Surprising combination of words in the headline? Let’s follow some science. I’ll share a perspective to encourage some thought.

We hear a lot about reproductive rights. Have you ever heard the word misandry? If you haven’t, or don’t understand what it means, don’t feel bad. A friend has been an attorney for many years. He didn’t know, either.

You have to admit, spring is wonderful! It’s all the sweeter after last winter, and getting less snow was great. There may be some local benefits to climate change (I try to avoid the prejudicial phrase global warming). I have good friends who live in Florida and send them my “warmest” sympa…

Free speech is trending in the wrong direction, especially for a self-identified WEM (White European Male).

I’m writing this just after April Fools’ Day, although I’m a bit saddened to say there’s a bill in Congress to rename it to something more socially sensitive. The word “fool” is a bit problematic. Recent studies confirm “pranks” are a precursor to “bullying.”

Final thought on the abuse scandal. How do we reverse declining attendance and fewer interested in religious life?

Catholic my entire life, I’ve served as a lector, religious educator, lay presider, and on parish council. The damage done to the Church by the scandal hurts. Why bring it up now?

We’re in the season of Lent before Easter. Many don’t believe in the religious aspects, but it’s a good time for introspection.

Years ago I joined an organization and heard, “We will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate among us anyone who does.” I understood being honest, but no toleration? I’m to be a squealer?

As a middle-class White guy talking to a mostly similar audience, we probably shared this belief: Bad cops are only 1% of all police officers, just a few bad apples. Don’t trust criminals for an honest perspective.

Hear the word hero a lot lately? How about “everyday hero” as applied to teachers, first responders, maybe yourself?

(Ed. note: John Murtari’s “Murt’s Minute” column usually runs every other Monday. We are running it today because this is a Saturday-Sunday-Monday edition.)

The power of belief and talk is cheap. Both are true, but it’s tough when our beliefs, especially about family and friends, are challenged by cold reality. It’s a savage bite and leaves a wound that’s hard to heal.

You’ve heard about free daycare, housing, education, etc. But what makes it a right vs. a nice-to-have? Who pays?

Residents get frustrated when elected officials resign and someone is appointed without a vote — some cry favoritism.

We learn from life experiences and get smarter as we age — hopefully!

Surprised by the headline? Wonder how this happened without local and national outrage?

Have we gone crazy? Whether it’s about politics, social issues, or guns, many have a strained relationship with a family member or friend.

(Editor’s Note: Today we are debuting a new column from a local writer, “Murt’s Minute” by John Murtari of Lyons; Murt was his nickname when he was in the Air Force. It will run every other Monday, alternating with Pete Mitchell’s “In America” columns. In discussing how he envisions his writ…