This coming summer the world will observe the centennial of the ?Guns of August,? historian Barbara Tuchman?s phrase for the beginning of World War I. Most historians would argue that this was a war that should never have been. A few weeks ago, I read historian Margaret MacMillan?s gripping The War That Ended Peace: The Road to 1914. She charts quite methodically the events and culture that produced the outbreak of World War I in the summer of 1914, which ended nearly 100 years of peace. (The last major European war had been the Napoleonic wars, which ended in 1815.) How could the major European powers permit one of the most horrific wars in history to occur?

What was once unthinkable, becomes debatable, and gradually becomes acceptable. That proverbial statement captures more than anything else what has been occurring in the realm of human sexuality over the past few years. Once personal autonomy and self-gratification take center stage in all matters sexual, most boundaries fall. The next boundary being tested in American culture is that of polygamy. This stunning and rapid cultural transformation did not begin with the same-sex marriage boundary falling; it began with the culture?s embrace of sexual libertinism.

In President Obama?s State of the Union address it was one of the primary themes. It is the centerpiece of almost everything MSNBC features in its cable news coverage. The Democratic Party is banking on this as the cornerstone of its 2014 campaign to retain control of the Senate. Income inequality is once again a ?hot issue? in American politics. Talk of increasing the minimum wage, taxing the wealthy to fund additional programs for the poor, and extending unemployment insurance are all examples of federal programs being discussed. More specifically, significant tax-the-rich proposals are being suggested to fund pre-Kindergarten educational programs. That there is income inequality is a given in America; in many ways it has always been so. There is a growing gap between the very wealthy and the very poor.

Speaking of the detached nature of higher education, we often hear of the ?ivory tower? or of the ?absent-minded professor.? Both metaphors communicate a separation from the real world, even an intentional detachment from reality. Usually, we use such figures of speech with humor or even mild criticism. But, the American Studies Association (ASA) and its recent actions concerning Israel reflect a deep-seated academic bigotry, not a detached pursuit of academic freedom. Why would a group of American scholars bitterly attack Israel? Israel is the only functioning democracy in the Middle East. Further, as columnist Charles Krauthammer observes, Israel has ?the freest press in the Middle East, a fiercely independent judiciary and astonishing religious and racial diversity within its universities, including affirmative action for Arab students.?

In terms of the Middle East, President Obama?s major goal has been US withdrawal and disengagement from this region. This is evident in Iraq, in Afghanistan, in Syria and in his negotiations with Iran. Many foreign policy specialists are lamenting Obama?s policy decision. . . That disengagement from the Middle East is defining Obama?s foreign policy is seen by most as a given. However, we are now beginning to see the consequences of this foreign policy decision. What are some of those consequences?

The terms ?liberal? and ?conservative? are a part of our cultural and political language. Each has taken on an ideology that is often rigid and uncompromising. Each has champions in the media and there are even two cable networks devoted to the opposing positions: Fox News represents the conservative viewpoint and MSNBC the liberal viewpoint. Neither is objective, for each presents its position on the cultural and political issues of the day as the only reasonable and possible position to hold.

Without question, when it comes to President Obama?s foreign policy legacy, his decision to negotiate with Iran over its nuclear program will define his presidency. He assumes that the new president Hasan Rohani can be trusted and that he will break decades of duplicity, lying and manipulation on the part of Iran. It is risky at best, utterly foolish and stupid at worst. We will know in 2014. Several important thoughts on Iran, its nuclear program and President Obama:

The controversy over sex education in the public schools is a major cultural issue in America. Since the federal government has gotten involved in funding such programs, it has become even more provocative and controversial. Former President Bush made the decision to pour significant federal dollars into funding abstinence-based sex education programs. The Obama administration eliminated more than $150 million in federal funding targeted at abstinence programs. Instead, in 2010 Obama launched a new $114 million pregnancy prevention initiative that funded only programs that have been shown scientifically to work; it has continued to expand this effort.

Arguably, George Frideric Handel?s majestic oratorio, Messiah, is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written and is certainly a highlight of the Christmas season. Of special value to those of the Christian faith is that Handel?s Messiah connects the Old and New Testaments. Part 1 of the oratorio gives focus to the Old Testament prophet Isaiah and the ?Prophecy of Christ?s Birth?: ?For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.?

In late November, the Nonhuman Rights Project filed a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of a chimpanzee named Tommy of Gloversville, New York. Stephen M. Wise, leader of the Nonhuman Rights Project, is demanding that the State Supreme Court in Fulton, County, NY recognize Tommy as a legal person, with a right to liberty, but one that has limits. . .
How should we think about this rather novel and extraordinary legal argument to establish that chimpanzees are legal persons, with rights and liberties? Permit me to offer several reflections on the growing animal rights movement