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Family Charities to Celebrate 25 Years – at Asia Society NYC

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Raising, Supporting & Educating Young Global Leaders – Silver Anniversary


New York, N.Y. The Board of Directors of Orphans International Worldwide and the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation have announced plans to celebrate their twenty-fifth anniversary this autumn at New York’s Asia Society. Tickets: here

“Twenty-five years ago, driven by the inspiration of my adoption of an infant from Indonesia and my mother, a child psychologist, we established our first home for children in Indonesia, thus giving birth to Orphans International,” Jim Luce states.

“Influenced by the teachings of my college professor father, the J. Luce Foundation emerged, aligning with our joint mission of Raising, Supporting & Educating Young Global Leaders over the past two decades,” Luce adds.

A commemoration of lands and people our charities have collaborated with including Bangladesh, Canada, China, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ghana, Greece, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Liberia, Malawi, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, the Philippines, Peru, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tibet, Ukraine, and Vietnam.

Jim Luce with orphaned children outside Lomé in Togo, West Africa, 2008.

The theme of this 25th anniversary evening will be ‘Peace is possible even in the face of senseless violence. Young global leadership embraces nonviolent conflict resolution.’

Highlighting the event will be the presentation of the prestigious Claire Boothe Luce Award for Public Service, alongside the Luce 24 Under 24 Recognition Awards.

The collective efforts of Orphans International and the J. Luce Foundation have empowered youth and enriched communities globally, as well as here in New York City, raising over two million dollars and impacting the lives of over two thousand young individuals.

Renown architect Noushin Ehsan, AIA states, “I am honored to have been selected as a recipient of The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. I look forward to celebrating with such remarkable individuals dedicated to making a positive global impact.”

The Silver Anniversary Reception will take place in the Luce Penthouse of the Asia Society, situated on Park Avenue at 70th Street, New York City. A 30-second spot (below) has been created to publicize the event, courtesy of Triumph Communications. Business of national attire is encouraged for the occasion.

The event will be held in the Henry Luce Penthouse of the Asia Society.

“This is a significant milestone for us,” Luce says. “As are assembling our Host Committee and extending invitations to public and diplomatic officials, and we ask our friends to confirm via email or text at 347-316-7087.”

The original sculpture of The Knotted Gun also known as “Non-Violence” was created by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, a friend of John Lennon‘s family. Reuterswärd created this piece of art after Lennon’s tragic death as he wanted to honor the singer’s vision of a peaceful world.

A 30-second spot has been created to publicize the event, courtesy of Triumph Communications.

Awards

Awardees are still being invited but already include a member of the New York City Council and two college presidents.

The awards are as follows:

  • 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 2024 Claire Boothe Luce Award for Public Service
  • 2024 Commander Stephen Bleecker Luce Award
  • 2024 Humanitarian of the Year Award
  • 2024 Artists-in-Residence
  • 2024 Luce 24 Under 24 Recognition Award
  • Quarter Century Global Officers Recognition Award
  • Quarter Century Graduate Role Models
  • Quarter Century Global Leadership Role Models

Past Awards Recipients include: H.E. Haya Rashed Al Khalifa (Bahrain), H.S.H. Prince Albert (Monaco), Imam Shamsi Ali (Indonesia), Prof. Lenni Benson (N.Y. Law School), H.E. Catherine Boura (Greece), Danielle Duret, M.D. (Haiti), Meera Teresa Gandhi (India), Hon. Benjamin A. Gilman, Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil (India), Cindy Hsu, Hon. Jeremiah Hyacinth (St. Lucia), Princess Khaliya Aga Khan, H.E. Amb. Dr. Palitha Kohona (Sri Lanka), Dr. Judy Kuriansky (Columbia University), H.E. Hon. Li Baodong (China), Kevin McGovern, Rear Adm. Michael Alfultis, Hon. Carolyn Maloney, Hon. Geneive Brown Metzger LLD (Jamaica), Taku Nishimae (Japan), Hon. Mitzi Perdue, and Hon. Jumaane Williams.

Tickets. VIP: $250, Regular $125, Student/YGL** $75. Reserved cocktail tables (for three) available at $1,000.

Program: 6-7pm Meet & Greet, Red Carpet/photos, videos, vodka tasting; 7-8pm speeches & entertainment; 8-9pm awards.

Global Heroes: In the Initial Report of Orphans International Worldwide (1999), the founder wrote, “Without saints, secular or divine, sanctity can too easily be viewed as mere abstraction. Our children need heroes. The courage of Mahatma Gandhi and the brilliance of Albert Einstein make sainthood a reality for us all.”

In our Initial Report, Luce called for 36 real-life saints to serve as role models for the children of OIW as part of the process of Raising Global Leaders. These global heroes included:

Mahatma Gandhi, Oscar Romero, The Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Katharine Drexel, Dorothy Day, Woodrow Wilson, Albert Schweitzer, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Desmond Tutu, Aung San Suu Kyi, Nelson Mandela, Yitzhak Rabin, Pearl S. Buck, Menachem Begin, Heinrich Böll, Willy Brandt, Albert Camus, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, T.S. Eliot, Gabriel García Márquez, Dag Hammarskjöld, Ernest Hemingway, Herman Hesse, Yasunari Kawabata, Rudyard Kipling, Le Duc Tho, Sinclair Lewis, Thomas Mann, Eugene O’Neil, Anwar Sadat, Jean-Paul Sartre, Eisaku Sato, Isaac Bashevis Singer, John Steinbeck, Rabindranath Tagore, and Elie Wiesel.

Projects

Past

  • Orphans International Worldwide homes & projects: Bali, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Sri Lanka, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Tanzania
  • Orphans International Worldwide Global Standards
  • Luce Leadership Experience: Greece, Indonesia, Jamaica, India, Sri Lanka, and Haiti

Present

Future

Past venues for the family’s charities have included: Asia Society, Americas Society, China Institute, Cipriani, Columbia University, Consulate of Cuba, Consulate of India, Consulate of Jamaica, Consulate of Sri Lanka, Consulate of Indonesia, Cornell Club, Harvard Club, Home of Jim Luce, Home of Henry Luce III, Home of Peter Yarrow, El Museo del Barrio, National Arts Club, New York Yacht Club, Princeton Club, Russian Samovar, St. John’s Church, Skadden Arps, United Nations, University Club, Yale Club, Webster Hall, and White & Case.

Family Charities to Celebrate 25 Years – at Asia Society NYC (Sept. 20, 2024)


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Video: Before God & Buddha – Faux Film Trailer for Our Anniversary

New York, N.Y. I created this one minute short, Before God & Buddha, a faux film trailer, in celebration of our third anniversary tomorrow (5/19/18). The title is taken from our wedding vows. We were married in Las Vegas after having gotten engaged on Roosevelt Island (8/24/17). I am happy to report that I am more and more today when I was three years ago…

Video: Before God & Buddha – Faux Film Trailer for Our Anniversary (5/19/18)

#Love #GayMarriage #Marriage #Anniversary #LGBTQ #LasVegas #RooseveltIsland #NYC #Family #LoveIsLove #GayWedding #Gay #Pride #LoveWins #GayCouple #TwoGrooms #GayFamily #Rainbow #GayHusbands #Thailand #Husbands #iMovie #Happy #WeddingAnniversary #Anniversary #GayLove #GayCouple #GayAnniversary #Happiness #ILoveYou #Husband #MarriedLife #JimLuce #BixLuce #Romantic #Romance #Romantical #CoupleGoals #Lovers #LoveStory #LoveWins #Family #Forever #Match #AgeDisparity #Sexy #Intergenerational #AgeGap #OlderMen #InternationalMarriage #InterGenerationalMarriage #InterfaithMarriage #GayBuddhist

America’s Humanity Crisis: How “Alligator Alcatraz” Exposes Our Moral Failures


By the Staff of The Stewardship Report: Let the truth-telling begin


New York, N.Y. – In July 2025, President Donald Trump toured a migrant detention facility in Florida’s Everglades, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” where Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned illegal migrants to self-deport or else risk ending up at the facility.


While Fox News presents this as effective border security, the reality reveals a dangerous departure from American values and constitutional principles that demands urgent examination.


The Propaganda Machine at Work

Fox News’ coverage of “Alligator Alcatraz” reads like a press release from the Trump administration, complete with inflammatory language designed to dehumanize migrants and normalize cruel treatment. The network’s breathless reporting on the “worst of the worst” and “most vicious people on the planet” being held in a facility surrounded by alligators reveals more about the media’s complicity in cruelty than any legitimate security concern.

This type of coverage serves a clear purpose: to make Americans comfortable with the uncomfortable. By framing migrants as dangerous predators who deserve to be caged among actual predators, Fox News enables policies that would have been unthinkable just decades ago. The network’s use of terms like “illegals” further strips away humanity, reducing complex human beings to their legal status.



Constitutional Violations and Due Process Concerns

The most disturbing aspect of “Alligator Alcatraz” isn’t its theatrical cruelty—it’s the systematic erosion of constitutional protections. DeSantis authorized the construction under an emergency order, bypassing normal regulatory processes and environmental reviews. More troubling still, Florida National Guard members will be deputized as immigration judges, allowing migrants to have hearings within 48 hours.

This represents a fundamental violation of due process rights. Immigration law is complex, requiring specialized knowledge and careful consideration of individual circumstances. Rushing cases through kangaroo courts staffed by military personnel contradicts centuries of American legal tradition. The promise of hearings “within 48 hours” sounds efficient until you realize it’s impossible to provide adequate legal representation or gather necessary documentation in such a timeframe.

Furthermore, the use of environmental threats as a deterrent—where officials have said the alligators could serve as a deterrent for escape—constitutes cruel and unusual punishment prohibited by the Eighth Amendment, regardless of an individual’s immigration status.


Environmental Destruction for Political Theater

The environmental implications of “Alligator Alcatraz” reveal another layer of this administration’s reckless governance. The Everglades, one of America’s most precious ecosystems, is being militarized for political theater. Various federal and state agencies were hit with a lawsuit Friday spearheaded by environmentalist groups that claim the detention facility will disrupt and threaten the Everglades ecosystem.

This 3,000-bed facility, constructed in just eight days, represents the kind of environmental vandalism that future generations will struggle to comprehend. The Everglades serves as a critical habitat for endangered species and a natural barrier against hurricanes. Converting this irreplaceable ecosystem into a detention center demonstrates a shocking disregard for environmental stewardship.

The $450 million annual operating cost could fund countless environmental restoration projects, educational programs, or community development initiatives. Instead, it’s being used to maintain a facility designed primarily for its symbolic cruelty rather than any practical security purpose.


The Human Cost of Dehumanization

Beyond the constitutional and environmental concerns lies the human tragedy of “Alligator Alcatraz.” Noem warned illegal migrants to self-deport or else risk being detained at the high-security facility, adding that “if you wait and we bring you to this facility, you don’t ever get to come back to America”. This represents a fundamental departure from American values of redemption and second chances.

Many migrants detained at such facilities are asylum seekers fleeing violence, persecution, or economic devastation. They include families, unaccompanied minors, and individuals who have contributed to American communities for years. The “self-deportation” rhetoric ignores the complex realities that drive migration and the established legal processes for seeking asylum.

The psychological impact of detaining people in a facility explicitly designed to intimidate cannot be overstated. The message is clear: America no longer sees migrants as human beings deserving of dignity and due process, but as problems to be solved through fear and intimidation.


A Better Path Forward

America has always been strengthened by immigration, not weakened by it. Comprehensive immigration reform that addresses root causes of migration, provides pathways to legal status, and treats all individuals with dignity represents a far more effective approach than theatrical cruelty.

Real border security involves addressing the economic and political instability that drives migration, not building detention facilities in swamplands. It means investing in immigration courts, providing adequate legal representation, and ensuring that asylum seekers receive fair hearings. It means recognizing that America’s strength comes from its values, not its ability to intimidate the vulnerable.

The $450 million annual cost of “Alligator Alcatraz” could fund comprehensive immigration services, legal aid programs, and community integration initiatives that would actually address the challenges of migration while preserving American values.


Let this be your act of resistance — not through yelling, but through clarity. Not with conspiracy, but with conscience.

Summary for Audio

The “Alligator Alcatraz” detention facility in Florida’s Everglades represents a dangerous departure from American values and constitutional principles. Fox News’ coverage dehumanizes migrants while normalizing cruel treatment through inflammatory language. The facility violates due process rights by rushing cases through makeshift courts staffed by military personnel rather than qualified judges. Environmental groups have filed lawsuits citing threats to the Everglades ecosystem. The $450 million annual cost could fund comprehensive immigration reform addressing root causes of migration while preserving human dignity.


#HumanityOverCruelty #ImmigrationJustice #ProtectTheEverglades
#DueProcessMatters #AmericanValues

TAGS: immigration reform, migrant detention, constitutional rights, environmental protection,
media criticism, human dignity, due process, asylum seekers, border security, Trump administration

Fox News Misleads Again, Weaponizing Grief to Silence Dissent


How Right-Wing Media Twists Artistic Expression Into “Anti-Israel Hate” to Justify Censorship


New York, N.Y. — Fox News is at it again. In a recent article titled “Anti-Israel band plays victim after being hammered for saying ‘death to IDF’ during music festival,” the network takes a punk band’s political expression, strips it of context, and repackages it as dangerous extremism.


The piece exemplifies right-wing media’s playbook: weaponize grief, conflate criticism of
the Israeli military with hatred of Jews, and silence dissent under the guise of moral outrage.
But truth is far more complicated—and less sensational—than Fox would have you believe.


Who Is Really Playing the Victim?

The article targets a leftist punk bandMoscow Death Brigade, for chanting “Death to the IDF” during a performance. The “IDF” is the Israel Defense Forces, the national military of the State of Israel. Fox frames this as an unprovoked attack on Israel, ignoring the band’s broader anti-war stance.

The group has long criticized militarism, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and U.S. imperialism. Their lyrics target institutions of violence—not civilians. Yet Fox reduces their message to a soundbite, erasing nuance to manufacture outrage.

The real victims here are not the IDF, a well-funded military force, but the Palestinian civilians killed in Gaza, the journalists silenced by Israeli censorship, and the artists smeared for daring to criticize state violence.


What Fox Leaves Out: The Full Context

Fox’s selective outrage ignores the decades of Palestinian oppression that fuel such protests. The IDF has been accused by Human Rights WatchAmnesty International, and the United Nations of possible war crimes—including indiscriminate bombing, illegal settlements, and extrajudicial killings.

As of today, over 59,600 people (57,645 Palestinians and 1,983 Israelis) have been reported killed in the Gaza war according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Yet Fox treats any condemnation of the IDF as tantamount to anti-Semitism, a dishonest conflation that stifles necessary debate.


Would Fox condemn a Ukrainian band chanting “Death to the Russian army”?
Of course not—because in that context, resistance to occupation
is framed as heroic. The double standard is glaring.


When Does Criticism Cross the Line?

Fox insists the band’s chant is beyond the pale—but where was this moral clarity when right-wing commentators cheered on the killing of Palestinian civilians? When Tucker Carlson platformed white nationalists or when Breitbart defended neo-Nazis in Charlottesville? The outrage is selective, deployed only when it serves a pro-Israelpro-authoritarian agenda.

Art has always been a weapon of the oppressed. From N.W.A.’s “F— the Police” to Pussy Riot’s anti-Putin protests, dissent unsettles power. Fox doesn’t fear the band’s words—it fears their power to shift public opinion.


Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about one band. It’s about who gets to speak, who gets labeled a “terrorist sympathizer,” and who gets to define the limits of acceptable discourse. Right-wing media uses these tactics to:

  1. Silence Pro-Palestinian Voices: By equating IDF criticism with anti-Semitism, they shut down debate.
  2. Distract From Israeli War Crimes: Outrage over a punk chant drowns out reports of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
  3. Normalize Censorship: If chanting “Death to the IDF” is beyond the pale, what’s next? Banning BDS? Jailing activists?

A Call for Honest Journalism

We need media that doesn’t inflame—but informs. That doesn’t manipulate grief—but honors the full truth. Fox News won’t provide that. But we can demand better.


Let this be your act of resistance—not through yelling, but through clarity. Not with conspiracy, but with conscience.


Summary for Audio

Fox News twists a punk band’s anti-war chant into “hate speech,” ignoring the real violence of the IDF. This is about silencing dissent, not protecting Jews. We must reject this censorship and demand honest debate.


#MediaBias #FreeSpeech #Palestine #FoxNewsLies #StopTheSpin

Tags: Fox News bias, Israeli military, media censorship, punk protest, Palestine solidarity


How China’s Auto Giants Surpassed GM, VW, and Tesla


How BYD, NIO, and Geely Outpaced Legacy Automakers in Innovation, Market Share, and Global Expansion


New York, N.Y. – Just a decade ago, General Motors (GM), Volkswagen (VW), and Tesla dominated headlines as the titans of the automotive industry. Today, a seismic shift has occurred: China’s automakers—led by BYDNIO, and Geely—have not only caught up but left their Western rivals scrambling to keep pace. Through aggressive electrification, cutting-edge technology, and state-backed industrial policy, these companies have rewritten the rules of the global auto market.



The Rise of China’s Electric Vehicle Dominance

China’s ascent in the automotive sector was no accident. Government mandates, subsidies, and infrastructure investments created a fertile ground for electric vehicles (E.V.s).

While Western automakers hesitated, Chinese firms doubled down. 

BYD, backed by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, became the world’s largest E.V. maker by volume in 2023, dethroning Tesla.

Meanwhile, NIO and XPeng pioneered battery-swapping stations and autonomous driving, forcing global competitors to rethink their strategies.


2025 NIO ET9 Electric Sedan Wins Early Buyers with $112,000 Price. Photo credit: NIO.

Why Legacy Automakers Fell Behind

GM and VW, once industry leaders, struggled to pivot from internal combustion engines (I.C.E.) to E.V.s. Bureaucratic delays, union pressures, and reliance on outdated supply chains slowed their transition. Tesla, despite its early lead, faced production bottlenecks and stiff competition in China, its second-largest market. Meanwhile, Chinese firms leveraged local battery suppliers like CATL and vertically integrated manufacturing, slashing costs and speeding up development cycles.



Innovation Beyond Batteries

Chinese automakers didn’t just replicate Western models—they redefined them

NIO’s luxury E.S.8 SUV offers AI-powered assistants and subscription-based battery leasing

BYD’s Blade Battery set new safety standards, while Geely’s acquisition of Volvo and Lotus infused global expertise.

Additionally, smart cockpit technologies and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) connectivity gave Chinese brands an edge in user experience, something legacy automakers underestimated.


Geely Unveils New EV Brand, Seven Cars to Be Delivered by 2025. Photo credit: Geely. 未命名的设计

The Global Expansion Challenge

Having conquered China, which accounts for 60% of global E.V. sales, Chinese automakers are now targeting EuropeSoutheast Asia, and Latin America

BYD’s Atto 3 and NIO’s ET5 are winning over European consumers with competitive pricing and advanced features. However, geopolitical tensions and tariffs pose risks.

The E.U. has launched probes into Chinese E.V. subsidies, while the U.S. restricts access via the Inflation Reduction Act.



What’s Next for the Auto Industry?

The question isn’t whether G.M.V.W., or Tesla can catch up—it’s whether they can adapt fast enough. 

Chinese automakers are already moving into solid-state batteries and flying cars, sectors where Western firms lag.

For legacy automakers, survival may hinge on partnerships or localized production in China.

One thing is certain: the era of Western auto dominance is over.


Summary for Audio File

China’s auto giants—BYD, NIO, and Geely—have surpassed GM, Volkswagen, and Tesla through rapid electrification, innovation, and state support. Leveraging cutting-edge batteries, smart tech, and aggressive global expansion, they’ve redefined the industry. Legacy automakers, slowed by bureaucracy and outdated models, now face an existential challenge. The future of autos is being written in China.


#ChinaAutoRise #EVRevolution #BYDvsTesla #GlobalAutoShift

Tags: electric vehicles, automotive industry, BYD, NIO, Geely, Tesla, General Motors, Volkswagen, China economy

German Press Asks Why S.E. Asian Nations Playing Nice With Russia?


Deutsche Welle report that Malaysia and Indonesia are pursuing deeper partnerships with Moscow amid ‘evolving global dynamics.


New York, N.Y. – As geopolitical tensions reshape international alliances, two major Southeast Asian nations are significantly deepening their relationships with Russia, challenging traditional Western-aligned partnerships, and embracing a more independent foreign policy approach that prioritizes strategic autonomy over traditional alliance structures.


Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has praised Putin for ‘vision and leadership.’ Photo credit: Picvario Media / picture alliance.

Strategic Partnerships Take Shape

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made headlines last month when he skipped a G7 summit to visit Russia, where he and Vladimir Putin agreed that bilateral ties are “getting stronger again.” The Indonesian leader’s office stated that “My meeting with President Putin today was intense, warm and productive. In all fields of economics, technical cooperation, trade, investment, and agriculture, they all have experienced significant improvements.”

Standing alongside Putin in St. Petersburg, Prabowo declared that Indonesia would not follow the philosophies of “the biggest and most powerful power in the world” and described Russia and China as without “double standards” and as defenders of “the downtrodden and the oppressed.” This rhetoric represents a significant shift from traditional diplomatic language used by Southeast Asian leaders when engaging with major powers.


Economic Cooperation Accelerates

The economic dimension of these partnerships has shown remarkable growth. Russia’s bilateral trade with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries grew to a record high of $22 billion in 2023, according to Russian data cited by the Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank. That represents more than 14% year-on-year growth. This growth trend is expected to continue as both nations explore new avenues for commercial cooperation.

Malaysia and Indonesia are actively exploring possible ways to expand trade, including in arms imports and energy cooperation. Energy represents a particularly important area of cooperation for Indonesia, which still heavily relies on coal as a source of power. Several Southeast Asian states have expressed interest in exporting electrical goods and machinery to Russia, which has faced crippling Western sanctions since 2022.


Technology and Nuclear Cooperation

Both nations are keen on utilizing Russian expertise to develop their civilian nuclear energy sectors. In February, ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn opened an exhibition on ASEAN-Russia Cooperation in Civilian Nuclear Energy and Technologies at the regional bloc’s headquarters in Jakarta, demonstrating the institutional support for these partnerships.

The financial commitment to these relationships is substantial. In St. Petersburg last month, Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, Danatara, and the Russian Direct Investment Fund signed an agreement to create an investment fund worth €2 billion, marking a significant milestone in economic cooperation between the two nations.


Alternative International Forums

While several Southeast Asian countries are looking to join multilateral organizations, many have looked to the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) grouping as an alternative arena for global politics.

Indonesia is now a formal member of BRICS, while Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are partner countries.

As Ian Storey, senior fellow at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute and author of “Putin’s Russia and Southeast Asia,” explained, Prabowo and Anwar “are keen to strengthen their countries’ non-alignment by pursuing a more balanced foreign policy, including closer ties with both Russia and China.”

Shifting Geopolitical Calculations

The timing of these diplomatic overtures is significant. Although Malaysia and Indonesia did initially condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, they have typically taken a neutral position on the ongoing war.

Beginning early 2024, their public statements have become noticeably more pro-Moscow.

During his trip to Vladivostok in September last year, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised Putin for his “vision and leadership” and for his “determination…to survive,” presumably referring to Western sanctions. He also championed Moscow for its “remarkable soft power” that has earned it “global respect and admiration, influencing the hearts and minds of people around the world.”


Domestic Political Considerations

The shift toward Russia also reflects domestic political calculations. As Bridget Welsh, an honorary research associate at the University of Nottingham‘s Asia Research Institute Malaysia, noted, Russian engagement is “popular at home due to anti-westernism, with many Malaysians believing that the U.S. provoked the Ukraine War.”

This year’s State of Southeast Asia Survey found that anti-Western feeling is riding high in Muslim-majority Indonesia and Malaysia, in large measure due to the West’s support for Israel in its Middle Eastern wars.


Future Implications

Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington, suggested that Russia provides an “interesting model” for Indonesia and Malaysia as a country “that can act independently, poke America and the West in the eye, and try to establish a new international order.”

However, questions remain about the extent to which these nations are engaging with Russia out of geopolitical necessity versus genuine alignment with Moscow’s worldview. When asked why he turned down a G7 invitation to visit Russia instead, Prabowo replied, “Don’t read too much into it …We want to be friends with everybody.”

The strengthening ties between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Russia represent a significant shift in regional geopolitics, challenging traditional assumptions about alignment and demonstrating the growing confidence of ASEAN nations in pursuing independent foreign policies that prioritize strategic autonomy over traditional alliance structures.


#MalaysiaRussia #IndonesiaRussia #ASEAN #Geopolitics #DefenseCooperation
#TradePartnership #NonAlignment #IndoPacific #DiplomaticRelations #SoutheastAsia

Tags: Malaysia, Indonesia, Russia, ASEAN, defense cooperation, trade relations, geopolitics, non-alignment,
Indo-Pacific, diplomatic relations, energy cooperation, strategic partnerships, Southeast Asia, foreign policy, BRICS

Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Sparks Alarms, Threatens Economy


Times of India projects the bill’s ambitious tax cuts and increased defense spending will add $3.4 trillion to the federal deficit by 2034, pushing the national debt to a staggering 130% of GDP. The Stewardship Report notes this amount would take over 9,000 years to spend if $1 million spent each and every day; that’s longer than recorded human history.


New York, N.Y. – A sweeping new legislative proposal championed by President Donald Trump, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” has sparked alarm on Wall Street and among economic analysts, with warnings that it could plunge the U.S. into a deeper debt crisis.

According to a report by the Times of India, the bill’s ambitious tax cuts and increased defense spending are projected to add $3.4 trillion to the federal deficit by 2034, pushing the national debt to a staggering 130% of GDP. Experts, including Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, caution that this trajectory could destabilize credit markets and trigger severe economic disruptions.


The Stewardship Report notes that, as usual,
“The Rich Get Richer, While the Poor Get Poorer.”


The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the bill, which includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and significant defense spending, could balloon interest payments to $2 trillion annually. This financial strain, analysts warn, might force a combination of inflation, tax hikes, and spending cuts that could cripple the U.S. economy.

Ray Dalio, a prominent hedge fund manager, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Unless this path is soon rectified… big, painful disruptions will likely occur.” His concerns highlight the risk of eroding investor confidence, which could further destabilize global financial markets.

The legislation seeks to make permanent the tax cuts from Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, alongside new provisions like exemptions on taxes for tips, overtime, and certain auto loan interest. While these measures aim to provide relief to American households, critics argue they disproportionately benefit high-income earners.

The Tax Policy Center notes that those earning $217,000 or more annually would see the largest tax breaks, while low-income groups may face reduced benefits due to cuts in social programs.


Debt Spiral Raises Red Flags

The CBO projects that the bill will increase the national debt by $2.4 trillion over the next decade, a figure that has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and some Republicans. Rep. Brendan Boyle, a leading Democrat on the House Budget Committee, called the bill a “disgusting abomination,” pointing to the hypocrisy of Republicans who, he claims, lament debt under Democratic administrations but expand it when in power. The proposed $4 trillion increase to the U.S. debt ceiling, currently at $36 trillion, underscores the bill’s potential to exacerbate the nation’s fiscal challenges.

Wall Street has already felt the tremors. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced volatility following the House of Representatives narrow approval of the bill by a 215–214 vote. Rising Treasury yields, with the 10-year note climbing to 4.63% before settling at 4.59%, reflect investor unease about the growing debt load. Ipek Ozkardeskaya, an analyst at Swissquote Bank, noted that the spike in yields signals “a lack of confidence in the U.S. government and its policy direction.”


Energy Policy Sparks Global Concerns

Beyond fiscal implications, the bill’s energy policies have raised eyebrows. By phasing out clean energy tax credits introduced under President Joe Biden, the legislation could hinder America’s renewable energy sector.

Thomas Friedman, writing for the New York Times, sarcastically suggested that China might celebrate July 4 as “American Electricity Dependence Day” due to the bill’s favoring of fossil fuels. China, by contrast, has surged ahead in renewable energy, generating over 10,000 terawatt-hours of electricity, largely from wind, solar, and hydro, while the U.S. lags with modest gains.

This shift could weaken America’s strategic position in the global energy market. Saudi Arabia and other fossil-fuel giants are investing heavily in green energy to power AI data centers, aligning with global trends toward sustainability.

The bill’s rollback of clean energy initiatives risks ceding technological and economic advantages to competitors like China, which Friedman describes as an “electrostate” resilient to trade wars and geopolitical shocks.


Social and Immigration Impacts

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act also includes contentious provisions on immigration and social programs. It allocates $46.5 billion to resume construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, aiming to complete 700 miles of primary barriers.

Additionally, the bill introduces stricter work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP recipients up to age 65, potentially reducing benefits for millions. The CBO estimates that 10.9 million people, including 1.4 million undocumented immigrants, could lose health insurance by 2034 due to these changes.

These measures have drawn fierce opposition. Democrats argue that the bill prioritizes border security and tax cuts for the wealthy over the needs of vulnerable populations. The proposed $500 boost to the child tax credit and a temporary $2,000 increase in the standard deduction for joint filers offer some relief, but analysts warn these benefits may be overshadowed by the broader economic fallout.


What’s Next for the Bill?

As the bill moves to the Senate, significant revisions are expected. Republican unity is fraying, with five members voting against an earlier version that included MAGA accounts offering $1,000 for newborns, signaling potential hurdles. Wall Street analysts and economists urge lawmakers to address the bill’s fiscal risks before it reaches President Trump’s desk.

The Times of India report underscores the global stakes, noting that the legislation could reshape U.S. economic policy and its standing in international markets.

The debate over the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reflects deeper tensions about America’s economic future. Will the U.S. prioritize short-term tax relief or long-term fiscal stability? As Ray Dalio warns, the path forward could lead to “big, painful disruptions” if left unchecked.


#TrumpBill, #USEconomy, #NationalDebt, #WallStreet, #CleanEnergy

News Tags: Trump, national debt, U.S. economy, Wall Street, tax cuts,
clean energy, immigration, Congressional Budget Office, Ray Dalio, Senate


Trump’s Tax Bill Sparks Outcry Over Wealth Bias and Debt Surge

0

Critics warn the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” favors corporations and the rich while cutting social programs


New York, N.Y. — The U.S. Congress narrowly passed President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill on Thursday, sparking fierce backlash over its disproportionate benefits for wealthy Americans and corporations while slashing funding for healthcare, food assistance, and clean energy initiatives.


The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, approved in a 218-214 House vote, now heads to Trump’s desk for final approval, marking a major victory for his second-term agenda.

The legislation extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, introduces new exemptions for tips and overtime, and allocates billions for border security and defense spending.

However, critics argue the bill’s $4.5 trillion in tax relief overwhelmingly favors the richest Americans, calling it a “Robin Hood in reverse” policy that will deepen inequality and balloon the national debt.

As one person commented on social media, “It is interesting that some coined the counter-intuitive redistribution of income to the elites “Robin Rood in Reverse.” Robin Hood already was the reverse of something. That something is called monarchy.


Wealthy and Corporations Win, Low-Income Families Lose

The bill’s most contentious provisions include deep cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), tightening eligibility rules and imposing stricter work requirements.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates 11.8 million Americans could lose health insurance by 2034, while over 3 million may be cut off from food stamps.

An analysis by Yale University’s Budget Lab found that the bottom 20% of earners would see their after-tax incomes drop by 2.9% (about $700 per year), while the top 20% would gain 2.2% (roughly $5,700 annually). 

Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders blasted the bill as a “gift to the billionaire class,” noting the richest 1% would receive $975 billion in tax breaks, with an additional $211 billion in estate tax exemptions for the top 0.2%.

Hospitals also oppose the bill, fearing reduced Medicaid funding will force service cuts and closures. Rick Pollack, CEO of the American Hospital Association, warned of dire consequences for healthcare access.


National Debt Could Skyrocket, Warn Economists

The bill’s $3.3 trillion projected addition to the federal deficit has raised alarms among economists and market analysts. The U.S. national debt, already at a staggering $36 trillion, could face further strain, potentially triggering higher interest rates and increased borrowing costs for consumers and businesses.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon cautioned that unchecked deficits may unsettle investors, telling FOX Business“At some point, the bond markets are going to struggle.”

Even some Republicans, like Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie, voted against the bill, calling it fiscally irresponsibleTech billionaire Elon Musk, once a Trump ally, condemned lawmakers on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing spending and then voted for this debt increase should hang their heads in shame!”


Clean Energy Incentives Axed, Fossil Fuels Favored

The bill also delivers a major blow to renewable energy, eliminating tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy-efficient home upgrades.

While a proposed excise tax on wind and solar was dropped, key clean energy incentives will be phased out by 2027, jeopardizing thousands of projects and jobs.

According to Energy Innovation and Wellesley College, the changes could kill 4,500 clean energy projects, risk hundreds of thousands of jobs, and raise energy bills by billions within five years.

Joanna Slaney of the Environmental Defense Fund slammed the bill, saying, “It favors burning more fossil fuels while ignoring the harm to people’s lives.”


What’s Next? Legal Challenges and Public Backlash

With Trump expected to sign the bill, opponents are gearing up for legal battles and protests. Advocacy groups warn of lawsuits over Medicaid cuts, while progressive lawmakers vow to push for repeal efforts if Democrats regain Congress in 2026.

As the debate rages, one thing is clear: the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will reshape America’s economic landscape—with winners and losers sharply divided along wealth lines.


#TrumpTaxBill #WealthGap #MedicaidCuts #NationalDebt #CleanEnergy

Tags: Donald Trump, tax bill, wealth inequality, Medicaid cuts,
national debt, clean energy, Congress, economic policy


Chinese Military Brigade Chemical Companies Reshape Modern Warfare


Beijing’s Strategic Investment in Chemical Defense Units Signals Enhanced Military Preparedness and Regional Security Implications


New York, N.Y. — The People’s Liberation Army‘s evolving brigade structure has undergone significant transformation in recent years, with chemical defense companies emerging as critical components of China‘s military modernization strategy. These specialized units, integrated within combined arms brigades across the PLA Ground Force, represent a sophisticated approach to contemporary warfare challenges and reflect Beijing‘s commitment to comprehensive military capability enhancement.


Enhanced Brigade Structure Integration

The PLA heavy, medium, and light combined arms brigades share a modular construct, resembling its superior and subordinate units at the corps and battalion level. A typical PLAGF combined arms brigade has the brigade HQ, four maneuver combat battalions, and other support battalions. Within this framework, chemical defense companies serve as force multipliers, providing essential chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protection capabilities that ensure operational continuity in contaminated environments.

The integration of chemical companies within brigade structures represents a departure from traditional military organization. Rather than maintaining separate chemical units at higher echelons, the PLA has embedded these capabilities at the brigade level, enabling rapid response to chemical threats and enhanced survivability for ground forces. This organizational philosophy reflects lessons learned from contemporary conflicts where chemical weapons have emerged as significant tactical considerations.



Technological Advancement and Equipment Modernization

Chinese military chemical companies have benefited from substantial investments in advanced detection and protection equipment. Modern chemical detection systems deployed by these units incorporate sophisticated sensor arrays capable of identifying various chemical agents in real-time. The technology enables rapid contamination assessment and facilitates informed decision-making during operations.

Personal protective equipment used by PLA chemical defense personnel has evolved significantly, incorporating lightweight materials and improved filtration systems. These advances allow soldiers to maintain operational effectiveness while protected from chemical threats, addressing historical challenges where protective equipment severely limited mobility and endurance.



Training and Operational Readiness

The PLA has implemented comprehensive training programs for chemical defense companies, emphasizing both technical proficiency and tactical integration.

Personnel undergo extensive instruction in chemical agent identification, decontamination procedures, and protective equipment operation.

Additionally, these units participate in joint exercises with other brigade elements, ensuring seamless coordination during combined operations.

Recent military exercises have demonstrated the effectiveness of these training programs.

Chemical defense companies have successfully conducted decontamination operations while maintaining operational tempo, showcasing their ability to support sustained combat operations in contaminated environments.

These capabilities prove particularly valuable in urban warfare scenarios where chemical threats may be prevalent.



Strategic Implications and Regional Security

The emphasis on chemical defense capabilities within PLA brigades carries significant implications for regional security dynamics. Neighboring countries have observed China’s chemical defense modernization with interest, recognizing the enhanced survivability and operational flexibility these capabilities provide. The presence of well-equipped chemical defense units may influence adversary calculations regarding the use of chemical weapons in potential conflicts.

Furthermore, these capabilities extend beyond traditional military applications. Chemical defense companies possess dual-use capabilities that could prove valuable in responding to industrial accidents, natural disasters, or terrorist incidents involving chemical agents. This versatility enhances China’s overall national security posture while providing humanitarian response capabilities.



Future Development Trajectories

The continued evolution of PLA chemical defense companies appears likely as military leaders recognize their growing importance in modern warfare. Future developments may include enhanced autonomous detection systems, improved protective equipment, and expanded decontamination capabilities. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies could further enhance these units’ effectiveness in identifying and responding to chemical threats.

International observers note that China’s investment in chemical defense capabilities reflects broader trends in military modernization. As potential adversaries develop chemical weapons capabilities, the PLA’s emphasis on protection and response becomes increasingly relevant. The brigade-level integration of these capabilities ensures that chemical defense remains a priority consideration in military planning and operations.

The strategic significance of chemical defense companies within PLA brigades extends beyond immediate military applications, representing a comprehensive approach to national security challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.


Summary for Audio File

Chinese military chemical defense companies have become integral components of People’s Liberation Army brigade structures, providing enhanced protection against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. These specialized units feature advanced detection equipment, comprehensive training programs, and dual-use capabilities extending beyond traditional military applications. The integration reflects China’s broader military modernization strategy and carries significant implications for regional security dynamics.


#ChineseMilitary #PLABrigades #ChemicalDefense #MilitaryModernization
#NationalSecurity #RegionalSecurity #MilitaryTechnology #DefenseStrategy

TAGS: chemical defense, PLA brigades, Chinese military, CBRN protection, military modernization, brigade structure,
chemical weapons, national security, regional security, defense capabilities, military technology, strategic implications

Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart Dies, Leaves Controversial Legacy


Swaggart’s rise, scandals, and influence shaped U.S. religious politics and culture for decades


New York, N.Y. – Jimmy Swaggart’s journey from rural Louisiana to the global stage is a story of ambition, charisma, and controversy.


Born in 1935, Jimmy Swaggart “poured out his life preaching the gospel, singing songs of the faith, and pointing millions to the saving power of Jesus Christ and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit,” his family said in a statement after his death at age 90. 

By the mid-1980s, his Sunday broadcasts were shown on numerous television stations throughout the United States, reaching millions and making him one of the most recognizable faces in American religious life.



Early Stardom and the Birth of a Media Empire

Swaggart’s ministry was built on a blend of fiery sermons, gospel music, and a mastery of television. “His voice echoed through nations, his music softened hearts, and his message never changed: Jesus Christ and Him crucified,” his family wrote. 


At its peak, his organization was estimated to rake in more than
$140 million a year, and his influence extended far beyond the pulpit.


Scandal and the Fall from Grace

But Swaggart’s career was forever altered by scandal. In 1988, he delivered a tearful, nationally televised confession: “I have sinned against you. I beg you to forgive me.” The admission came after he was photographed with a local sex worker, a revelation that “caused an immediate media earthquake” and led to his suspension and eventual defrocking by the Assemblies of God. Swaggart refused to step away from the pulpit, breaking away from the denomination to establish an independent ministry.

The fallout was swift and severe. Television networks dropped his broadcasts, donations and church attendance plummeted, and his Bible college lost students and accreditation. Swaggart’s reputation became a national punchline, and his name was invoked as a symbol of religious hypocrisy.


In a July 2, 2025 Opinion Piece (link), MSNBC columnist Anthea Butler entitled “We can blame Jimmy Swaggart for much of our toxic politics.” She goes on to say, “Swaggart’s mix of old-time gospel, his interpretations of biblical prophecy and his evangelistic crusades spread a particular kind of fundamentalist Pentecostalism that endures today.”


How one man became the
architect of hate from the pulpit


Shaping the Religious Right and Political Influence

Swaggart’s impact, however, extended beyond his personal failings. As MSNBC’s opinion piece notes, he was “a forerunner of the staunch religious figures who now sway the Republican Party with their expressions of animosity cloaked in Christian righteousness.”

Swaggart’s rhetoric in the 1970s and ‘80s played a pivotal role in the emergence of the religious right in America, aligning closely with President Ronald Reagan and helping to shape the political landscape for decades.


He was known for his vehement denunciations of LGBTQ individuals
and adherents of other faiths, particularly Catholics and Jews.


In 1986, he published a book articulating his view that Catholics were not true Christians, and his sermons often included apocalyptic conspiracies and contempt for those outside his brand of Pentecostal fundamentalism.


Legacy: A Changed Landscape for U.S. Religion

Swaggart’s downfall marked a turning point for Christian moral authority in public life. As one commentator observed, “Swaggart’s scandal produced swift and devastating consequences… The ripples of scandal continued to move outwards: Television networks dropped his broadcasts, donations and church attendance plummeted, his Bible college lost students and accreditation, and his reputation became a national punchline.”

Yet, Swaggart never fully disappeared. He continued preaching from his Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, and his SonLife Broadcasting Network remains on the air. His son Donnie and grandson Gabriel have taken up the family vocation, ensuring that the Swaggart name endures in American religious life.


The End of an Era

Swaggart’s death closes a chapter in the history of American televangelism. His life was a study in contrasts: a gifted preacher and musician whose message reached millions, but whose personal failings and divisive rhetoric left a complicated legacy.

As his family wrote, “Today, our hearts are heavy as we share that Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ. Today was the day he had sung about for decades.”

His story is a reminder of the power—and peril—of religious celebrity in the U.S., and the enduring influence of those who shape the nation’s spiritual and political life.


#JimmySwaggart #TelevangelistLegacy #USReligion #ReligiousRight #AmericanHistory

Tags: Jimmy Swaggart, televangelist, religious right, U.S. politics, Pentecostalism,
scandal, SonLife Broadcasting, Family Worship Center, American Christianity, media


Fame: Spotlight on Super Woman Clare Boothe Luce

Although I attended her funeral at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, I never knew Clare Boothe Luce in life. Through Sylvia Jukes Morris’ twin works,and the most recent, I feel I have come to know Clare in all her complexity far more intimately.


Jim Luce

New York, N.Y. Although I attended her funeral at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, I never knew Clare Boothe Luce in life. Through Sylvia Jukes Morris’ twin works, Rage For Fame and the most recent Price of Fame, I feel I have come to know Clare in all her complexity far more intimately.


Sylvia Jukes Morris’ twin works, Rage For Fame and the most recent Price of Fame,
describe Clare Boothe Luce in all her complexity. Photo courtesy of the author.

Growing up, I had heard of the wife of Henry Luce, Jr. — “Harry” — as a socialite, book editor, playwright, journalist, actor, magazine editor – as well as Congressmember from Connecticut and American Ambassador to Italy.

Through Sylvia’s book set, I can now better imagine Clare’s “ready smile and infectious laugh.” Harry Luce, of course, was the co-founder and publisher of Time-Life.

Recently, I met Sylvia Jukes Morris speaking on her two books at New York City’s University Club. Where Hank Luce used to take me for lunch. There, the audio-visual presentation crashed for a few minutes and I was asked to stand and speak about my distant relationship to Clare.


Although a true Renaissance woman, Clare was not necessarily dedicated to liberating all women to follow in her footsteps. She believed women were biologically ordained to nurture children and raise families and Clare wanted to support them in those efforts, not competing for jobs at Time-Life. She had no qualms about using her feminine allure to get what she needed out of men, and left many a man in the wake of her affairs.


Clare Boothe Luce met regularly with world leaders, here with Winston Churchill.
Photo courtesy of Sylvia Jukes Morris.

Once she was complimented as having a ‘masculine mind.’ She declined the compliment, replying, “Thought has no sex. One either thinks, or one does not.”

According to Sylvia, Clare suggested the idea of Life magazine to her husband before it was developed internally in his company.

Clare was famous for her acid wit that included the lines, “No good deed goes unpunished,” “Widowhood is a fringe benefit of marriage,” and, “A hospital is no place to be sick.”

She wrote the widening conflict of WWII was “a world where men have decided to die together because they are unable to find a way to live together.”


According to Sylvia, her second husband, Harry, known for his physical awkwardness and lack of humor, was proud of Clare’s many successes. He believed “her canny political instincts and oratorical skills, combined with beauty and a mind able to penetrate to the core of the most complex issues, would take her to great heights,” and allow their joint political interests to not only be published from New York but also advance their own ideological goals in Washington.

Harry’s son, Henry Luce III — “Hank” — mentored me when I first came to New York, introducing me to such titans as Rupert Murdoch and Malcolm Forbes. As Rockefeller Republicans, father and son were socially liberal but fiscally conservative. Clare, too, was often more liberal than imagined — until Harry’s death when she became increasingly conservative. Early on, she supported FDR in his desire to support our Allies before Pearl Harbor, a time when America was exceedingly isolationist.


Clare Boothe Luce scuba diving. Photo courtesy of Sylvia Jukes Morris.

Although a socialite, Sylvia reminds us that Clare had come from humble roots and hated the “vanity, stupidity, hypocrisy, and decadence of the so-called elite.”

One of her first books, Stuffed Shirts, lampooned the rich, as did her highly successful 1936 all-female play and movie The Women, “A stinging satire of naïve, vacuous, and malicious Park Avenue gossips.” Sylvia writes:

Harry had marveled at his wife’s physical bravery in war zones, and relished her fearlessness in attacking not only populist Democrats, but the Old Guard snobs of the G.O.P.

Speaking at a dinner in her honor given by her bejeweled supporters, she said “One of the troubles with the Republican party is that it contains too many prehistoric millionaires who wear too many orchids.”


Clare was hugely popular, swept into the House of Representatives after her first play The Women was filmed which grossed only less than Gone with the Wind upon its release in 1939. One newspaper reported that tourists arriving in our nation’s capital wanted to see three things: “the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and Clare Boothe Luce.” In 1943, Clare was tied with the Duchess of Windsor as “the best dressed woman in the world.”


Ambition and drive were two of Clare’s greatest allies. She reported for Life magazine from the Sino-Japanese front.

With second husband Harry Luce, co-founder and publisher of Time-Life.
Photo courtesy of Sylvia Jukes Morris
.

In 1943, the author notes, Clare had flown 75,000 miles in pre-jet times, reporting from several fronts. Sylvia writes, “Her favorite preoccupations were spying, warfare, and romance.

As Sylvia writes about the Congresswoman who yearned to play a pivotal role in U.S. foreign policy:

What other member of Congress had dodged bullets in France, and bombs in Belgium and Indochina?

Who else on Capital Hill had reported on desert battles against Field Marshall Rommel in North Africa, stood in trenches in Burma on assignment to interview General Joseph Stilwell, or struck up a friendship with Nehru in India?


Clare liked to eat men and spit them out. “She was an accomplished seductress, having married once, if not twice, for money, social position, and power.” Harry, it seems, felt emasculated by her. She had a particularly interesting affair with the Supreme Commander’s mysterious intelligence chief, General Charles Willoughby, who planned General McArthur’s return to the Philippines. Others included Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy and financier Bernard Baruch.


The author writes, “Her favorite preoccupations were spying,
warfare, and romance.” Photo courtesy of Sylvia Jukes Morris.

Like Harry who had been raised by Presbyterian missionary parents in China, Clare mistook Chinese Communism for a grave threat, not realizing it would one day moderate into a form of Capitalism that would give the U.S. a run for our money.

Thus, perhaps won over by the persuasive Presbyterianism of Madam Chiang Kai-shek (who you can get to know intimately through the fantastic work of Hannah Pakula), she and Harry mistakenly backed Madam’s husband, the gangster General.

I found it interesting to learn that although she backed FDR’s strategy for supporting the Allies, she did not share his concern of saving the British Empire.

On the contrary, Sylvia informs us, Clare hoped to see all colonies disbanded after the Fascists were defeated.


She called upon the British to release Independence heroes Gandhi and Nehru from prison in India. She accused Great Britain of holding on to India for economic rather than altruistic reasons. The Brits maintained that until the Hindu-Moslem issue could be settled, leaving India would result in civil war and bloodshed. With extremely dry wit, Clare responded that whites should not have a “monopoly on murder.” Clare also advocated that Palestinian Arabs have their own homeland along with the Jews.

Clare was an early advocate of our nation’s immigrants, calling for the repeal of the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act that created quotas Clare equated to “the whole Hitler doctrine of race theology.” In 1946, she co-authored the Luce-Celler Act that increased the numbers of Indians and Filipinos permitted to immigrate to the U.S., allowing them to become American citizens.

In another liberal, albeit humorous political maneuver, Clare slammed the WWII “Wayward Wives Bill” which promoted the idea of cutting benefits to any American woman found cheating on their soldier-husbands abroad. Clare proposed an amendment, Sylvia writes, that if a serviceman was unfaithful to his wife, the wife’s allowance be doubled.


Clare’s first play The Women was filmed, grossing only less than
Gone with the Wind upon its release in 1939. Photo courtesy of the author
.

Clare’s star rose so high that people begin to speak of her possible V.P. candidacy in 1944 with either General Douglas McArthur or Gov. Thomas Dewey of New York.

Clare was enormously complex and went through several downward spirals of depression, one from the death of her beautiful and talented daughter and Harry’s step-daughter, a senior at Stanford University, in a car crash at the age of nineteen in 1944.

This accident, which reminded Clare of her own mother’s death, sent Clare into grief counseling with right-wing radio priest Fulton Sheen. She then converted to Roman Catholicism and was soon thereafter appointed under President Eisenhower as America’s first female Ambassador – to Italy.


She fell seriously ill in Italy with arsenic poisoning in 1956. Rumors circulated that she had been targeted for extermination by agents of the Soviet Union because of her strident anti-Communism. However, medical analysis eventually showed the poisoning was caused by paint dust in her Roman bedroom. Clare was physically and mentally done in and resigned her post. She and Harry retired to the desert in Arizona, where reportedly both Clare and Henry tried LSD and Claire went on to use it several more times.


Clare Boothe Luce had a “ready smile and infectious laugh.”
Photo courtesy of Sylvia Jukes Morris.

Anti-Communism continued to consume them both and in the early 1960’s she supported Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona as the Republican candidate for president.

Harry’s death in 1967 drove Clare further to the right. After retiring to Hawaii, which eventually bored her, she moved back to Washington.

In 1973, Richard Nixon named Clare to the President’s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board, and she was re-appointed by President Gerald Ford in 1977, and again by President Ronald Reagan in 1981.

In 1987, Clare died of brain cancer at 84, ironically in her Watergate apartment in Washington.

Clare left $50 million to found an academic program, The Clare Boothe Luce Program, designed to encourage the entry of women into technological fields traditionally dominated by men.


I compliment Sylvia Jukes Morris on her two volumes that keep the complicated legacy of Clare Boothe Luce alive. British by birth, Sylvia brings Clare back to life with the use of the most fascinating prose. I highly recommend this book, as well as its precursor.

It is easy to think that Clare Boothe Luce cared more for herself than humanity. But, because of her wit, drive, and brilliance, her impact was enormous. Clare was a thought leader and global citizen extraordinaire. Her aspirations, strategic thinking, and ultimate philanthropic efforts, can serve as an inspiration to future generations.


Price of Fame: The Hon. Clare Boothe (2014)
Rage For Fame: The Ascent of Clare Boothe Luce (1997)
Both by Sylvia Jukes Morris
Published by Random House, New York


Fame: Spotlight on Super Woman Clare Boothe Luce. Originally published in The Huffington Post, Jan. 5, 2015.


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Sylvia Jukes Morris, Acclaimed Biographer of Clare Boothe Luce, Dies at 90


A Meticulous Chronicler of an Icon: How Morris Unveiled the Complex Life of a Trailblazing Diplomat and Writer


New York, N.Y.—When Sylvia Jukes Morris set out to write her monumental two-volume biography of Clare Boothe Luce, she uncovered truths that contradicted the polished public image of the trailblazing diplomat, playwright, and congresswoman.


Morris, who died at 90, spent decades meticulously researching Luce’s life, revealing a woman of dazzling intellect, sharp wit, and profound contradictions. Her work stands as the definitive account of one of the 20th century’s most formidable figures.


A Scholar’s Obsession: The Making of a Definitive Biography

Morris’s fascination with Luce began in the 1980s, when she gained unprecedented access to personal letters, diaries, and unpublished manuscripts. The result was Rage for Fame: The Ascent of Clare Boothe Luce (1997) and Price of Fame: The Honorable Clare Boothe Luce (2014). These books dismantled myths surrounding Luce, portraying her as both a strategic political operator and a vulnerable human being.

“She didn’t just write Luce’s life—she excavated it,” said historian Amanda Smith, a colleague of Morris’s. “Every footnote was a detective story.”



The Woman Behind the Legend: Revelations and Controversies

Morris’s research exposed Luce’s hidden struggles, including her battle with depression, her tumultuous marriages, and her fierce ambition in a male-dominated world. One striking revelation was Luce’s near-fatal reaction to arsenic poisoning in 1953, which some suspected was an assassination attempt—a theory Morris explored but never confirmed.

The biographer also detailed Luce’s complex relationship with Henry Luce, the media magnate who shaped TimeLife, and Fortune. Their marriage was a partnership of intellect and power, yet fraught with infidelities and rivalries.


A Writer’s Discipline: Morris’s Unmatched Rigor

Morris’s approach was painstaking. She traveled to Luce’s homes in HawaiiConnecticut, and Italy, interviewed surviving contemporaries, and sifted through archives at the Library of Congress. Her prose balanced scholarly precision with narrative flair, earning praise from critics and readers alike.

“She had the patience of a historian and the elegance of a novelist,” said Robert K. Massie, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer.


Legacy of a Literary Sleuth

Beyond Luce, Morris wrote biographies of Edith Kermit Roosevelt and contributed to The New Yorker and The New York Times Book Review. Her work set a standard for feminist biography, reclaiming the narratives of women often overshadowed by their famous husbands.

Morris is survived by her husband, John J. Morris, a retired editor, and their two children. Her papers will be archived at Yale University, ensuring future scholars can continue her investigative legacy.


For Reviews of Morris’ Books, See:

Fame: Spotlight on Super Woman Clare Boothe Luce. Originally published in The Huffington Post, Jan. 5, 2015.


Summary for Audio (75 words)

Sylvia Jukes Morris, the biographer who meticulously chronicled the life of Clare Boothe Luce, has died at 90. Her two-volume work revealed Luce’s brilliance, ambition, and private struggles, reshaping perceptions of the diplomat and writer. Morris’s rigorous research and vivid prose set a new standard for biography. She leaves behind a legacy of uncovering hidden histories, ensuring influential women like Luce are remembered in full complexity.


#ClareBootheLuce #SylviaJukesMorris #Biography #WomenInHistory #LiteraryLegacy

Tags: Sylvia Jukes Morris, Clare Boothe Luce, biography, women’s history,
Pulitzer Prize, Time Magazine, Henry Luce, feminist scholarship


Yale Honors Incredible Indian Actor-Activist Shah Rukh Khan


Shah Rukh Khan is a major, global entertainment figure who cares deeply about creativity and humanity. For this reason, this week Yale University presented him with its Chubb Fellow Award.


Jim Luce

New York, N.Y. — Interpreting Indian culture to an American audience is a challenge, but Shah Rukh Khan is so important to global art and social activism, I will attempt to do just that. The largest Bollywood actor and producer, he is a major, global entertainment figure who cares deeply about creativity and humanity.


For this reason, Yale University presented him this week with its Chubb Fellow Award, its most prestigious award for leadership, given previously to Walter Cronkite, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.


In 2011, The Los Angeles Times noted, “He is the biggest
movie star you’ve never heard of. And perhaps the world’s
biggest movie star, period.” He is all of that and more.


2012-04-13-Shah_Rukh_Khan_Yale_A.jpg
Shah Rukh Khan addressing the Yale community as Chubb Fellow. Yale University / Michael Marsland.

American entertainment figures who might come close to him include Madonna and Lady Gaga, although neither of our stars can touch the output or contributions that Shah Rukh has made to India and the world.

Paul Newman with his foundation also comes to mind. Shah Rukh has an estimated fan following in literally the billions. With a “B.” It is estimated that one-third of the world’s population knows of him.

In New Haven’s Schubert Theater, the frenzy around him — almost religious — reminded me of past concerts with Elvis or the Beatles.

Yet the majority of 1,700 fans were South Asian. Newsweek named him one of the fifty most powerful people in the world four years ago; in 2004, Time had featured him in their list of “Asian Heroes” under the age of 40. Today, Bollywood itself has surpassed Hollywood around the world and is now headed to the U.S.


Shah Rukh Khan, informally referred to as “SRK,” Shah Rukh has acted in over seventy Hindi films. One billion U.S. dollars have been made by just eleven of his films. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in economics, he started his career appearing in theatre and several television serials in the late 1980s.

Deeply absorbed with goodness, ironically he is best known for his unconventional choice of negative roles in films such as Darr (1993), Baazigar (1993), and Anjaam (1994). Shah Rukh also owns a cricket team in India.

SRK faced the press after arriving late after being delayed, as usual, by U.S. immigration. Photo: John Lee of The Stewardship Report.

SRK was born in 1965. Although India has a Hindu majority, he is a Muslim — married to a Hindu woman, Gauri Chibber, in a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony.

At home, his children follow both religions, with the Qur’an placed next to the Hindu deities.

He spoke of his children frequently. Activism is in his genes, as his father was an Indian independence activist prior to Indian independence from the British in 1947.

His distant roots are in Afghanistan.

America still struggles with Islam: last year Shah Rukh was outrageously detained by our own immigration when he arrived through Newark.

His press-conference and presentation was delayed for hours as, although he flew on a private jet from Mumbai to New Haven, U.S. immigration detained him in customs once again. He joked, “Whenever I begin to feel arrogant about myself, I take a trip to America!”

SRK in panel with Yale Master Jeffrey Brenzel and Yale students. Photo: Yale University/Michael Marsland.

Shah Rukh was very attached to his parents as a child and describes their death at such a young age as a turning point in his life.

His father lost his battle with cancer when Khan was 15 years old and his mother also passed away after a long illness.

He says his biggest motivation for working hard is to make movies “so damn bloody big… that my parents somewhere sit down on a star and say ‘I can see his movies from here better than I can see the Wall of China or anything!'”

He spoke repeatedly from the stage about his parents and the need for Yale students to honor theirs. “Love your parents. Cherish them.”


Shah Rukh works very hard, sleeping only 4-5 hours a night, but never brags about his good works. Known for not talking about his humanitarian work, he helped create the children’s ward at the Nanavati hospital in Mumbai.

SRK ended his presentation by dancing with Yale student on Chammak Challo tune. Photo: John Lee of The Stewardship Report.

He contributes regularly to organizations and individuals, especially in the case of AIDS and cancer patients.

He has also lent his name to various government campaigns throughout the years, notably those of Pulse Polio immunization campaign.

He is a member of the board of directors of Make-A-Wish Foundation in India.

He told the audience, “I want to increase education for women, provide toilets — simple things.”

He dislikes gossip columnists. “The gossip and nonsense is so strange and make you feel weird — I just want to do good stuff.” “I don’t like relaxing at all,” he said, “and I am a disbeliever of holidays and taking times off.”


“I wish to give the creative part of me away, it’s not about how many Rupees I give.” But he gives generously.

A few years ago, Shah Rukh adopted five entire villages outside Delhi, providing solar electricity through a program known as ‘Light A Billion Lives.’ The following year he adopted eight more villages — and then again eleven more. That’s a lot of light.

Recently this Bollywood legend visited two Kashmiri orphan children who suffered severe burns during a terrorist grenade attack in India and agreed to bear their medical expenses.

In 2011 he was honored with the UNESCO’s Pyramide con Marni award for his charity engagements and social commitment towards providing education for children, becoming the first Indian to win the accolade.


He told the audience how much he hated racial profiling, bigotry and sexism.
As a Muslim performer, he has united not only India with its hundred
languages and faiths, but people of all languages and faiths across the globe.


Back to his film career: in 1998, he won critical praise for his performance in Indian director Mani Ratnam’s critically acclaimed Dil Se… I interviewed Mani on film two years ago (video).

SRK with Yale Master Jeffrey Brenzel reciting Don II dialogue. Photo: Yale University / Michael Marsland.

In 2001 he played the role of Emperor Ashoka in Santosh Sivan’s historical epic, Asoka, a partly fictionalized account of the life of Ashoka the Great whom I chronicled during my pilgrimage to Buddhist holy sites in India this January.

Asoka was released coincidentally on 9/11 and played across the U.K. and in North America.

Continuously challenged while “traveling while Muslim,” Shah Rukh was stuck in New York while promoting this film right after the September 11th attacks.

In 2009, while in Los Angeles, he took a break from filming to attend the 66th Golden Globe Awards in L.A. where he was introduced as the ‘King of Bollywood.’


Shah Rukh was then introduced with Freida Pinto of Slumdog Millionaire, a movie he had previously turned down.

My Name Is Khan is one of my personal favorites. Released in 2010 in cooperation with Fox, My Name is based on a true story, dealing with post 9/11 Islamophobia.


Yale’s Henry R. Luce Hall for International and Area Studies. Photo: Yale University / Michael Marsland.

His film became the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all-time in the overseas market up until then. I love his line, “My name is Khan — and I am not a terrorist.”

Being harassed by U.S. immigration seems to be SRK’s lietmotif.

He told the Yale audience that our immigration service wears him down with silly questions. He imagined being asked his race so that he could reply, “white.”

I congratulate my father‘s alma mater, Yale University, for being the first American university to honor this man.

Shah Rukh Khan is a thought leader and global citizen of the highest magnitude.


Yale Honors Incredible Indian Actor-Activist Shah Rukh Khan (republished July 4, 2025)
Originally published in The Huffington Post, April 13, 2012.


The Chubb Fellowship is devoted to encouraging and aiding Yale students in the oppression of government and in public service. Established in 1936, through the generosity of Henron Chubb (Yale 1895), the program is based in Timothy Dwight College, one of Yale’s residential colleges. Each year three or four distinguished men and women have been appointed as visiting Chubb Fellows.
Special thanks to John Lee and Zoran Saher who traveled to Yale with me and helped this American more fully understand the persona and phenomenon I was witnessing.

SUMMARY

In 2012, Yale University honored Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan with the Chubb Fellowship for his contributions to global art and social activism. Known as the “King of Bollywood,” Khan has starred in over 100 films, earning 14 Filmfare Awards. His humanitarian efforts include supporting children’s education and healthcare, notably adopting villages for solar electricity. At Yale, he inspired students with his speech, emphasizing creativity, humanity, and social good.


#ShahRukhKhan #ChubbFellowship #YaleUniversity #BollywoodIcon #SocialActivism #KingKhan

Tags: Shah Rukh Khan, Chubb Fellowship, Yale University, Bollywood, social activism, humanitarian work

Edward VII: Royal Rebel Who Reshaped Modern Monarchy

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BBC Documentary Explores How Britain’s Most Scandalous Prince Transformed Into Constitutional Leader


New York, N.Y. – The lavish dinner parties, the gambling escapades, the scandalous affairs—Edward VII lived a life that would make today’s tabloids salivate.



Yet beneath the hedonistic facade of the man dubbed the “Prince of Pleasure” lay a complex figure who would fundamentally reshape the British monarchy for the modern age.

BBC’s compelling documentary “Edward VII: Prince of Pleasure” peels back the layers of Victorian scandal to reveal how Albert Edward, heir to Queen Victoria’s throne, transformed from royal disappointment into one of Britain’s most effective constitutional monarchs. The film presents a nuanced portrait of a ruler who understood that monarchy’s survival depended on adaptation rather than rigid adherence to tradition.



The Making of a Royal Rebel

Born in 1841, Edward faced the impossible task of living up to his father Prince Albert’s intellectual reputation while enduring his mother’s suffocating expectations. Victoria’s grief over Albert’s death in 1861 led her to increasingly blame Edward for his father’s demise, creating a psychological burden that would shape his entire approach to royal duty.

The documentary reveals how Edward’s notorious lifestyle—his membership in exclusive gentlemen’s clubs, his relationships with actresses like Lillie Langtry, and his passion for horse racing—served as both rebellion against maternal control and preparation for a role he wouldn’t assume until age 59. Unlike his reclusive mother, Edward understood that modern monarchy required visibility and public engagement.



Diplomatic Innovation Through Social Grace

Edward’s greatest contribution to British statecraft lay in his revolutionary approach to international relations. The film demonstrates how he transformed royal diplomacy from formal court protocol into sophisticated social networking. His fluency in German and French, combined with his genuine charm, made him an invaluable diplomatic asset during a period of increasing European tensions.

The documentary highlights Edward’s pivotal role in the Entente Cordiale with France in 1904, showing how his state visit to Paris helped overcome decades of Anglo-French hostility. His ability to charm President Loubet and Parisian society demonstrated that personal relationships could transcend political differences—a lesson that resonates in contemporary international relations.



Constitutional Monarchy Redefined

Perhaps most significantly, Edward VII established the template for modern constitutional monarchy. The BBC production illustrates how he navigated the delicate balance between ceremonial function and political influence, understanding that royal power in the 20th century would depend on moral authority rather than constitutional prerogative.

His handling of the House of Lords crisis over David Lloyd George’s “People’s Budget” showcased his political acumen. Rather than rigidly defending aristocratic privilege, Edward recognized that compromise and adaptation were essential for institutional survival. This pragmatic approach would influence royal conduct for generations.



The Price of Pleasure

The documentary doesn’t shy away from examining the personal costs of Edward’s lifestyle. His struggles with weight, his smoking habit, and the stress of managing multiple relationships while maintaining royal dignity took a physical toll. Yet it also reveals how his understanding of human nature—gained through his varied experiences—made him a more effective ruler than his more conventional predecessors might have been.

The film presents compelling evidence that Edward’s apparent frivolity masked serious preparation for kingship. His travels throughout the British Empire, his involvement in charitable causes, and his cultivation of relationships across social classes provided him with insights that formal royal education could never have offered.



Legacy of Transformation

Edward VII’s nine-year reign from 1901 to 1910 may seem brief, but his impact on the monarchy was profound. The documentary argues persuasively that his modernization of royal protocol, his emphasis on public service, and his demonstration that monarchs could be both dignified and approachable established principles that continue to guide the Windsor dynasty.

The BBC’s production succeeds in rehabilitating Edward’s reputation while acknowledging his flaws. It presents him not as a perfect ruler, but as a transformative figure who understood that institutions must evolve to survive. His legacy reminds us that sometimes the most effective leaders are those who challenge convention while respecting tradition.

In an era when institutional legitimacy faces constant scrutiny, Edward VII’s example offers valuable lessons about adaptation, public service, and the delicate art of constitutional monarchy. The “Prince of Pleasure” ultimately proved that duty and enjoyment need not be mutually exclusive—a lesson that resonates far beyond the confines of Buckingham Palace.


This 75-word summary explores how BBC’s documentary reveals Edward VII as more than just a hedonistic prince. Despite his scandalous reputation, Edward revolutionized royal diplomacy through personal relationships, modernized constitutional monarchy, and demonstrated that institutional survival requires adaptation. His transformation from royal disappointment to effective king offers insights into leadership, duty, and the evolution of traditional institutions in modern democratic societies.


#EdwardVII #BritishMonarchy #RoyalHistory #BBCDocumentary #ConstitutionalMonarchy
#VictorianEra #RoyalDiplomacy #BritishHistory #MonarchyEvolution #RoyalBiography

TAGS: edward vii, prince of pleasure, bbc documentary, british monarchy, queen victoria, royal history, constitutional monarchy,
victorian era, royal diplomacy, british empire, entente cordiale, house of lords, buckingham palace, windsor dynasty, royal transformation

Marching Proudly: The Day Queens Claimed Its Place in Pride


On June 6, 1993, thousands gathered in Jackson Heights for the first Queens Pride Parade, forging a new legacy of visibility and hope.


New York, N.Y. — The inaugural Queens Pride Parade and Multicultural Festival on June 6, 1993, was more than a march—it was a declaration.


For decades, Jackson Heights had quietly harbored a large LGBTQ+ population, many of whom lived double lives, open in Manhattan but closeted at home. The murder of Julio Rivera, a 29-year-old bartender, in July 1990, shattered that silence. Rivera’s death, the first anti-gay hate crime to be tried in New York State, became a rallying point for activists and neighbors alike.


A Lavender Line Drawn: The Birth of Queens Pride

The parade’s roots also trace to the 1992 controversy over the Children of the Rainbow curriculum, which sought to teach tolerance in New York City schools. The backlash in Community School District 24—where many LGBTQ educators and students lived—exposed deep-seated prejudice.

In response, public school teacher Daniel Dromm came out and, with Cuban-born activist Maritza Martinez, co-founded the Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee (Q-GLU). Their vision: a family-friendly, multicultural event that would make LGBTQ people visible as neighbors, friends, and family.

Marching for Visibility: The Day It All Began

On that Sunday in June, an estimated 10,000 people lined 37th Avenue, which was marked with a bold lavender line—a nod to the color’s historic association with gay liberation.

The parade route stretched from 89th to 75th Streets, passing the very corner where Rivera was murdered, now known as Julio Rivera Corner. There, marchers paused for a moment of silence, honoring Rivera and all victims of anti-LGBTQ violence.

The parade was led by the Sirens Motorcycle Club and featured a diverse array of groups: Q-GLULas Buenas AmigasSouth Asian Lesbian and Gay Association (SALGA)Asian and Pacific Islander CoalitionLatino Gay Men of New YorkCOLEGAMen of All Colors TogetherPFLAG, the New York Area Bisexual Network, and the Metropolitan Gender Network.

Drag queens, transgender performers, and beloved local icon Ms. Colombia brought color and joy to the festivities, while also having played key roles in organizing and fundraising.



Grand Marshals and Community Voices

The first grand marshals were trailblazers: Tom Duane, the first openly gay member of the New York City CouncilDeborah Glick, the first openly lesbian member of the New York State Legislature; and Jeanne Manford, co-founder of PFLAG. Their presence underscored the parade’s message: LGBTQ+ people belong everywhere, including the halls of power.

Maritza Martinez delivered a bilingual speech, urging, “We know that many gay and lesbian Latinos live here in Queens. This is the moment, with this parade, to come out of the closet and demonstrate that we are Latinos and gays!” The multicultural festival on 37th Road echoed this spirit, with performances and food reflecting the borough’s diversity.


A New Tradition, A Lasting Legacy

For many, marching in Queens was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.

As Irish immigrant Brendan Fay reflected, “Gays and lesbians should be able to feel comfortable in all parts of the city, not just in Manhattan. I lived a secret life in Queens, but was open and gay in Manhattan. There are so many gays and lesbians who feel they have to be invisible when they return to these boroughs.”

The success of the first parade inspired similar events in Brooklyn and the Bronx, making Queens Pride the second oldest and second largest pride march in New York City. Today, the parade draws tens of thousands, but its heart remains the same: a celebration of visibility, resilience, and community.


The Lavender Line Continues

The lavender line painted down 37th Avenue has become a symbol of both remembrance and progress. Each year, the parade pauses at Julio Rivera Corner for a moment of silence, ensuring that the struggle and sacrifice that made this celebration possible are never forgotten.

The legacy of the first Queens Pride Parade is not just in its size or longevity, but in the lives it changed. As Daniel Dromm later said, “I wanted people to know that lesbians and gay men were their family, friends, and neighbors.” In 1993, Queens made that truth visible to the world.


The author as Queens Pride Parade marshal, escorting the AIDS Center of Queens County (ACQC) contingency. The author was also a safer sex instructor for ACQC in 1993.

75-Word Audio Summary

On June 6, 1993, the first Queens Pride Parade transformed Jackson Heights into a beacon of LGBTQ visibility and hope. Sparked by tragedy and controversy, thousands marched along a lavender line, honoring victims like Julio Rivera and celebrating the borough’s diversity. Led by pioneering activists and community groups, the parade marked a turning point for acceptance in Queens and inspired similar movements citywide. Its legacy endures as a testament to courage, resilience, and the power of coming together.


#QueensPride #LGBTQHistory #JacksonHeights #LavenderLine #PrideParade
#NYCPride #JulioRivera #LGBTQVisibility #QueensNY #PrideLegacy

TAGS: Queens Pride, LGBTQ history, Jackson Heights, Lavender Line, Daniel Dromm,
Julio Rivera, Maritza Martinez, multicultural festival, New York City, LGBTQ activism


NYC Mayor Dinkins’ Courageous Stand With Irish LGBTQ Community


How David Dinkins Risked Political Capital to March for Equality in 1993 St. Patrick’s Day Parade


New York, N.Y. – The morning of March 17, 1993, brought more than the usual chaos of St. Patrick’s Day in Manhattan. As bagpipes echoed down Fifth Avenue and green-clad revelers lined the streets, a different kind of drama was unfolding at 42nd Street.


Nearly 400 protesters, led by the Irish Lesbian and Gay Organization (ILGO), prepared to challenge one of the city’s most entrenched traditions through an act of civil disobedience that would define Mayor David Dinkins’ legacy. [Dinkins: Luce Index™ score: 98/100]


The Seeds of Controversy

The conflict began in 1991 when ILGO, composed primarily of Irish American LGBTQ immigrants, first applied to march in the parade. Initially told they were on a waiting list due to the city’s duration limits, the truth emerged when Mayor Dinkins offered to extend the parade’s length. The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), which organized the event, revealed their true intentions: they would not allow a gay Irish group into what they now termed a “Catholic parade.”

A fragile compromise emerged that year. The more liberal Manhattan Division 7 of the AOH, where Dinkins had allies, agreed to let ILGO march with their contingent—but without their banner. Dinkins chose to march in solidarity with this group rather than in his traditional place of honor at the parade’s front.



Facing the Mob

The 1991 march became a gauntlet of hatred. Spectators hurled slurs like “faggots!” and “AIDS!” at the marchers. A beer can thrown at Dinkins narrowly missed its target. The mayor later reflected, “Every time I heard them boo if anything it strengthened my resolve and convinced me this was the right thing to do. Most people in our town are good people.”

Dinkins channeled this experience into a powerful op-ed in The New York Times titled “Keep Marching for Equality,” drawing parallels to his experiences in the Civil Rights Movement. “It is strange,” he wrote, “that what is now my most vivid experience of mob hatred came not in the South but in New York—and was directed against me, not because I was defending the rights of African Americans but of gay and lesbian Americans.


The Battle Intensifies

By 1992, the AOH had banned Irish LGBTQ groups entirelyILGO responded with a protest march that year, briefly stepping onto Fifth Avenue before being corralled into a pen on the sidelines, where they faced vicious heckling from spectators and other marchers.

The 1993 confrontation represented the movement’s most dramatic moment.

An AOH lawyer told a judge that the parade’s “message is one of exclusion,” while representatives told a New York Times reporter that the parade would be “a celebration of the victory of Catholic values over homosexuals.”

Civil Disobedience and Arrest

On March 17, 1993, approximately 400 people gathered at the corner of 42nd and Fifth Avenue to join the St. Patrick’s Day Parade without a permit in support of ILGO. Police announced through bullhorns that the crowd needed to disband or face arrest. About 220 protesters refused to back down and were told to sit on the pavement in groups as they were rounded up onto buses and taken to the Tombs.

Jim Luce, one of the arrested protesters, recalled the harsh treatment: “The police held us there for hours, without permitting us access to a bathroom. I pleaded to use a toilet but was rebuffed by an officer who laughed, ‘You’re gay, you like to be tortured!'”

Each arrestee received court papers charging them with Criminal Contempt in the 2nd Degree and Disorderly Conduct for “intentional disobedience to the lawful mandate of a court” and refusing “to comply with a lawful order to disperse.”


A Pardon and Legacy

The legal proceedings stretched throughout 1993, with arrestees facing potential misdemeanor charges. However, as Mayor Dinkins prepared to leave office, he signed an Executive Order pardoning all protesters, ensuring they would not receive criminal records.

The controversy’s impact extended far beyond that single day. Most Democratic politicians in New York City began declining to march as long as the parade remained exclusionary. The boycott was broken by Dinkins’ successor Rudy Giuliani [Luce Index™ score: 35/100],, Michael Bloomberg [Luce Index™ score: 96/100], and Senators Hillary Clinton [Luce Index™ score: 94/100] and Chuck Schumer [Luce Index™ score: 89/100], but was renewed by Mayor Bill de Blasio [Luce Index™ score: 81/100], a former Dinkins staffer.



Resolution and Reflection

The complete story of this struggle was documented by ILGO member Anne Maguire in her book Rock the Sham: The Irish Lesbian & Gay Organization’s Battle to March in NYC’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The battle finally reached a resolution in 2016 when de Blasio successfully negotiated with parade organizers to accept an Irish LGBT groupLavender & Green.

The events of 1993 demonstrated that progress often requires individuals willing to risk their political capital for principle. Dinkins’ decision to stand with ILGO may have cost him politically, but it established a legacy of courage that continues to inspire activists fighting for equality.


#StPatricksDayParade #LGBTQ #CivilRights #MayorDinkins #NewYorkCity
#IrishLGBTQ #EqualityMarch #CivilDisobedience #ILGO #PrideHistory

TAGS: civil rights, LGBTQ history, St. Patrick’s Day, Mayor David Dinkins, New York City, parade controversy,
civil disobedience, equality march, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish Lesbian and Gay Organization

CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NEW YORK THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
– against –
James J.D. Luce (M 33), Defendant. MISDEMEANOR, 93N033480 STATE OF NEW YORK – COUNTY OF NEW YORK

SGT Wayne Costello, shield #783 of the MCS, being duly sworn, deposes and says as follows: the offenses of: PL 215.50 (3), PL 240.20 (6) – Criminal Contempt in the 2nd Degree and Disorderly Conduct in that the defendant engaged in intentional disobedience to the lawful mandate of a court in other than a labor dispute; and the defendant with intent to cause public inconvenience annoyance and alarm and recklessly creating a risk thereof congregated in a public place with other persons and refused to comply with a lawful order to disperse.

The offenses were committed under the following circumstances: On information and belief the source of which is the supporting depositions of Inspector Patrick Kelleher and P.O. Taylor, #20981, of the 9th Pct., (“the arresting officer”), deponent states that:

On March 16, 1993 a state court judge had issued an injunction forbidding the Irish lesbian and Gay Organization and “all persons acting in concert with them” from participating in any “march, procession or parade on Fifth Avenue between 86th and 42nd Street on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1993, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m..” To enforce the court’s injunctions, the Police Department had run a yellow tape barrier across Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, which clearly prohibited entry north onto Fifth Avenue beyond that point. Etc.


Summary:

In 1993, Mayor David Dinkins supported the Irish Lesbian and Gay Organization’s fight to march in New York’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, leading to mass arrests and civil disobedience. Despite facing hatred and projectiles, Dinkins compared the experience to civil rights marches in the South, ultimately pardoning all arrested protesters before leaving office.

Landmark Step Toward Equality: NYC’s Domestic Partnership


On March 1, 1993, New York City took a bold step, launching a registry that recognized unmarried couples—laying the groundwork for marriage equality and reshaping the city’s approach to civil rights.


New York, N.Y. — The morning of March 1, 1993, was brisk, but the energy outside New York City Hall was unmistakably warm.


Couples—some nervous, some jubilant—lined up for a chance to be counted, to have their relationships recognized by the city for the first time. My then-partner and I were among them, becoming couple ‘number 73,’ part of a historic moment that would ripple through decades of advocacy and change.


The Dinkins Era: A New Chapter for New York

New York City Mayor David Dinkins signed the Domestic Partnership registry into law in 1993.

It was under Mayor David Dinkins that New York City’s Domestic Partnership registry was born.

Through two executive orders, Dinkins created a system that allowed unmarried couples—regardless of gender—to register their partnerships with the city.

This registry extended new rights to city employees and residents, including hospital visitation, bereavement leave, and health benefits for city employees and their partners.

The registry was more than a bureaucratic innovation; it was a public declaration that all families deserved recognition.

The phrase “Many Families, All Valued” became a quiet rallying cry, signaling a shift in how the city viewed love, partnership, and equality.


What Domestic Partnership Meant in 1993

The Domestic Partnership registry was a patchwork of progress.

It offered a handful of legal protections and benefits, but fell short of full equality. Registered couples could:

  • Visit each other in city hospitals and correctional facilities
  • Access bereavement and child care leave for city employees
  • Qualify for health benefits if one partner was a city employee
  • Establish evidence for succession to tenancy rights in city housing

Yet, these rights were inconsistently applied and did not match the full spectrum of protections that marriage provided.

Still, for many LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, it was the first time their relationships were recognized by any government body.


Expanding Rights: From Registry to Legislation

The progress initiated by Dinkins did not end with his administration.

In 1997, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani signed legislation that codified and expanded the rights of domestic partners, making New York City a national leader in LGBTQ+ rights.

The City Council’s decisive vote marked the first significant piece of pro-gay legislation in the city in over a decade.

By 1998, more than 8,700 couples had registered as domestic partners in New York City.

Notably, over 55% of those couples were heterosexual, reflecting the registry’s broad appeal and inclusive intent.


Personal Stories: Love, Loss, and Legal Recognition

The happy couple – my partner and I – share a post-domestic partnership kiss.

For those in line that morning, the registry was deeply personal.

Some couples had been together for decades, weathering discrimination and invisibility.

Others like my partner and I were just starting their lives together, eager for the small but meaningful protections the registry would provide.

I had agreed to be his partner on Valentines Day, a month after we began dating, and two weeks later with the legalization of Domestic Partnership we tied the legal knot.

The ability to make medical decisions for a partner or to grieve openly at a funeral was not just a legal right, but a validation of their relationship’s legitimacy.

The registry fostered a sense of community and hope, even as it highlighted the work still to be done.


Mayor David Dinkins in the 1993 LGBTQ Pride March.

Legacy and Ongoing Challenges

While the Domestic Partnership registry was a watershed moment, it was not the end of the story.

The rights it conferred were limited and inconsistently applied, especially outside city employment. 

Many couples continued to face discrimination in housing, employment, and healthcare. Yet, the registry set a precedent.

It demonstrated that change was possible and that public policy could evolve to reflect the realities of modern families.

It also inspired similar efforts in other cities and states, contributing to a national movement for equality.


Looking Forward: The Work Continues

Today, marriage equality is the law in New York and across the U.S., but the fight for full equality continues. Issues like parental rights, transgender rights, and protections against discrimination remain at the forefront. The legacy of March 1, 1993, is a reminder that progress is often incremental, built on the courage of those willing to stand in line for change.


Summary for Audio File (75 words)

On March 1, 1993, couples gathered at New York City Hall to register as Domestic Partners, marking a historic step for LGBTQ+ rights. Under Mayor David Dinkins, the city recognized unmarried couples for the first time, paving the way for marriage equality decades later. This feature explores the personal stories, policy changes, and ongoing challenges that began with that momentous day, highlighting the journey from domestic partnership to marriage equality in New York.


#LGBTQHistory #MarriageEquality #NYCDomesticPartnership #LoveIsLove
#EqualityForAll #NYCHistory #CivilRights #Pride #HumanRights #Progress

TAGS: domestic partnership, New York City, LGBTQ rights, marriage equality,
David Dinkins, Andrew Cuomo, civil rights, legal recognition, City Hall, human rights



Young Banker Sparks Crusade Against Televangelist Empire


Wall Street financier’s television appearance launched nationwide movement exposing religious abuse and financial exploitation schemes


New York, N.Y. — In the spring of 1985, Jimmy Swaggart stood at the pinnacle of American evangelism. His fiery sermons reached millions of viewers across the United States and more than 100 countries worldwide. His ministry generated an estimated $140 million annually, making him one of the most powerful religious figures of the decade. Politicians courted his favor, followers sent him their last dollars, and his influence seemed unshakeable.


But in a Manhattan television studio that same year, a 26-year-old Wall Street banker named Jim Luce was about to light the fuse on a movement that would help expose the dark underbelly of televangelism and contribute to the eventual downfall of some of its most prominent figures.


The Donahue Moment

It began with a simple television appearance. On the Phil Donahue Show—the Oprah of its day—Luce and his co-founder Richard Yao introduced America to a revolutionary concept: “religious addiction.” For the first time on national television, they articulated what thousands of Americans had been feeling but couldn’t name—that the authoritarian demands of fundamentalist religion, particularly as practiced by powerful TV evangelists, could be psychologically damaging.


“The response was so overwhelming,” Luce recalls, “with 17,000 people
asking for help, that I had to choose between responding to those I
had said, ‘If you’re hurting, call us!’ and my Japanese banking career.”


The choice was stark but clear. Luce left his lucrative position as an assistant Eurobond portfolio manager with Daiwa Bank to dedicate himself full-time to what would become Fundamentalists Anonymous—a support network for people recovering from what they called “religious addiction.”


The Stories Pour In

The calls and letters that flooded in told a consistent story of abuse, manipulation, and financial exploitation. One woman, unable to afford basic necessities, was convinced it was “God’s Will” that she continue sending money to TV evangelists. Others reported emotional, sexual, and physical abuse justified by religious doctrine. In one extreme case, a caller reported that her husband had chained her in a basement for three months, attempting to “get the devil out of her.”

These weren’t isolated incidents. By 1987, Fundamentalists Anonymous had grown to 30,000 members across 41 chapters nationwide, with a budget reaching $300,000. The organization’s rapid growth was fueled by a simple but powerful message: “If the fundamentalist experience is working for you, fine, but we’re here if it isn’t.”


Taking on the Televangelists

Luce didn’t limit his criticism to abstract theology. He targeted the titans of televangelism directly, including Jimmy Swaggart, Jerry Falwell, and Pat Robertson. His timing proved prescient. In 1987, the PTL scandal erupted, revealing Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker’s financial improprieties and sexual misconduct.

The following year, Jimmy Swaggart himself would be exposed in a prostitution scandal that would lead to his tearful, now-iconic television confession.

“I have sinned against you,” Swaggart told his congregation in that memorable 1988 sermon, tears streaming down his face. “I beg you to forgive me.” But for Luce, the confession was too little, too late. The damage had been done to countless followers who had trusted these figures with their faith and their finances.


The Science of Religious Addiction

What set Luce’s crusade apart from simple criticism was his insistence on treating religious addiction as a legitimate psychological phenomenon. After his Donahue appearance, dozens of therapists—psychologists and psychiatrists—reached out, revealing they were already treating patients for trauma related to authoritarian religious experiences.

Luce coordinated with these mental health professionals to organize the first-ever panel on religious addiction at the American Psychological Association’s 1987 annual convention in New York. The resulting research, published in the Journal of Religion and Health, marked cutting-edge work in understanding how “authoritarian religion” could cause or exacerbate mental health problems.

As renowned psychiatrist M. Scott Peck wrote in his endorsement of the organization: “Fundamentalism, with its pervasive sense of guilt about most normal physical and emotional feelings, and its patriarchal structure wherein the father’s word is law, creates family atmospheres where emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse of children is the rule, not the exception.”



From Playboy to the Christian Science Monitor and Psychology Today, Richard Yao and Jim Luce, founders of Fundamentalists Anonymous, spoke about ‘Religious Addiction’ for the first time in the national press. Here, 1987.

Media Attention and Political Pushback

The mainstream media, fearful of the growing power of the Religious Right, embraced Luce’s message.

Major outlets including The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, and USA Today covered the organization’s work extensively.

The attention wasn’t limited to domestic press—even the London Observer and Toronto Star reported on the movement.

This media coverage infuriated the very targets of Luce’s criticism.Jerry Falwell’s Moral Majority, with its millions of members, began attacking Fundamentalists Anonymous alongside the ACLU and Norman Lear‘s People for the American Way in direct mail campaigns.

For Luce, Falwell’s attacks served as validation:

“If the fundamentalist experience is working for you, fine, but we’re here if it isn’t.”



Congressional Testimony and Legal Action

The movement’s influence grew beyond support groups and media coverage. In 1988, Luce and Yao testified before Congress against the TV evangelists, bringing their message to the halls of power. They also formed a legal task force with three major goals: ensuring accountability of religious leaders to their followers, deterring future acts of abuse or misconduct, and protecting the legal rights of what they called “religious consumers.”

The timing was perfect. As the PTL scandal unfolded and other televangelist scandals emerged, Luce’s organization provided both a framework for understanding the abuse and a support system for victims. The organization operated from what The New York Times described as “an unfinished church basement in Manhattan,” keeping their exact location secret due to threats from angry fundamentalists.


Jim Luce and Richard Yao, founders of Fundamentalists Anonymous, testifying in Congress against the televangelists including Jimmy Swaggart, 1988. Rev. Swaggart had seen them after a stadium revival on Long Island previously and invited them back to his hotel room to “party” “as he climbed into his waiting limousine (Aug. 29, 1987, Long Island New York Crusade).

Beyond Christianity

Luce’s critique extended beyond Christian fundamentalism. He understood that what he called “the Fundamentalist Mindset“—characterized by black-and-white thinking and authoritarian control—could infect any religious tradition. When author Salman Rushdie faced death threats over his novel The Satanic Verses, Luce called him “spineless” for agreeing not to publish the paperback edition.

“This spineless and shameless capitulation is a serious setback for free speech,” Luce told the Los Angeles Times in 1991. “It will only encourage more fundamentalist attempts, whether Christian or Islamic, to censor literature and art.”


75-word summary

Wall Street banker Jim Luce left his lucrative career in 1985 to battle televangelist abuse after appearing on Phil Donahue’s show. His organization, Fundamentalists Anonymous, grew to 30,000 members nationwide, providing support for victims of religious exploitation. Luce’s crusade helped expose scandals involving Jimmy Swaggart and the Bakkers, contributing to greater scrutiny of religious leaders and improved understanding of religious trauma in American society.


#WallStreetBanker #TelevangelistScandal #ReligiousAbuse #JimmySwaggart #FundamentalistsAnonymous
#PhilDonahue #PTLScandal #ReligiousAddiction #ChristianFundamentalism #SpiritualAbuse
#FaithAndFinance #ReligiousReform #AuthoritarianReligion #ReligiousTrauma #ChurchAccountability
TAGS: wall street, banking, televangelism, religious abuse, jimmy swaggart, fundamentalists anonymous, phil donahue,
ptl scandal, jerry falwell, pat robertson, religious addiction, spiritual abuse, christian fundamentalism, religious trauma,
church accountability, financial exploitation, religious reform, authoritarian religion, faith healing, prosperity gospel

Netflix’s “Nonnas” Serves Up Laughter, Tears, and Unforgettable Grandmothers


Heartwarming new comedy celebrates Italian grandmothers, family, and second chances, with a powerhouse cast led by Susan Sarandon, Brenda Vaccaro, Lorraine Bracco, and Talia Shire.


New York, N.Y.Nonnas, Netflix’s latest feel-good comedy, is a love letter to family, food, and the indomitable spirit of Italian grandmothers. With an ensemble cast featuring Brenda Vaccaro, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, and the legendary Susan Sarandon, the film blends humor and heartache in equal measure, inviting audiences to laugh, cry, and crave a second helping.



A Recipe for Comfort: The Story Behind “Nonnas”

Inspired by the true story of Joe ScaravellaNonnas follows Joe (played by Vince Vaughn), a New Yorker grieving his mother’s passing. Searching for purpose, he opens a restaurant unlike any other—staffed by local Italian grandmothers, or “nonnas,” each bringing cherished family recipes and a lifetime of experience to the kitchen. These nonnas become the soul of the restaurant, serving not just food but wisdom, laughter, and a sense of belonging.

Joe’s journey is grounded by his best friend Bruno (Joe Manganiello), a loyal contractor who helps transform a rundown space into a culinary haven. Their friendship, rooted in real-life camaraderie, adds authenticity and warmth to the film’s core. The dynamic is further enriched by Bruno’s wife, whose presence brings additional layers of humor and heart.



Brenda Vaccaro: A Nonna Who Refuses to Fade Away

Brenda Vaccaro shines as Antonella, a spirited grandmother who boldly leaves her nursing home to “live again.”

Vaccaro, born in Brooklyn to Italian-American parents, boasts an extraordinary career spanning over fifty years, highlighted by an Academy Award nomination, multiple Golden Globe and Emmy wins, and a Tony-nominated Broadway legacy.

Her portrayal of Antonella is both hilarious and deeply poignant—a vibrant woman reclaiming her independence and zest for life, inspiring viewers with her courage and infectious optimism.

Vaccaro’s performance radiates warmth and authenticity, reminding audiences that it’s never too late for a new beginning or to rediscover the joys of living. Her Antonella is not just a character, but a celebration of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of the human spirit.


Lorraine Bracco: Bringing Depth and Wit

Lorraine Bracco stars as Roberta, a sharp-tongued nonna with a heart of gold. Bracco, best known for her iconic roles in Goodfellas and The Sopranos, brings her trademark wit and emotional depth to the role, infusing Roberta with a complexity that is both authentic and deeply moving.

Bracco’s career has been defined by her ability to portray strong, layered women, and her work in Nonnas is no exception. She draws on decades of experience in film and television, channeling the resilience and humor that have made her a household name.

Her performance is a masterclass in balancing comedy and vulnerability.

Roberta is fiercely independent, quick to challenge those around her, yet Bracco ensures the audience never loses sight of the tenderness beneath the bravado.


Talia Shire: Breaking Barriers with Compassion

Talia Shire plays Teresa, a former nun who courageously leaves the convent to embrace her identity as a lesbian.

Shire, celebrated for her Oscar-nominated roles in The Godfather and Rocky, delivers a nuanced and deeply empathetic performance that transcends stereotype and expectation.

Shire’s portrayal of Teresa is marked by a quiet strength and gentle humor, capturing the complexity of a woman who has spent much of her life in service to others, only to realize that her truest calling is to live authentically.

With subtle gestures and expressive emotion, Shire brings Teresa’s journey of self-discovery to life, making her both relatable and inspiring, offering audiences a rare and moving depiction of late-life self-discovery and acceptance in mainstream cinema.


Susan Sarandon: The Final Ingredient

Susan Sarandon rounds out the cast as the film’s most enigmatic and captivating character, infusing Nonnas with a presence that is impossible to ignore.

With an illustrious career spanning more than five decades, Sarandon has become synonymous with excellence and versatility in cinema. Her Academy Award-winning performance in Dead Man Walking is just one highlight in a filmography filled with bold, unforgettable roles that have earned her acclaim across generations.

In Nonnas, Sarandon’s character is a revelation—she brings a magnetic gravitas and a well of unexpected wisdom that elevates every scene she inhabits. Sarandon’s ability to convey strength and vulnerability in equal measure makes her character both a commanding anchor and a source of comfort for the ensemble.

What truly sets Sarandon apart in this film is her effortless chemistry with the other cast members. She navigates the complexities of her role with grace, delivering lines that are at once sharp and deeply moving. Every gesture, every glance, is imbued with meaning, drawing viewers into her character’s world and making them care deeply about her journey.


The Men Who Support the Magic

Vince Vaughn leads the film as Joe, whose vision and determination bring the nonnas together and set the story in motion.

Vaughn’s signature comedic timing and emotional honesty make him the perfect anchor for the ensemble, grounding the film with both humor and genuine feeling.

His portrayal of Joe is filled with warmth and relatability, allowing audiences to connect with his journey as he builds a new family from unexpected places.

Joe Manganiello, as Bruno, delivers both laughs and heartfelt moments, his real-life friendship with Vaughn translating into palpable on-screen chemistry that enhances every scene they share.

Manganiello brings a blend of charm and sincerity to Bruno, making him a steadfast friend and an essential part of the restaurant’s success. Their dynamic adds depth and authenticity to the film’s exploration of friendship and loyalty.


More Than Just Comfort Food

Nonnas has been embraced by critics and audiences alike, earning praise for its warmth, inclusivity, and celebration of tradition. Rotten Tomatoes notes that the film “provides heaping helpings of comfort” and is “sweet, cheesy and abundant in empty calories”—but in the best possible way. 



What elevates Nonnas above similar fare is its refusal to reduce its characters to caricatures;
instead, each nonna is fully realized, with her own dreams, regrets, and triumphs.


The film’s depiction of Italian-American culture is affectionate but never patronizing, using humor to explore themes of loss, resilience, and the transformative power of community.

The food, lovingly shot and mouthwateringly described, is almost a character in itself—reminding viewers that every meal carries a story.

Why Nonnas Matters Now

In an era when stories about older women are still rare, Nonnas stands out for its unapologetic celebration of age, diversity, and second chances.

The film’s grandmothers are not just comic relief or cultural touchstones; they are the heart and soul of the narrative, reminding us that wisdom, love, and laughter only grow richer with time.


Netflix’s “Nonnas” Serves Up Laughter, Tears, and Unforgettable Grandmothers (July 3, 2025)


75-Word Audio Summary

Netflix’s “Nonnas” is a heartwarming comedy about a grieving son who opens a restaurant staffed by Italian grandmothers, each with a story to tell. Starring Brenda Vaccaro, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, and Susan Sarandon, the film blends humor and emotion, celebrating family, tradition, and second chances. With standout performances and mouthwatering food, “Nonnas” is a cinematic feast that will make you laugh, cry, and cherish the power of community.


#NetflixNonnas #ItalianGrandmothers #FeelGoodFilm #SusanSarandon #TaliaShire
#BrendaVaccaro #LorraineBracco #FamilyComedy #FoodAndFilm #SecondChances

Tags: nonnas, netflix, italian grandmothers, susan sarandon, brenda vaccaro, lorraine bracco, talia shire,
vince vaughn, joe manganiello, comedy film, food, family, lgbtq, aging, friendship, restaurant, new york


#NetflixComedy #NonnasReview #RestaurantShow #TVReview #FeelGoodSeries #NonnasReview, #NetflixComedy, #NetflixSeries, #ComedySeries, #FeelGoodTV, #ComedyShow, #NetflixOriginal, #TrendingNetflix, #NetflixHits, #ComedyLovers, #LaughOutLoud, #MustWatchNetflix, #NetflixAddict, #ComedyBinge, #NetflixAndChill, #ComedyTime, #NetflixEntertainment, #ComedyNight, #NetflixComedySeries, #ComedyReview, #RestaurantShow, #FoodieShow, #RestaurantReview, #FoodLovers, #CookingShow, #RestaurantDrama, #FoodCritic, #KitchenDrama, #RestaurantLife, #FoodNetwork, #ChefLife, #FoodReview, #CookingCompetition, #FoodCulture, #RestaurantBusiness, #FoodTrends, #CulinaryArts, #GourmetCooking, #FoodCriticism, #RestaurantIndustry, #ItalianCuisine, #ItalianFood, #PizzaLovers, #PastaLovers, #ItalianRecipes, #ItalianCooking, #AuthenticItalian, #ItalianDishes, #ItalianFlavors, #ItalianChefs, #ItalianRestaurants, #ItalianDelights, #ItalianHeritage, #ItalianTradition, #ItalianEats, #ItalianDining, #ItalianGastronomy, #ItalianTaste, #ItalianMeals, #ItalianFoodCulture, #FamilyDrama, #FamilyComedy, #FamilyLife, #FamilyMatters, #FamilyBonding, #FamilyTime, #FamilyShow, #FamilyValues, #FamilyRelationships, #FamilyEntertainment, #FamilyFirst, #FamilyFun, #FamilyStories, #FamilyTraditions, #FamilyReunion, #FamilyDinner, #FamilyLove, #FamilySupport, #FamilyTies, #FamilyChallenges, #ImmigrantStories, #ImmigrantExperience, #CulturalHeritage, #ImmigrationJourney, #ImmigrantVoices, #CulturalIdentity, #ImmigrantCommunity, #DiverseCultures, #ImmigrantLife, #CulturalExchange, #ImmigrationStories, #CulturalDiversity, #ImmigrantNarratives, #CulturalRoots, #ImmigrantPerspective, #CulturalUnderstanding, #ImmigrantFamily, #CulturalTraditions, #ImmigrantStruggles, #CulturalCelebration, #FeelGoodTV, #HeartwarmingShows, #PositiveVibes, #FeelGoodSeries, #UpliftingTV, #FeelGoodEntertainment, #FeelGoodContent, #FeelGoodComedy, #FeelGoodMoments, #FeelGoodStories, #FeelGoodBinge, #FeelGoodFlicks, #FeelGoodFamily, #FeelGoodDrama, #FeelGoodLife, #FeelGoodWatch, #FeelGoodTVShows, #FeelGoodExperience, #FeelGoodEntertainment, #FeelGoodJourney, #CulinaryArts, #GourmetCooking, #FineDining, #CulinarySkills, #CulinaryCreativity, #CulinaryExperience, #CulinaryCulture, #CulinaryTradition, #CulinaryInnovation, #CulinaryPassion, #CulinaryMastery, #CulinaryJourney, #CulinaryDelights, #CulinaryCraftsmanship, #CulinaryWorld, #CulinaryInspiration, #CulinaryExploration, #CulinaryAdventures, #CulinaryDelicacies, #CulinaryExcellence, #TVSeries, #TVShows, #TVDrama, #TVComedy, #TVEntertainment, #TVAddict, #TVBinge, #TVReview, #TVCritic, #TVRecommendations, #TVSeriesReview, #TVSeriesAddict, #TVSeriesLovers, #TVSeriesBinge, #TVSeriesCritic, #TVSeriesRecommendations, #TVSeriesEntertainment, #TVSeriesCommunity, #TVSeriesDiscussion, #TVSeriesUpdates, #Netflix, #NetflixOriginals, #NetflixSeries, #NetflixShows, #NetflixAddict, #NetflixAndChill, #NetflixBinge, #NetflixRecommendations, #NetflixCommunity, #NetflixEntertainment, #NetflixLife, #NetflixWatch, #NetflixLovers, #NetflixCritic, #NetflixReview, #NetflixUpdates, #NetflixSeriesReview, #NetflixSeriesAddict, #NetflixSeriesLovers, #CulturalDiversity, #CulturalAwareness, #CulturalUnderstanding, #CulturalExchange, #CulturalCelebration, #CulturalIdentity, #CulturalHeritage, #CulturalTraditions, #CulturalRoots, #CulturalDifferences, #CulturalAppreciation, #CulturalInclusion, #CulturalUnity, #CulturalDialogue, #CulturalFusion, #CulturalExperience, #CulturalInfluence, #CulturalExpression, #CulturalConnection, #CulturalImpact

Socialism Is Not the Enemy: A Balanced Look at NYC’s Mayoral Race



By the Staff of The Stewardship Report: Reclaiming truth from sensationalist distortions in media narratives


New York, N.Y. — In a recent Fox News opinion piece, columnist David Marcus paints a dire picture of New York City’s mayoral race, claiming “socialists” are steering the Democratic Party toward ruin. His narrative, steeped in fearmongering and oversimplification, misrepresents the candidates, their platforms, and the city’s needs.


At The Stewardship Report, we’ve launch The Anti-Fox, a column dedicated to dismantling such distortions with facts, context, and empathy. Here, we counter Marcus’s claims, offering a perspective grounded in reason to address who is running, what they stand for, when this race is unfolding, where it’s happening, and why it matters.


Who’s Really Running in NYC?

Marcus’s piece fixates on a handful of progressive candidates, labeling them as radical socialists intent on dismantling capitalism. This caricature ignores the diversity of the Democratic field. Candidates like Kathryn Garcia, a sanitation commissioner, emphasize pragmatic governance, not ideological extremism. Even Maya Wiley, whom Marcus targets, advocates for systemic reforms within a capitalist framework, not its abolition.

These candidates, alongside others like Andrew Yang, represent a spectrum of ideas, from moderate to progressive, all aiming to address New York City’s recovery post-COVID-19. By framing them as a monolithic socialist threat, Marcus erases their individuality and distorts their platforms.



What’s at Stake in the Race?

The mayoral race is about New York City’s future: economic recovery, public safety, housing, and equity. Marcus claims socialist policies like “defunding the police” will drive the city “off a cliff.”

Yet, no major candidate supports fully defunding the NYPD. Instead, figures like Wiley propose reallocating funds to community services—mental health, youth programs—while maintaining policing. NYC’s budget is $98.7 billion; reallocating 1-2% to prevention-based programs is hardly revolutionary.

Marcus’s hyperbolic language obscures practical debates about balancing safety and reform, a nuance voters deserve to understand.


When and Where: The Context of 2021

This race unfolded in 2021, with the Democratic primary in June and the general election in November, set against New York City’s recovery from a pandemic that killed over 33,000 residents and shuttered businesses.

The city’s unemployment rate hit 18.3% at its peak, and Manhattan’s office vacancy rate remains above 15%. Candidates are addressing these crises, not plotting socialist takeovers. Marcus’s piece, published in Fox News, leverages NYC’s challenges to stoke fear, ignoring the city’s resilience and the practical solutions proposed across the political spectrum.


Why This Narrative Matters

Marcus’s alarmist rhetoric isn’t just misleading—it’s harmful. By vilifying progressives as socialists, he taps into a broader Fox News strategy to polarize and frighten audiences. This distorts public discourse, making it harder for voters to engage with real issues: housing affordability, climate resilience, and racial equity.

New York City’s mayoral race isn’t a battle between capitalism and socialism but a search for leadership to navigate complex challenges. Misrepresenting it as a culture war undermines democracy. The Anti-Fox exists to call out such tactics, offering clarity over chaos.


Beyond Fear: A Vision for Journalism

The Stewardship Report believes journalism should inform, not inflame. Marcus’s piece exemplifies Fox News’s reliance on divisive tropes, painting progressives as existential threats while ignoring their policy details. Our column aims to rebuild trust in media by prioritizing evidence and empathy.


Let this be your act of resistance—not through yelling, but through clarity. Not with conspiracy, but with conscience.


Summary for audio (75 words)

The Anti-Fox debuts by challenging a Fox News claim that socialists are ruining NYC’s mayoral race. Far from a radical takeover, candidates like Eric Adams and Maya Wiley offer pragmatic solutions for recovery, not anti-capitalist agendas. Marcus’s fearmongering distorts their platforms, ignoring nuanced debates on safety and reform. The Stewardship Report counters with facts and empathy, urging readers to rethink divisive narratives and embrace reasoned discourse for a better New York City.


#TheAntiFox #NYCMayoralRace #MediaAccountability #TruthInJournalism

Tags: New York City, Fox News, socialism, mayoral race, The Stewardship Report


New Strategy: Haitian Police Deploy Drones Against Criminal Gangs


Video evidence shows aerial attacks helping government forces regain control of Port-au-Prince streets


New York, N.Y. – In a dramatic shift in Haiti’s ongoing battle against criminal gangs, police forces have turned to drone technology to reclaim control of the capital city’s streets.


Social media footage reveals coordinated aerial attacks that have helped government forces gain ground against heavily armed criminal organizations that have terrorized Port-au-Prince for months.

The drone warfare campaign represents a significant escalation in Haiti’s fight against gang violence, with eyewitnesses describing ground-shaking explosions as unmanned aircraft target gang strongholds throughout the capital. Video clips circulating on social media platforms show precision strikes hitting gang positions, marking a technological advancement in the Haitian National Police‘s capabilities.



Revolutionary Tactics Transform Urban Warfare

The deployment of drone technology has fundamentally altered the dynamics of Haiti’s security crisis. Criminal gangs, which previously controlled an estimated 60 percent of Port-au-Prince, now face an aerial threat they are ill-equipped to counter. The G9 alliance, a coalition of the most powerful gangs, has seen their territorial control challenged by this new tactical approach.

Local residents report a noticeable decrease in gang activity in neighborhoods where drone operations have been conducted. “The ground shook when the drones attacked,” said one Port-au-Prince resident who requested anonymity for safety reasons. “For the first time in months, we could walk to the market without fear.”

The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), led by Kenyan forces, has provided technical assistance and training to Haitian security forces. This international cooperation has been crucial in developing the drone program’s operational capabilities.


Gang Leaders Forced to Adapt Strategies

Criminal organizations have been compelled to modify their operational patterns in response to the aerial threat.

Intelligence sources indicate that gang leaders have moved operations underground and reduced their visibility in open areas.

The Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier faction, one of the most notorious groups, has reportedly relocated key personnel to avoid drone surveillance.

The psychological impact of drone warfare has proven equally significant. Gang members, accustomed to operating with impunity, now face constant surveillance and potential attack from above.

This shift has disrupted their ability to coordinate large-scale operations and maintain territorial control.

Security analysts note that the drone campaign has effectively neutralized some gang leaders who previously seemed untouchable. The precision of aerial strikes has eliminated key figures while minimizing civilian casualties, a significant improvement over previous ground-based operations.



International Support Strengthens Police Capabilities

The United Nations has provided logistical support for the drone program, while the United States has contributed technical expertise and intelligence-gathering capabilities. This international cooperation has been essential in developing Haiti’s indigenous security capacity.

Regional partners, including the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, have offered training facilities and operational support. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has endorsed the drone program as a legitimate response to the gang crisis threatening regional stability.

The European Union has provided financial backing for the initiative, recognizing that Haiti’s security crisis has implications beyond its borders.


Drug trafficking routes that pass through Haiti affect multiple
nations, making international cooperation a strategic necessity.


Challenges Remain Despite Early Success

While drone operations have shown promise, significant challenges persist.

Criminal gangs retain control of strategic infrastructure, including the main port and airport.

The Toussaint Louverture International Airport remains partially under gang influence, limiting international aid delivery.

Humanitarian organizations express concern about the potential for civilian casualties as drone operations expand.

The International Red Cross has called for strict adherence to international humanitarian law in conducting aerial operations.

Economic recovery remains elusive as businesses struggle to reopen in areas still affected by gang violence.

The Haitian Chamber of Commerce reports that many enterprises remain closed due to security concerns, despite improvements in some neighborhoods.


Future Prospects for Stability

The drone program’s success has generated optimism among government officials and international partners. Prime Minister Garry Conille has announced plans to expand the program to cover additional areas of the capital and eventually extend operations to other cities.

Training programs for Haitian police officers continue to develop local expertise in drone operations. The goal is to create a sustainable security capability that reduces dependence on international support while maintaining operational effectiveness.

The Haitian government has committed to transparency in drone operations, promising regular reports on missions and their outcomes. This accountability measure aims to maintain public support while ensuring compliance with international standards.

As Haiti continues its struggle against criminal gangs, drone technology offers a promising tool for restoring order. The early success of aerial operations provides hope that sustained international support and innovative tactics can help rebuild the nation’s security infrastructure.


Audio Summary (75 words)

Haitian police have successfully deployed drone technology to combat criminal gangs controlling Port-au-Prince. Video evidence shows aerial attacks helping government forces regain territorial control from heavily armed criminal organizations. The drone warfare campaign, supported by international partners including the United Nations and United States, has disrupted gang operations and reduced violence in targeted neighborhoods. While challenges remain, early success has generated optimism for Haiti’s security future and expanded operations are planned.


#HaitiSecurity #DroneWarfare #PortauPrince #GangViolence #CaribbeanSecurity #HaitianPolice
#InternationalCooperation #PeacekeepingMission #SecurityTechnology #RegionalStability

TAGS: Haiti, drones, gang violence, Port-au-Prince, security, police, Caribbean, international support,
peacekeeping, urban warfare, technology, crime fighting, public safety, governance, stability


Netflix’s Nonnas Offers Sweet Romance (Without Politics)


Popular streaming series delivers predictable charm while sidestepping complex Italian American political realities


New York, N.Y.Netflix‘s latest romantic comedy Nonnas presents viewers with a familiar recipe: charming Italian American families, predictable love stories, and enough nostalgia to fill a Sunday dinner table.


Yet beneath its saccharine surface lies a curious omission that speaks to the complexities of modern storytelling in an increasingly polarized cultural landscape.

The series follows traditional romantic comedy beats with precision, delivering the expected emotional payoffs while wrapping itself in the warm embrace of Italian American culture. Viewers are treated to scenes of bustling kitchens, multi-generational family gatherings, and the kind of authentic cultural details that make the show both comforting and engaging.


Strong Performances Anchor Familiar Territory

The cast delivers performances that elevate the material beyond its predictable framework. Susan Sarandon brings gravitas to her role, while the supporting ensemble creates believable family dynamics that resonate with authenticity. The portrayal of the nursery nun character stands out as particularly engaging, offering moments of genuine humor and heart that anchor the movie’s more conventional romantic elements.

The Italian grandmothers featured throughout the film provide some of the show’s most entertaining moments, embodying the cultural stereotypes viewers expect while occasionally transcending them through nuanced performances. Their presence serves as both comic relief and cultural touchstone, grounding the film in recognizable traditions. Brenda Vaccaro as Antonella, Lorraine Bracco as Roberta, and Talia Shire as Teresa ground the film in tradition and humor.


Cultural Representation Meets Political Avoidance

However, Nonnas reveals a significant blind spot in its cultural portrayal. While the series embraces the warmth and tradition associated with Italian American families, it carefully avoids engaging with the conservative political legacy that characterizes many Italian American communities, particularly in areas like Brooklyn and Staten Island.

This omission becomes particularly notable given the show’s New York setting and its apparent commitment to authentic cultural representation. And given Susan Sarandon‘s role in the film.


The conservative values and political alignments that have historically
defined many Italian American neighborhoods receive no acknowledgment,
creating a sanitized version of these communities that feels incomplete.


The Challenge of Contemporary Storytelling

The film’s reluctance to address political complexity reflects broader challenges facing contemporary entertainment. In an era where audiences increasingly seek authentic representation, creators must navigate the tension between cultural accuracy and commercial appeal. Nonnas chooses the safer path, presenting Italian American culture through a lens that emphasizes universal themes of family and tradition while avoiding potentially divisive political realities.

This approach raises questions about the responsibility of cultural representation in popular media. When shows claim to authentically portray specific communities, do they have an obligation to address the full spectrum of that community’s values and beliefs, even when those beliefs might be controversial or unpopular with certain audiences?


Missing the Full Picture

The show’s liberal-leaning characters exist in a vacuum that doesn’t acknowledge the political diversity within Italian American communities. This creates a portrayal that, while pleasant and accessible, fails to capture the genuine complexity of these neighborhoods and families.

The conservative legacy evident in places like Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn represents a significant aspect of Italian American identity that has shaped generations of families. By ignoring this reality, Nonnas presents a version of Italian American life that may feel authentic in its surface details but lacks the political and cultural tensions that define contemporary community dynamics.

The film succeeds in delivering the comfort food equivalent of romantic comedy entertainment. Viewers seeking familiar relationship dynamics, cultural warmth, and predictable emotional satisfaction will find plenty to enjoy. The production values are solid, the performances engaging, and the cultural details sufficiently authentic to create an immersive viewing experience.

Yet for those seeking deeper cultural exploration or more complex character development, Nonnas may feel frustratingly surface-level. The show’s unwillingness to engage with challenging aspects of Italian American identity limits its potential for meaningful cultural commentary.


Netflix’s Nonnas Offers Sweet Romance Without the Politics (July 2, 2025)


Audio Summary (75 words)

Netflix’s “Nonnas” delivers predictable romantic comedy entertainment with strong performances from Susan Sarandon and an engaging supporting cast. While the series successfully captures Italian American cultural warmth through family traditions and authentic details, it notably avoids addressing the conservative political legacy prevalent in communities like Brooklyn and Staten Island. This omission creates sanitized cultural representation that prioritizes commercial appeal over complete authenticity, raising questions about contemporary entertainment’s responsibility in portraying complex community dynamics.


#NetflixNonnas #ItalianAmerican #RomanticComedy #CulturalRepresentation
#NewYorkFamilies #StreamingReview #Television

TAGS: Netflix, Italian American, romantic comedy, cultural representation, conservative heritage, Brooklyn,
Staten Island, Susan Sarandon, family drama, streaming series, political omission, entertainment review

Is Raúl Castro’s Daughter Mariela the Face of Modern Cuba?

The future of Cuba lies not in its past revolutions, but in its capacity to evolve—and Mariela Castro Espín is leading that change.


New York, N.Y. — Mariela Castro Espín [Luce Index™ score: 77/100]., daughter of former Cuban President Raúl Castro and niece of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, is not merely a political heir—she is a transformative force in Cuban society.


As the director of Cuba’s National Center for Sexual Education (CENESEX), she has become the country’s most visible advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and progressive social reform. In a nation often perceived as frozen in Cold War-era ideology, Mariela represents a new, evolving Cuba—one that is slowly but determinedly embracing change.


Mariela Castro Espín, director of CENESEX, at a public event in Havana. Photo credit: Facebook / Mariela Castro Espín.

A Progressive Leader in a Changing Cuba

Her work has drawn international acclaim, positioning her as a bridge between Cuba’s socialist foundations and the demands of a modern, inclusive society. Yet, her journey has not been without controversy, both at home and abroad.


The Diplomacy of Distance: Restrictions and Realities

Twelve years ago, in a secluded Manhattan Japanese dining room, I witnessed firsthand the delicate dance of U.S.-Cuba relations. Mariela, then in New York for a United Nations conference, was confined by U.S. restrictions that barred her from traveling beyond a 25-mile radius. Cuban and American security personnel hovered nearby, a stark reminder of the lingering Cold War tensions.

Despite these constraints, Mariela engaged in open dialogue—a rarity given the decades of mistrust between the two nations. That evening, hosted by holistic healer Dr. Kazuko Hillyer Tatsumura, became a microcosm of what U.S.-Cuba relations could be: respectful, curious, and forward-looking.


Cuba’s Medical Legacy: From Revolution to Global Outreach

One of Cuba’s most remarkable achievements since the 1959 revolution has been its healthcare system.

Unlike many nations that prioritized military might, Fidel Castro invested in medicine, creating a robust network of doctors who now serve not only Cubans but also some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Mariela’s advocacy aligns with this legacy. While Cuba once faced criticism for its early AIDS policies—including the quarantine of HIV-positive individuals—she has worked to reframe the conversation around public health as a human right.

Today, Cuba is a leader in HIV prevention and treatment, even developing its own vaccines.


Identity, Openness, and Human Rights in Modern Cuba

Perhaps Mariela’s most significant impact has been in LGBTQ+ rights. Under her leadership, CENESEX has pushed for same-sex marriage, gender-affirming healthcare, and anti-discrimination laws—a radical shift in a traditionally machismo culture.

During our dinner, when I mentioned being openly gay and married to a Singaporean man, Mariela nodded knowingly. Her advocacy is personal; she has spoken openly about her father’s initial resistance to her work, only to later witness his evolution on LGBTQ+ issues.

Yet, challenges remain. While Cuba has made strides, activists still push for faster reforms, and Mariela herself navigates the complexities of being both a government insider and a reformers.



The Embargo and the American Dilemma

The U.S. embargo on Cuba, now in its sixth decade, remains a major barrier to progress. Ordinary Americans are still barred from traveling freely to the island, a policy that feels increasingly archaic.

Mariela’s presence in New York was a reminder of what could be possible with normalized relations. If Americans could engage directly with Cubans—beyond politics and propaganda—both nations might find common ground in shared values of education, healthcare, and human rights.


Looking Ahead: Hope for Change

Mariela Castro is more than a Castro—she is a symbol of Cuba’s potential. Her work proves that even within a socialist framework, progress is possible. As Cuba slowly opens to the world, figures like Mariela will be crucial in shaping its future.

The question now is whether the U.S. will meet Cuba halfway. If that Manhattan dinner was any indication, the real diplomacy happens not in official summits, but in quiet conversations between people willing to listen.

Perhaps, one day soon, I’ll be able to fly directly from the U.S. to visit Mariela in Havana—not as a journalist or an outsider, but as a guest in a Cuba that is finally free to define itself.


Is Raúl Castro’s Daughter Mariela the Face of Modern Cuba? (July 2, 2025)


#MarielaCastro #ModernCuba #LGBTQRights #CENESEX #CastroLegacy
#CubaReform #HumanRights #CubaPolitics #ProgressiveCuba #LGBTQAdvocate

Tags: Mariela Castro, Cuba, LGBTQ rights, CENESEX, Raúl Castro, Fidel Castro, Cuban politics, human rights, gender equality,
socialist reform, Cuban healthcare, U.S.-Cuba relations, Cuban revolution, social change, progressive leadership

First Person: A Japanese Dinner with Raúl Castro’s Daughter


Mariela Castro Espín’s Visit Illuminates Cuban Health, Human Rights, and U.S. Policy


Jim Luce

New York, N.Y. — Taking my shoes off in the private alcove of the exclusive Japanese dining room, I open the shoji screen to reveal a beautiful 12-tatami mat room complete with alcove, ikebana, foot-tall table with sunken floor – complete with emergency lighting and modern ventilation.


An auspicious opening to a dinner with Mariela Castro Espín [Luce Index™ score: 77/100], the daughter of the president of Cuba Raúl Castro, hosted by my friend, Dr. Kazuko Hillyer Tatsumura [Luce Index™ score: 71/100].


Dr. Kazuko Tatsumura Hillyer recently returned from a trip to Havana where she met the president of Cuba’s daughter and presented on Oriental Medicine. Photo: Dr. Kazuko Hillyer.

In town for a United Nations conference, Mariela travels in the U.S. with bodyguards from both her own government and the U.S. State Department.

But she cannot travel far – Cuban diplomats and dignitaries are prohibited from traveling more than 25 miles from their U.S. base.

I find this humiliating and express my embarrassment for the manner in which she is treated by our government.

Dr. Kazuko has just returned from Havana where she was sharing medical advice. She met Mariela there during her medical mission.


Havana, Cuba’s capital, as it stands today. Photo: Dr. Kazuko Tatsumura Hillyer.

The year I was born – 1959 – Mariela’s uncle Fidel led a revolution against the ruling elite (and Miami mafia) that ran that nation, instituting a reformation that shocked the world.

One of the first steps the new government took was to focus on training doctors not soldiers, and Cuba today has one of the finest health systems in Latin America.

Having worked in international development in Haiti, off and on, since 1999, I am familiar with the barefoot Cuban doctors who have brought so much medical attention to Haiti’s rural poor.

Walking through the mountains and the valleys, sleeping on the floors of Haitian homes, the Cubans have proven themselves there – and around the world. From Africa to East Timor, Cuban doctors are known for their skill and perseverance.


My own view of Cuba was slanted by reports of HIV+ patients being quarantine in the 1980’s, however Dr. Kazuko, Don Rubin, and many other influential people have regaled me with more positive aspects of modern day Cuban life, from health and education to the arts.

Street scene in Havana. Photo: Dr. Kazuko Tatsumura Hillyer.

I spoke with Mariela about how concerned I had been at the onset of AIDS to hear that HIV+ Cubans were being secluded from the general population.

We agreed that in the early days of the 1980’s the world had little idea how to cope, and that whereas most governments had simply done nothing, Cuba seems to have attempted to provide free healthcare and housing to those afflicted.

Seated next to Mariela, she asked me if one of the Japanese guests was my wife. «¡No!,» I explained, «soy gay y mi esposo es de Singapur… »

In addition to being a Cuban Congressional representative, Mariela heads Cuba’s National Center for Sexual Education. I figured she could handle it. She smiled.


Food off the streets of Havana is delicious. Photo: Dr. Kazuko Tatsumura Hillyer.

So where does this leave me? I find Cuba extremely intriguing. I would really like to travel there.

But I am uncomfortable going through Canada to get there – my brother contemplated Canada as a route to escape Vietnam.

I would rather go there directly. Not as media or international aid, but simply as an American.

I implore our own president to end the Cold War embargo on Cuba and let us who grew up in American – land of the free – travel where we will.

My will is to visit Mariela Castro Espín, thought leader and global citizen, in her own city: Havana.


First Person: A Japanese Dinner with Raul Castro’s Daughter (July 2, 2025)
Originally published in The Huffington Post (June 3, 2013); republished July 2, 2025


Summary for Audio File

In a private Japanese dining room in New York, Mariela Castro Espín—daughter of Cuban President Raúl Castro—joined American and Japanese guests for an intimate dinner. Their conversation spanned Cuban health care, human rights, the legacy of the revolution, and the ongoing U.S. embargo. The evening highlighted Cuba’s medical diplomacy, Mariela’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and the enduring need for dialogue and understanding between Cuba and the United States.


#Cuba #MarielaCastro #JapaneseDinner #Diplomacy #HumanRights #LGBTQ
#USCubaRelations #InternationalDevelopment #Healthcare #TravelFreedom

Mariela Castro, Cuba, Japanese dinner, U.S.-Cuba relations, LGBTQ rights, international diplomacy,
healthcare, Dr. Kazuko Hillyer Tatsumura, Raul Castro, Fidel Castro, United Nations, embargo,
New York, travel restrictions, human rights, medical diplomacy, Haitian development, global citizenship

Timeless Love Story: Revisiting Brokeback Mountain 20 Years Later


Two Decades Later, Ang Lee’s Groundbreaking Film Still Resonates With Its Raw Emotion and Cultural Impact


New York, N.Y. — Nearly two decades after its release, Brokeback Mountain (2005) remains a defining moment in cinematic history.

Directed by Taiwanese American Ang Lee (李安) and based on Annie Proulx’s short story, the 2005 film shattered barriers with its poignant portrayal of a forbidden romance between two cowboysEnnis Del Mar and Jack Twist. Lee had released the groundbreaking Wedding Banquet in 1993.

Starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, the film challenged societal norms and redefined LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood.



In 1998, Matthew Shepard’s attackers beat him severely and tied him to this fence outside Laramie, Wyo. Shepard later died in what was widely viewed as an anti-gay attack.

Breaking Barriers in Mainstream Cinema

Before Brokeback Mountain, LGBTQ+ narratives in mainstream films were often relegated to side plots or comedic relief.

The film’s unflinching depiction of a same-sex love story set against the rugged backdrop of Wyoming was revolutionary.

 Ang Lee’s delicate direction and the screenplay by Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana ensured the story was treated with the gravity it deserved.

Remember Matthew Shepard‘s death on a fence in Wyoming for the crime of being gay had tragically occurred just a few years before in 1998…

The film’s impact was immediate.

It earned eight Academy Award nominations, winning three, including Best Director for Lee. Yet, its loss for Best Picture to Crash remains one of the most debated Oscar snubs in history.



The Power of Performance

Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal delivered career-defining performances. Ledger’s portrayal of Ennis, a man stifled by internalized homophobia and societal pressure, was hauntingly restrained. Gyllenhaal’s Jack, brimming with yearning and frustration, provided a heartbreaking counterbalance. Their chemistry was electric, making their characters’ doomed romance all the more devastating.

Supporting performances by Michelle Williams and Anne Hathaway added depth, illustrating the collateral damage of repressed love. The film’s emotional weight lingers, thanks to its stellar cast.



A Cultural Phenomenon Followed by Tragedy

Beyond awards, Brokeback Mountain sparked global conversations about LGBTQ+ rights and masculinity. Its famous line, “I wish I knew how to quit you,” became emblematic of repressed desire. The film’s success paved the way for more inclusive storytelling in Hollywood, influencing later works like Moonlight and Call Me by Your Name.

Yet, its legacy is bittersweet. Australian actor Heath Ledger’s tragic death in 2008, right after appearing as The Joker in The Dark Knight, cast a shadow over the film’s enduring influence, making his performance even more poignant in retrospect. Ledger death in SoHo, New York was ruled to be acute intoxication from the combined effects of prescription drugs, including painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, and sleeping pills.


Why It Still Matters Today

In an era where LGBTQ+ representation has expanded, Brokeback Mountain remains a touchstone. Its themes of love, loss, and societal constraints are universal. The film’s refusal to offer a tidy happy ending mirrors the struggles many still face.

As LGBTQ+ rights continue to evolve, Brokeback Mountain stands as a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go.


Audio Summary

Nearly 20 years after its release, Brokeback Mountain remains a landmark in film history. Ang Lee’s masterpiece, starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, broke barriers with its raw portrayal of a forbidden love between two cowboys. The film’s emotional depth, cultural impact, and enduring relevance make it a timeless classic. Its legacy continues to inspire discussions on love, masculinity, and LGBTQ+ representation in cinema.


#BrokebackMountain #LGBTQCinema #AngLee #HeathLedger #JakeGyllenhaal #ClassicFilms

Tags: Brokeback Mountain, Ang Lee, Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal,
LGBTQ+ films, Hollywood classics, cinematic history



Studio 54’s Glittering Legacy: NYC Nightlife Never Danced the Same


The iconic disco’s meteoric rise and fall redefined nightlife, sexuality, and celebrity culture—leaving an indelible mark on the city’s soul.


New York, N.Y. — In the late 1970s, Studio 54 exploded onto Manhattan’s nightlife scene, forever changing the way New York danced, mingled, and dreamed. Though its original doors closed in 1980—three years before I arrived in the city—the club’s myth endures.


This feature explores the dazzling heights and bittersweet afterglow of Studio 54, and what its absence meant for those who arrived just a little too late, as the city’s other legendary spaces—St. Mark’s Baths, Uncle Charlie’s, The Saint—carried the torch in their own ways.


A Velvet Rope Divides the Decades

When Studio 54 opened in April 1977, it was more than a nightclub—it was a phenomenon. The club’s founders, Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager, envisioned a space that pulsed with the energy of New York’s gay clubs, blending gay, bisexual, and straight patrons into an intoxicating mix

———-

The velvet rope outside was both invitation and barrier, a symbol of exclusivity that made entry as coveted as a front-row seat at a Broadway premiere.

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Inside, the club was a fever dream of theatricality. Special effects—fluttering fabric flames, strobe lights, and the iconic Man in the Moon with a Cocaine Spoon—transformed the dance floor into a stage. The crowd was a living tableau of celebrities, artists, and unknowns, all cast by Rubell himself: “If it gets too straight, then there’s not enough energy in the room. If it gets too gay, then there’s no glamour. We want it to be bisexual. Very, very, very bisexual.”


The Night I Missed—and the City That Changed

I arrived in Manhattan in 1983, three years after Studio 54’s original incarnation ended with the infamous “End of Modern-day Gomorrah” party.

The club’s second act continued until 1986, but the magic had faded. By then, the city’s nightlife was shifting.

The St. Mark’s Baths, just a block from my apartment, was still open, a relic of another era.

Once a Victorian Turkish bath for Russian-Jewish immigrants, it had become the world’s largest gay bathhouse by the early 1980s. 

Its closure in December 1985, under the shadow of the AIDS crisis, marked the end of a certain kind of freedom.



The Saint: The Vatican of Disco

If Studio 54 was the city’s most famous disco, The Saint was its most spectacular. Opening in September 1980, The Saint was a members-only gay club in the East Village, renowned for its planetarium-style dome, state-of-the-art sound system, and massive light shows. It was a cathedral for dance, where bodies moved in sync beneath a swirling universe of lights. For many, The Saint represented the next chapter—a place where the spirit of Studio 54 lived on, even as the city outside grew more anxious, more uncertain.


Uncle Charlie’s: Where the Music Played On

Meanwhile, Uncle Charlie’s offered a different kind of refuge.

Located in Midtown East, it became a beloved piano bar and lounge, drawing Broadway performers and their fans for open mic nights and cabaret tunes. 

In a city that was losing some of its wildest spaces, Uncle Charlie’s thrived on intimacy and camaraderie.

“We’re a very comfortable place to stay. Yet you never feel alone—when a stranger comes in, people talk to you. It’s a friendly place,” said owner Michael Ng.


The Legacy: More Than Just a Nightclub

What made Studio 54—and its contemporaries—so transformative? It wasn’t just the music or the celebrities. It was the sense of possibility, the blurring of boundaries, the idea that for a few hours, anyone could be someone else—or truly themselves. The club’s design team, many of whom were gay men, brought artistry and innovation to every detail, from the architecture to the sound system. Dancers from Alvin Ailey’s company performed on opening night. Artists like Grace JonesDonna Summer, and Sylvester electrified the crowd.

But Studio 54 was also a mirror of its time: a place where excess and liberation coexisted, where the city’s creative energy met its darker impulses. The club’s closure, following Rubell and Schrager’s arrest for tax evasion, was a harbinger of change. The AIDS epidemic, economic shifts, and new social codes would soon reshape nightlife—and the city itself.



The Nightlife That Followed

After Studio 54, New York’s nightlife adapted. The Saint became a sanctuary for a new generation of dancers. Uncle Charlie’s kept the music alive, one piano ballad at a time. And the memory of Studio 54 lingered, inspiring new clubs and cultural moments, but never quite replicated.

For those who arrived in Manhattan after 1980, the legend of Studio 54 was both inspiration and lament. We danced in other clubs, found our own tribes, and made our own memories. But we always wondered what it would have been like to step past that velvet rope, into the most famous disco in the world.


Audio Summary (75 words)

Studio 54 redefined New York nightlife in the late 1970s, blending sexuality, celebrity, and creativity in a way the city had never seen. Though its original era ended in 1980, the club’s influence shaped the venues that followed, from The Saint’s spectacular dance floor to Uncle Charlie’s welcoming piano bar. For those who arrived too late, Studio 54 remains a dazzling legend—a reminder of a city, and a freedom, that danced on the edge of possibility.


#Studio54 #NYCNightlife #DiscoHistory #LGBTQCulture #NightclubLegends
#ManhattanMemories #SaintNYC #UncleCharlies #DanceFloorHistory #VelvetRope

TAGS: Studio 54, New York nightlife, LGBTQ history,Uncle Charlie’s, Manhattan clubs,
The Saint, disco era, celebrity culture, St. Mark’s Baths, NYC history, dance clubs, 1970s, 1980s



Exploring Philadelphia’s Past, Present as a Beacon of Tolerance


A Historic City Shapes a Nation


New York, N.Y. — Philadelphia, often called the “Cradle of Liberty” and “City of Brotherly Love,” played a central role in the birth of the United States.


Founded in 1682 by William Penn, a Quaker seeking religious freedom, the city became a beacon of tolerance and governance. The Declaration of Independence was signed here on July 4, 1776, in Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can walk through this hallowed building, where the U.S. Constitution was also drafted in 1787, and feel the weight of history.

The Liberty Bell, an enduring symbol of freedom, draws millions to Independence National Historical Park. Its famous crack and inscription, “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land,” resonate with travelers seeking to understand the nation’s roots. Nearby, the Betsy Ross House offers a glimpse into the life of the seamstress Betsy Ross credited with creating the first American flag. These sites, steeped in revolutionary fervor, make Philadelphia a pilgrimage for history enthusiasts.


Like most institutions in Philadelphia, June Pride Month is proudly celebrated at the world-class Philadelphia Museum of Art – known globally for its works by Vincent van Gogh and Mary Cassatt. Photo credit: Philadelphia Museum of Art.

A Modern Urban Tapestry

Today, Philadelphia is a bustling metropolis of 1.6 million people, the sixth-largest city in the U.S.. Its skyline, punctuated by sleek towers like the Comcast Center and One Liberty Place, blends with historic cobblestone streets in neighborhoods like Old City. The city’s walkability is a draw for travelers, with attractions, dining, and cultural hubs within easy reach.

Center City, the downtown core, pulses with energy. Reading Terminal Market, a foodie haven since 1893, offers everything from Amish baked goods to global cuisines. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famed for its “Rocky Steps,” houses masterpieces by artists like Vincent van Gogh and Mary Cassatt. The museum’s iconic steps, immortalized in the film Rocky, are a must-visit for pop culture fans.


Philadelphia’s neighborhoods showcase its diversity. South Street buzzes with eclectic shops, vibrant murals, and live music, while Fishtown and Northern Liberties are hubs for hip eateries and craft breweries. The Schuylkill River waterfront, with its scenic trails and Boathouse Row, offers a serene escape from urban life. For families, the Please Touch Museum and Philadelphia Zoo provide interactive fun.


The Philadelphia Zoo with it’s ‘cat walk.’ Photo credit: Philadelphia Zoo.

A Welcoming Haven for All

Philadelphia’s commitment to inclusivity shines through its vibrant LGBTQ+ community. The Gayborhood, centered around Washington Square West, is a colorful enclave marked by rainbow crosswalks and welcoming businesses. The annual OutFest, held during National Coming Out Day in October, is the largest event of its kind in the U.S., celebrating LGBTQ+ culture with street festivals and performances.

The city’s progressive spirit extends to policies and events. Philadelphia was among the first U.S. cities to pass comprehensive LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination laws, fostering a safe environment for all. Visitors can explore LGBTQ+ history at the William Way Community Center, which hosts cultural events and archives. Bars like Woody’s and Tavern on Camac offer lively nightlife, while the Mazzoni Center provides vital health services, reflecting the city’s holistic support for its LGBTQ+ residents and visitors.

Mazzoni Center, named after named after Dr. Peter Mazzoni, a founding board member and physician who tragically passed away from AIDS. He was known for his dedication to the LGBT community and his willingness to go the extra mile to ensure access to healthcare, including personally collecting blood samples when others refused. The organization, renamed in his honor in 2005, is similar to Callen-Lorde in New York City in that both are LGBTQ community health centers providing a range of health and social services



Cultural and Culinary Delights

No visit to Philadelphia is complete without savoring its culinary scene. The iconic Philly cheesesteak, best enjoyed at Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s Steaks, is a rite of passage. Beyond the cheesesteak, the city’s dining ranges from upscale restaurants like Zahav, serving modern Israeli cuisine, to cozy cafes in Rittenhouse Square. Food festivals, such as the Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival, highlight local flavors.

Culturally, Philadelphia thrives. The Kimmel Center hosts world-class performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra, while smaller venues like the World Cafe Live showcase indie artists. The city’s mural program, Mural Arts Philadelphia, transforms neighborhoods with over 4,000 public artworks, making it a living gallery for art lovers.


The Philadelphia Orchestra. Hear why they are “The Fabulous Philadelphians.” Photo credit: Visit Philadelphia / J. Griffin.

Why Philadelphia Beckons Travelers

Philadelphia seamlessly blends its storied past with a vibrant present, offering something for every traveler. History buffs can immerse themselves in Revolutionary War sites, while foodies and art enthusiasts revel in the city’s culinary and cultural offerings. Its walkable streets, diverse neighborhoods, and inclusive spirit make it a destination that feels like home. Whether you’re climbing the Rocky Steps, strolling along Boathouse Row, or celebrating at OutFest, Philadelphia promises unforgettable experiences.



Summary for audio recording

Philadelphia, the “Cradle of Liberty,” offers travelers a rich blend of history, culture, and inclusivity. From Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell to vibrant neighborhoods like the Gayborhood, the city captivates with its revolutionary past and modern energy. Enjoy cheesesteaks, world-class museums, and scenic riverfronts while embracing a welcoming community that celebrates diversity, making Philadelphia a must-visit destination for all.


#PhiladelphiaTravel #CradleofLiberty #LGBTQTravel #PhillyHistory #CityofBrotherlyLove

Tags: Philadelphia, history, LGBTQ+, travel, Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Gayborhood, cheesesteak, museums, urban