Gary Stout

What better way to capture the spirit of 2026 than to attempt to define and to discuss patriotism? In this 250th year of our nation’s existence, what did the concept mean to our founding fathers? Today, with our antagonistic tribal politics, who can lay claim to being a patriot? How can we shape an inclusive, […]

Pennsylvania is divided into 67 counties and features a remarkably high number of local governments. Each parcel of land within the commonwealth falls into a specific city (57), borough (956), incorporated town (1), or township (1,546). The large number of municipalities resulted from early settlement patterns that were fragmented by challenging mountain terrain and rivers. […]

The “American Dream” is a timely topic to consider in this year of national celebration and reflection. On the surface, the dream promises upward mobility and contentment for America's citizens. However, as our history has unfolded, it is fair to ask whether the dream is a national creed worth celebrating or a disappointing mirage for millions of Americans.

When a president with whom you vehemently disagree is elected, a four-year term can seem like a lifetime of pain and anguish. Thankfully, there is a bright spot when one’s political views are on the wrong side of an election outcome. There is the constant stream of political satire against the party in power that […]

For months, President Trump and his administration have been fixated on one issue. Unfortunately, it has nothing to do with ending the war in Iran or with the affordability of groceries and gasoline.

We were recently gifted tickets to see the Broadway musical “Suffs” at the Pittsburgh CLO Benedum Center. The theme is the story of the American women who organized, marched, and who were brutally jailed to procure a constitutional amendment so that women could vote. The slogan for the musical is “Behind Every Powerful Woman Are More Powerful Women.” The production was first class, and it was clear why it had won several Tony awards and been crowned best new musical by the Outer Critics' Circle.

Baby boomers in the United States are 62 to 80 years old. My wife and I will both be 75 in September. In many ways, our retirement has been all we expected. It would be easy for us to assume that the American retirement system is working well and protecting older folks now and into […]

The Swarthmore Bulletin is a quarterly magazine mailed to all alumni of the college. Normally, I turn to the final pages and read the class notes to catch up on the news of those who graduated with me. Then I return to the front of the magazine to review the books written by Swarthmore graduates over the past three months. Lastly, I skim the articles for interesting topics.

The year 2026 will be remembered for the celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The events of this year will be compared with those in other milestone celebration years, and used to chronicle the ebb and flow of American history. I believe that one of the most widely discussed events from this year will be the […]

People talking without speaking. People hearing without listening. And no one dared … Disturb the sound of silence. – “The Sound of Silence,” Paul Simon Sometimes an idea for an essay comes from unusual places and at unexpected times. Such was the case this week. After hearing a friend describe his weekend of self-imposed silence […]