “Succession” returns tonight after a long Covid-related delay. Can’t wait to catch up with the Roy family and their entertaining dysfunction. What’s underrated about the show, and why it’s so popular, is how it balances humor and drama so well. Slate argues how the best way to categorize the show is as a comedy trapped in the body of a drama. Fans would agree.
Rattlesnakes! You Didn’t Say Anything About Rattlesnakes!
A California family believed the sound coming from their basement were coming from a few snakes. They called Animal Rescue. What the “snake wrangler” found were more than a few reptiles, but a den of rattlesnakes. Fun video segment at the top of the page of this story.
Have a great rest of your weekend everybody. Thanks for reading as always.
Have a suggestion for the Sunday Six? Send email to jon@jonjkerr.com