Columnists

New: THE PUBLIC EYE: Polarization: Worse Than You Think

By Bob Burnett
Friday November 29, 2013 - 10:33:00 PM

Recent polls made it clear that Americans are fed up with acrimony and gridlock in Washington. Voters may blame Republicans more than Democrats but they’re not happy with either Party. Some political observers believe that if we only had competitive elections throughout the country – if most congressional districts weren’t gerrymandered – then we would have more moderates in Congress and, therefore, less polarization. Think again. Polarization is the new normal. -more-


ECLECTIC RANT:Recommend Alameda County Adopt Laura's Law

By Ralph E. Stone
Friday November 22, 2013 - 01:26:00 PM

On November 19, 2013, the Berkeley City Council unanimously passed a resolution advising the Alameda County supervisors to adopt Laura’s Law. I urge Alameda County to do so. -more-


THE PUBLIC EYE:It’s Inequality, Stupid: Defending Affordable Healthcare

By Bob Burnett
Friday November 22, 2013 - 09:23:00 AM

To say the least, the Affordable Care Act is off to a rocky start. Some Democratic congresspeople have been backing away from the law. We can’t let that happen; Progressives can’t let “Obamacare” fail. Affordable healthcare is a key component in our fight against inequality. -more-


New: ON MENTAL ILLNESS: Involuntary Treatment

By Jack Bragen
Friday November 29, 2013 - 10:33:00 PM

There is a nationwide push toward giving more power to the mental health treatment systems, in states and counties across the US. The justification is, at some point, innocent people have been killed by consumers off their medication. Thus, in California we have "Laura's Law," and in New York we have "Kendra's Law." -more-


SENIOR POWER Dementia/Alzheimers, Part 2: ‘I hear tell’

By Helen Rippier Wheeler, pen136@dslextreme.com
Friday November 22, 2013 - 09:28:00 AM

November’s Senior Power columns are about Dementia, Alzheimer’s (a form of dementia), their caregivers, and — this week — the very significant dementia-hearing relationship. -more-


ON MENTAL ILLNESS: Thirty Years Medicated

By Jack Bragen
Friday November 22, 2013 - 09:20:00 AM

Antipsychotic medication, over time, affects brain structure. When, like me, you have been on medication thirty years, (nearly all of my adult life) medication becomes a factor in how the brain develops. -more-