Author Archives: Don Watkins

About Don Watkins

I'm a FOSS advocate, writer, educator, Python coder, Linux user, US Navy Veteran, Secular Franciscan, husband,father and grandfather. I blog about my life and experiences that give it meaning.

A war on their bodies

Posted on June 3, 2021 by Don Watkins

Yesterday I listened to the words of a young woman in Texas who eloquently spoke of the war on women’s bodies being waged by elected officials in Texas and elsewhere who are severely limiting the right of women to choose … Continue reading →

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You owe it to yourself

Posted on June 2, 2021 by Don Watkins

Persist by Elizabeth Warren My rating: 5 of 5 stars I liked Elizabeth Warren and thought she had the makings of a great president before I read this book. Now after reading the book I am more sure than ever. … Continue reading →

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An American classic

Posted on April 28, 2021 by Don Watkins

A Promised Land by Barack Obama My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is a must read for all folks who were alive to witness the first African-American President in the history of the United States of America. The book … Continue reading →

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When all you have is a hammer…

Posted on April 13, 2021 by Don Watkins

There’s an old expression, “when all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” That seems to be the case in the spate of police killings of black men and women in the United States of America. There … Continue reading →

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ACLU-MN RESPONDS TO POLICE KILLING OF DAUNTE WRIGHT | ACLU of Minnesota

Posted on April 13, 2021 by Don Watkins

Police killed Daunte Wright, 20, during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center Sunday afternoon. Yet another Black life was taken by those sworn to protect, and we join the community in mourning Wright’s loss. — Read on http://www.aclu-mn.org/en/press-releases/aclu-mn-responds-police-killing-daunte-wright

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‘We Need Police-Free Schools’: Survey Finds 2/3 of US Students Want Cops Removed From Campus

Posted on April 6, 2021 by Don Watkins

Keeping police in schools doesn’t prepare students nor does it necessarily protect teachers. Schools need to be sanctuaries for the students who come there. There must be better ways to protect students and staff than stationing armed police in school … Continue reading →

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Celebrating libraries

Posted on April 6, 2021 by Don Watkins

This week is National Library Week in the United States. Yesterday I visited one of our local public libraries and borrowed a book. Visiting libraries has always been a religious experience for me. I grew up next to the Arcade … Continue reading →

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Rethinking religion

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Don Watkins

Today’s edition of The Guardian had a lead article about how the religious right is fueling the decline of religion in America. I think that’s true but it goes deeper than that. While observing the Easter Vigil on Saturday night … Continue reading →

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This light that has overcome the darkness

Posted on April 4, 2021 by Don Watkins

I’m a fan of Matthew Fox. He and other theologians like Ilia Delio and John Duns Scotus have influenced my thinking too. Today is Easter for many in the world and the familiar greeting among many of the world’s Christians … Continue reading →

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There is a middle way

Posted on April 3, 2021 by Don Watkins

This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is a wonderful book about a subject that I know very little about. Now, having read the book I know a bit more. It’s … Continue reading →

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