COLUMNS

by Richard Kleeberg

The Doorknob Spoke of Intimacy

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This story I wrote was published nationally in The SUN Magazine, in their June 2022 issue. The SUN has a regular feature where each month they choose the topic, and ask their readers to submit short, 300 – 400 word true stories. The Topic was: INTIMACY   The Doorknob...

My Medicine Cabinet Shows I’m Old

When I opened the medicine cabinet in the bathroom this morning, to clean it up a bit, I took a step back and realized that I was looking at the proof that I’m really getting older.   The Cabinet was so full – just stuffed, with, well, stuff!  Do I need all these...

But It’s Not In The Constitution!

Most Americans believe that all of our Constitutional Rights are clearly and specifically stated in the words of the Constitution. Most Americans are wrong! The United States Supreme Court has a long history of finding new Constitutional Rights, even when they are not...

Some Focused Thoughts About Kyle Rittenhouse

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I was not surprised that the jury in Kenosha, Wisconsin, chose not to convict Kyle Rittenhouse of any crimes or misdemeanors. But I am still both uncomfortable and discouraged that 12 Jurors found nothing wrong with Rittenhouse’s conduct. How could the jury excuse or...

How the Supreme Court Creates New Rights

Many Conservatives and Evangelical Christians have argued for decades that abortion cannot be a Constitutional right, since the word “abortion” is never mentioned in the Constitution.  But this argument is absolutely false. The Supreme Court has a long and established...

Get Your Damn Shots!

I am absolutely exasperated with the many people who still refuse to get the COVID-19 vaccination. There simply are no plausible arguments against it. (If you have a valid, recognized medical condition that does not allow you to take a vaccine, that’s understandable....

Elvis, Patty and My Brother

These are three short true stories I wrote for publication in SUN MAGAZINE.   The SUN has a regular feature where each month they choose the topic, and ask their readers to submit short, 300 - 400 word true stories. I submitted all three of these stories.   And all...

There’s No People Like Winters People!

Perhaps the best thing about Winters is the people who own and operate our local businesses.  I want to share some stories about how well my wife, Ellie, and I have been treated in our 15 years in Winters.  On my way home from work one day I bought a take-out lunch at...

Do You Really Hate Socialism?

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Socialism has become a controversial word; many people fear Socialism far more than pandemics, war or famine.  But when people understand what modern Socialism is today, and see how it improves our Capitalistic system, they realize they actually do value, encourage...

Soccer is Such a Silly Sport!

I have tried so hard to appreciate soccer.  I really have.  But seriously, soccer is just so silly!   I can’t watch much of a soccer game without bursting out in chuckles.  Who created this game?  Who came up these the rules?    As the game begins, you’ll see...

No Skin Left in the Game

After decades of rock-solid refusal to consider a change, the Washington Redskins professional football team announced last week that they are considering a name change.  And just days later, the Cleveland Indians professional baseball team indicated that they,...

The New Covid-19 Vaccines Took 30 Years to Develop

Almost everyone has heard that the new COVID vaccines were developed in less than one year. Many people are afraid of these vaccines because they believe that the process was rushed.  But these new vaccines were not really designed in just one year – it...

Please Keep Your Cat Indoors!

It is time for all of us to keep our cats indoors.    I can already hear the cries of protest!  “Cats don’t want to be indoors!  Cats need to roam and exercise. Cats can’t be happy indoors.  Cats will not stay indoors.”  Well, none of that is really true.  Over...

My Blindness was Eye-Opening

Five months ago, in October, a tiny blood vessel in my optic nerve burst, and I suddenly lost sixty percent of my vision in my right eye.  Everything I could see with that eye looked like glass smeared with Vaseline. I knew that for the rest of my life I...

Taking a Firm Stand on our Bollards

I took a quick stroll, on the day after Christmas, through the new and now infamous “Bollard Zone” of downtown Winters. And yes, there were indeed two groups of people looking at, talking about, and giggling just a tad too much, about our fine, newly installed Winters...

You Can Save the Music

I’ll never forget how much impact music had on me when I was young. As a sophomore in high school, I had left my home during the summer – and I was sleeping in vacant houses at night. But my School District had a strong music program – even in the summer time! And...

The Amazing Supermarket of Choices

Have you noticed that some products in the supermarket are now offered in so many new flavors and varieties that you’ve never heard of before? Have you ever been overwhelmed by the choices available that you had trouble finding the flavor or variety you’ve been buying...

When to Worry: Real Risks or False Fears?

Are you worried about dying from the West Nile or Ebola virus?   Do you fear being killed in a terrorist attack? Worried that your plane will crash or blow-up? Are you afraid that food is poisoned with salmonella or E. coli will bring about your sudden demise? Calm...