http://www.post-gazette.com/columnists Reg Henry's column en-us Copyright 2012, post-gazette.com. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:09:55 -0500 15 http://www.post-gazette.com/includes/2007design/images/150x30pg_now_logo.gif http://www.post-gazette.com/ 144 39 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12039/1208783-154-0.stm?cmpid=henry.xml The expression "political football" refers to something kicked around for political effect. But, nowadays, everything is kicked around for political effect. In truth, politics has become football, as the Super Bowl ended up proving. Consider that politics and football are both contact sports. Both involve lots of money. Both encourage blind allegiance to a team. Wed, 8 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207267-154-0.stm?cmpid=henry.xml One thing that television is good for is making you feel better about yourself -- not the TV programs so much, but the ads, particularly the ones advertising pharmaceutical drugs. In other countries I have lived in -- Australia, Britain -- I do not remember prescription drugs being advertised in this way. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12025/1205721-154-0.stm?cmpid=henry.xml Much of the news this week is likely to revolve around President Barack Obama's State of the Union address to Congress Tuesday night. Yet at the same time, a less publicized speech -- no less significant -- was being delivered before a joint session of Hades. The hell you say? The Prince of Darkness does indeed give his State of Disunion speech on the same date. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12018/1204172-154-0.stm?cmpid=henry.xml The following confession may explain a few things. Until now I have never contemplated visiting a psychiatrist. It didn't seem necessary as long as bartenders were still plying their trade. What has finally unhinged me is my Republican voter registration. It has become a source of acute embarrassment. In the past, I was merely embarrassed. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12011/1202636-154-0.stm?cmpid=henry.xml At the risk of reopening a fresh wound in Pittsburgh, a discussion is needed on the greater meaning of Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow (suggested personal motto: Praise the Lord and pass the football). Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500