August 20, 2020

“Testing, Testing, Testing …” Part I – An Identity Check

Testing, Testing, Testing … Global PAN(DEM)IC and a Sound Faith Part I of III Dr. Ramesh Richard Disruptions always test the quality of our self-identity. We form identities for other people’s benefit, and sometimes at another’s expense. Psychologists and sociologists point to multiple types of identities with many inputs and components. For instance, identity politics divides by race, color, caste, religion, gender and so on. Identity economics categorizes society by monetary markers, whether in a three-class or nine-class hierarchy. As with the American Great Depression, widespread crises serve to flatten the condescension of the rich and the posturing of the […]
August 20, 2020

“Testing, Testing, Testing …” Part III – A Security Check

Testing, Testing, Testing… Global PAN(DEM)IC and a Sound Faith Part III of III Dr. Ramesh Richard   Security builds on survival—a basic human need—but takes a longer view. You and I have physically survived until now, or we wouldn’t be in dialogue. But physical survival does not guarantee security. The onslaught of a dangerous infectious agent threatens the physical health of tens of thousands, myself included. It also undermines economic and psychological safety. “Shelter-in-place” mandates restrict current movement and activity in our city. Economic upheaval eerily looms over any benefits formerly afforded by economic freedom. The international supply chain is […]
August 7, 2020

Testing, Testing, Testing…

   Testing, Testing, Testing… Global PAN(DEM)IC and a Sound Faith Introduction Dr. Ramesh Richard Technical assistants attach a microphone to my face or jacket to ready me for another talk. “Say something. We need a sound check.” Earlier in my speaking career I used to count up or down for sound checks. On occasions I have quoted Scripture, mimicking my dad, who ascended Martin Luther’s pulpit in Wittenberg, recited aloud, “The just shall live by faith,” and quickly alighted. These days, I resort to a dry three-peat: “Testing, testing, testing.” A global contagion has unnerved the collective human psyche. […]