Mike Pilewski writes about life, politics and culture in the United States
If the billionaire class treats American politicians like marionettes, why not just elect a billionaire directly? That’s the unconventional message behind Donald Trump’s campaign for president. The real-estate developer from New York City, who is worth an estimated $4 billion, openly talks about how the politicians to whom he’d donated money were “there for me” when he wanted a favor. … >>
Each month in Spotlight magazine, I write about the anniversary of a historical event, such as the birth or death of an important person. Lately, though, I’ve been thinking about an anniversary that came and went this year. The important person was my grandfather. Next Wednesday, two days after Halloween, is All Souls’ Day. The occasion is hardly celebrated now, … >>
What do you do if your career comes to an end and you have no way of getting a job? You go in search of opportunity — like the millions of Irish farmers who fled the Potato Famine in the 1850s, or like the hoboes who rode the rails during the Great Depression. Joining their ranks will be famous plagiarist … >>
If you’re ever in Pagosa Springs or Creede, Colorado, go to a Mexican restaurant named Kip’s Grill and order the most expensive thing on the menu. Then tell them that Mr. Pilewski sent you. The specialty of the house, number 9 on the menu, is called The Pilewski. It’s three flour tortillas, stuffed with pork barbacoa, provolone cheese and chipotle, … >>
Some of my e-mail correspondents in the US forward me nutty chain letters from time to time. Beneath several layers of e-mail addresses is an anonymous rant that someone either made up or copied from a website somewhere without attribution. Topics range from Barack Obama’s secret Muslim origins and plans to ruin America, to how all government is unproductive and … >>
Who’s the person you’d most like to have dinner with, if you had the chance? There are lots of world leaders, famous actresses and authors who’d be on the list, I’m sure. But I’d choose Yakov Smirnoff, because he’d be the most entertaining. I did finally meet the Russian-American comedian last weekend. Well, not really; it was his double. (You … >>
As we know from reading Spotlight Online, President Obama has proclaimed March to be “Irish-American Heritage Month”. Certainly, with the name O’Bama, he can joke about having a connection to Ireland. With 12 percent of Americans claiming some Irish ancestry, it’s not unfair to give the Irish a whole month. African-Americans, at 13.5 percent, have all of February as Black … >>