The Gadfly
"The Gadly" is Michael Aparicio's attempt to comment on education, news media, politics, consumer culture, and anything else worth questioning.
Shameless in Petaluma
What do Regency Developers, Petaluma Council Member Mike Healy, and the Press Democrat have in common? I fear it's a shameless disregard for the truth.
An Open Letter to Glenn Greenwald
While I was annoyed when the Supreme Court maintained a corporation's legal status as a person, I was sad when Glenn Greenwald supported the precedent. In fact, I was so shaken I wrote this open letter:
Petaluma Pride
This is the story of a Petaluman who returned to his hometown to report on the city's latest political controversy. In contrast to the superficial and sensationalist coverage he read in the local newspaper, he experienced a complex and informative process involving dozens of persons who care about their community; and he left proud to be a Petaluman.
Engage Digitally! Act Locally!
GoLocal and Empire Report will be co-sponsoring a community forum on February 3rd. It's an opportunity to experience a relatively untapped potential of new media: Its ability to bring persons together to act locally.
The Gift of Community
What started as an opportunity to contribute to my community, turned into a call to action inspired by the people of our community. Thank you for the gift of Empire Report, Jake. Thank you for the gift of community, Sonoma County!
Windsor's Modest Proposal
Is the Windsor City Council's "Family Friendly" approach to business zoning an unclear practice risking a slippery slope toward stereotyping and prejudice? Or is it a clear and modest proposal in the tradition of Jonathan Swift?
A Problem with News Bias
When trying to think critically about the news, it's helpful to understand the different ways reporting and commentary can be biased. But this is the easy part. Things become difficult once one asks how one's own biases can and do hinder the ability to think critically about the news.
A Modern Day Witch Hunt?
As our legislators debate and compromise over the creation of a health care "public option," a question looms large: What type of public option will it be? Hopefully it won't resemble the public education system we've created. Understanding why raises an important question about our society's calls to hold teachers accountable.
A Politics of Friendship
What can heal a strange, often indignant, potentially indifferent, distrustful, and fearful society? Thankfully, our days already are filled with clues ... if we're lucky.
