Charles van Heck's Woodhull Journal

The New York Times

  • The Election of Our Discontent

    Revolutions have a peculiarity about them. Ideologues feed off people’s anger. The people are less concerned about the philosophical arguments than achieving political and social justice. The leadership has a foundational ideology, but what policies insurgents will implement remains speculation… Continue reading

  • The Interior Wound and National Values

    There is an interview with Eddie S. Glaude Jr. that I keep thinking about. The interview, conducted by Geoff Bennett, aired on 15 June on PBS News Hour. Glaude is the author of the book America, U.S.A.: How Race Shadows… Continue reading

  • June 6: Dwight Eisenhower and Luke Morrison

    This essay is dedicated to the memory of the men of the 801st TD, including my uncle, Albert Nelson Bunt, and the 99th Infantry. Continue reading

  • 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 humanity’s 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