Nothing is more instructive than when someone I really like comes up with an opinion that collides with mine. It turns my whole brain inside out because I can’t believe someone I like so much believes that. It prods me to take inventory and make sure I really believe what I thought I believed. Sometimes [...]

People object that language accommodations for immigrant children in our schools cost too much and complain that the bill is footed by us taxpayers. Wait a minute. Immigrants don’t have to pay taxes? When did that start? and where do I sign up? This might be a good time to check in with our inner [...]

We tend to focus on the language learning issues of our immigrants, but that’s only the part of the picture that we can immediately perceive. What they bring with them is often too harrowing to believe, and not readily shared. This week’s “My Turn” in Newsweek paints a much fuller picture than we are usually [...]

I’ve met more of them than I can count. When they first arrive, they have the very best of intentions. They want to blend in, mingle, communicate with the citizenry, become as close to native as they can. Ready for a new life, they’re excited about their new home and envision their future selves as [...]

While buying a burrito from a food cart in a parking lot, I got into a conversation with the proprietor, a native English-speaking North American. She mentioned her growing friendship with Maria, the Mexican woman in the next cart over. Neither speaks the other’s language, but they’re each learning a word a day – what [...]

I’ve long known of my aversion for chaos, blood, and violence, but somehow I thought that if it really came down to it, I’d rise above myself and commit heroic acts. But then, a year ago, I took Neighborhood Emergency Training, which is all about what to do in case of disaster. For seven Saturday [...]

Here’s how I’m making a difference in the world: I’m waiting for my car to drop dead. When it does, I’m not buying a new one. In the meantime, I’m practicing not having a car by riding my bike everywhere I can. This year I hope to get farther with this experiment than I did [...]