Charles van Heck's Woodhull Journal

The New York Times

  • Intellectual Disability: Breaking My Silence and the Orbits I Live In

    A New York Times article by Dan Barry and Sonia A. Rao touched a nerve in me. The on-line article, published on 26 January, is titled “The ‘R-Word’ Returns, Dismaying Those Who Fought to Oust It.” The piece was republished… Continue reading

  • Thoreau’s Straw Hat and Deliberate Living

    Hats are both a fashion statement and an expression of identity. Women of the British elite are known for their hats. Appearing hatless at the Kentucky Derby is taboo for American women—fashion matters. A hat is a persona, revealing either… Continue reading

  • The Ties That Bind: The Earthly Gifts and the Stories We Need to Hear

    In the American imagination, small town, rural living offers a slower lifestyle in close knit communities, and affordable living. This idealized perception misses the deeper reality of humanities place in creation. Wendell Berry succinctly captures this when he observes: “Old… Continue reading

  • LEARNING FROM JAMES RESTON

    I had more than a few reservations about writing a blog. In today’s environment, we are inundated with podcasts, posts, tweets, videos from various sources, and round-the-clock news. “Why bother?” I asked myself. The last time I had a blog,… Continue reading

  • FEAR, DISSENT AND CIVIC UPRISING

    A mutual acquaintance arranged our clandestine meeting. We left the lecture hall and entered the fluorescent hallway that appeared shadowy that night. He hesitated, glancing around. Then he motioned me to follow him. We came to a narrow, corner space… Continue reading