Category Archives: history

Anti-boomer demands recount of 2,020 greatest songs

Posted on December 19, 2020 by oddmanout215

“I bet they ain’t got none of my favorites,” my neighbor Swamp Rabbit said when WXPN in Philadelphia started playing the 2,020 all-time greatest songs, an end-of-year list based on votes cast by the station’s listeners. “You might be surprised,” … Continue reading →

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Is this progress? A show of hands, please

Posted on December 15, 2020 by oddmanout215

Swamp Rabbit whistled to summon the birds and beasts of the ponds, mudflats and woodlands. “Listen up, critters,” he shouted. “Here’s what’s happening.” He read aloud from a list of calamities that have made 2020 a landmark year: Twin plagues … Continue reading →

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‘Reaching across the aisle’ into the void

Posted on December 5, 2020 by oddmanout215

Swamp Rabbit was happy for our former president. “That new book he wrote is a bestseller. Most of them critics like it, too.” I shrugged. “It’s a doorstopper that lists for forty-five dollars. I read an excerpt. I like Barack … Continue reading →

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Call rewrite, the Constitution is a mess

Posted on November 26, 2020 by oddmanout215

“What are you laughing at this time, Swamp Rabbit?” He was bent over his antique laptop, drinking Wild Turkey and reading an opinion piece in which a historian explained why “the Founders” didn’t anticipate some future president who might refuse … Continue reading →

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Post-election reality check

Posted on November 17, 2020 by oddmanout215

Swamp Rabbit had passed out next to the frog pond and it took me a few minutes to wake him. “Stop celebrating, Election Day’s been over for two weeks.” He stood up and looked at the denuded trees and the … Continue reading →

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Yes, bad things happen (to Trump) in Philly

Posted on November 7, 2020 by oddmanout215

Swamp Rabbit’s parole officer Victor Cortez called me today with a joke about the Electoral College: “The only way for Donald Trump to get to 270 is if he loses fifty pounds.” I said, “You’re right, it’s impossible.” I was … Continue reading →

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Mom, apple pie, voter suppression and poor healthcare

Posted on October 18, 2020 by oddmanout215

Swamp Rabbit basked in the autumn sunshine and snapped open a beer. “”What’s up, Odd Man, you look even more bummed out than usual.” I told him last week’s Judiciary Committee hearings were still making me sick. Republican senators rushed … Continue reading →

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The drama queen on the balcony, on steroids

Posted on October 8, 2020 by oddmanout215

So what happens when the would-be dictator not only denies the Covid-19 but turns the White House into a virus hot spot? “Beats the hell out of me,” Swamp Rabbit said. “I’m still wondering why them so-called doctors would let … Continue reading →

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Worst people in charge at worst time

Posted on July 27, 2020 by oddmanout215

This son of a Goldman Sachs banker — literally born sliding into home plate — is calling you lazy. https://t.co/spOFLwFcmS — Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) July 26, 2020 Eric Swalwell meant figuratively, not literally, but he makes a good point … Continue reading →

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When heroes go down

Posted on July 16, 2020 by oddmanout215

I wonder how Christopher Columbus is feeling. He’s locked up in a plywood box on Marconi Plaza until Philly’s illustrious civic leaders figure out what to do with him now that it’s become fashionable for protesters to topple statues of … Continue reading →

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