THE UPSTATE AMERICAN

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We can't avoid the fight that's ahead
Key American values are at stake in the coming election, and we need to be ready to face a showdown.
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REX SMITH
4
How pig photos might help us regain civility
The decline of local media is a key factor in America's ugly political scene. Can that be turned around?
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REX SMITH
5
Can we still come together?
The Mideast conflict is just the latest issue dividing Americans, raising the question of whether we are up to the challenges of our time
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REX SMITH
4
Who decides things in Washington matters
The separation of powers doctrine works, except when some people in power decide they don't want to let it
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REX SMITH
October 2023
A storm threatens the Capitol
Troubling as they are, it's not his hard-right stands on the issues that is the most threatening reality of the new House Speaker.
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REX SMITH
7
When our impulse to fight is right
After 9/11, fight-or-flight kicked in -- and while it yielded tragic results then, it deserves a place now.
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REX SMITH
1
Gratitude for the brave truth-tellers
We understand the horror unleashed by Hamas, and a lot of other tough stories, because clear-eyed journalists step forward to tell the story.
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REX SMITH
2
Listening to the wrong Goldwater
The seeds of today's dysfunctional Republican approach to governing were planted a half-century ago.
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REX SMITH
5
September 2023
Our government deserves better
Americans are cynical about their government. No wonder. It's being misused by demagogues, never more so than just now.
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REX SMITH
4
Have we privatized a critical government task?
Revelations about Elon Musk's role in Ukraine raise valid concerns
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REX SMITH
5
The crucial next task for the human brain
Can we even imagine a solution to the climate crisis?
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REX SMITH
1
Political rhetoric inspires broad incivility
People behave badly. Why not, since there's no consequence to leaders?
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REX SMITH
4
© 2023 REX SMITH
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