Here's why Trump's attacks on 'fake news' succeed

The Washington Post ran a story with this misleading headline last week: Here's why Trump's attacks on 'fake news' succeed. The story was entirely about why Trump's supporters are OK with his attacks on the news media.

In response, I sent this letter (not published):

That's a narrow definition of success: that it will go over with your supporters. That's true, but not news, and not success.

Autographs ― Alison Bechdel

I've long been a fan of Alison Bechdel. Her 'Dykes to Watch Out For' comic strip was always my favorite item in The Lesbian News, until she stopped it, and I bought her book Fun Home as soon as it came out.

This week, the Tony Award-winning stage musical based on that book came to town. I saw it two nights ago, and loved it.

Happily, as part of that, Bechdel also came to L.A. Today, I attended her talk at the Santa Monica Public Library, and I got her to autograph my book. She noticed that I had the first edition of the book.

(Index of autographs)

Churches, taxes and politics

I sent the following letter to the Los Angeles Times (not published):

Churches, taxes and politics 

Trump vows to "totally destroy the Johnson Amendment," which bans tax-exempt nonprofits such as churches from participating in any political candidate’s campaign. 

Better yet: Tax the churches. Then they can politick all they want.