The Different Drummer

By Carl J. Petersen

Politics, Family, Music and other Musings.

Fathers and Christmas

As I spend the holidays with my daughter's newly expanded family, I admire how fatherhood has changed.

Read the article on MEDIUM.

Share

Thanks?

You can’t be truly thankful without appreciating the path you’ve taken. This Thanksgiving article was written at the beginning of the COVID crisis in the midst of the shutdown.

Read the article on MEDIUM.

Share

A Night At the Opera

Watching Adam Lambert join the two remaining members of Queen last week I could not help but think about how much his performance represented the advances that have been made in LGBTQ+ rights. Freddie Mercury hid his HIV status until the night before his death, Lambert actually changed lyrics so that a he/him was the object of his attention in the song. While the hate of bigots was on full display last June in front of Saticoy Elementary School, we are making progress as a society.

Read my review on MEDIUM.

Share

The Piper Comes Calling

The Los Angeles Ethics Commission takes a step towards holding Los Angeles City Councilman John Lee (AKA City Staffer B) responsible for his corruption-fueled trip to Las Vegas.

Read the article on MEDIUM.

Which City Councilperson has managed to avoid accountability for the same trip to Vegas that landed his former boss in jail?

Share

The Less Than Helpful Honda Center

As my wife and I continue to navigate the challenges of her progressing disability, we learn at a concert at the Honda Center that basic human functions can result in humiliation.

Read the article on MEDIUM.

Share

Metallica Wins Big At SoFi

Forty-one years into their career, Metallica showed no signs of mellowing during their two-night, record-breaking stop at LA’s SoFi Stadium.

Read the article on MEDIUM.

Share

Searching For Optimism

We all have a part to play in the type of world my first grandchild will grow up in. One look into his eyes strengthens my resolve to fight for a better world.

Read the article on MEDIUM.

Share

Maintaining Freedom Is A Never Ending Fight

“That all men are created equal” with the right to “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” may be “self-evident,” but it’s not automatic.

Read the article on MEDIUM.

Share

Will Voters Strike A Blow Against Institutionalized Corruption?

Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price is facing corruption charges. Now his long-time Deputy Chief Of Staff wants a seat on the council.

Read the article on MEDIUM.

Share

The GOP’s Tell

Trump Republicans often mask their bad behaviors by projecting offenses onto their opponents. What does that say about allegations of stolen elections?

Read the article on MEDIUM.

Stop The Steal, November 14, 2020 St. Paul, MN (By Chad Davis, CC BY 2.0)

Share