Jeffee Palmer
Lawyer, history buff, writer, mother, grandmother, native Texan, UT grad, and proud Austinite!-
Author Archives: nowandthenadays
The Violation of Viola
Right up front I’ll admit to having few credentials as a television or entertainment critic. On the other hand, I’ve read many reviews that make me question the credentials of others. I figure if you can articulate your opinion and … Continue reading
Who are the Excuse Makers?
One of the disturbing truths about higher education seems to be that we, as a society, and colleges, as institutions, have yet to educate young men that it’s a bad idea to force yourself on young women. Protection from the … Continue reading
Posted in Women
Tagged Claire McCaskill, college campuses, Mary Sanchez, rape, sexual assault
12 Comments
The Children, the President, and the Lady
Recently, the right-wing media and their favorite politicians lambasted President Obama for not taking a quick field trip to the Texas/Mexico border. They were suggesting that as long as he was in Austin, he was already “in the neighborhood,” and … Continue reading
Posted in Politics
Tagged Central American children, gang violence, Jodi Kantor, Katrina, Mexico border, President Obama, Rick Perry, Statute of Liberty, Texas
2 Comments
Can a Dysfunctional Government Reinvent Itself?
Like most Americans, I have never found reason to question the notion that our founding fathers, endowed with genius, forged a virtually perfect foundation upon which to create a more perfect union of states and individuals within a republic. Until … Continue reading
Posted in Politics, Women
Tagged Congress, Constitutional convention, Federalist Papers, gridlock, Pope Francis, Sandford Levinson, U.S. Constitution
14 Comments
The Heartbreak of Tax Breaks
As many Austinites already know, our fair city – once known as a laid back haven for slackers, musicians, students, and escapees of the Dallas and Houston lifestyle – is becoming increasingly unlivable and unaffordable. Unfortunately, the beauty and quality … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
5 Comments
Never Too Late to Crack those Books
Well, it’s that season again. For many of you, a reunion of your high school class is on the horizon and some of you are debating, as you always do, whether you should reveal to those you grew up with … Continue reading
My Longest Love Affair
Witnessing the trees that sway like dancers from the vantage of my window, I’m reminded anew of my origins as nature’s child. As the trees awake from their winter slumber and the symphony of another spring reaches its crescendo, I … Continue reading
Posted in Nature, Old/New Austin
Tagged Austin, Earth Day, Frank Erwin, Lions Municipal Golf Course, Ross Perot, Thoreau, Treaty Oak, trees, University of Texas
2 Comments
Mothers, Daughters, and Sisters United!!
One of the sad truths about our democracy is that smear jobs now constitute the bread and butter of our political discourse, particularly by the right-wing hate media and their feeders. Swift-boating a candidate has become an R trademark, thanks … Continue reading
Austin Makes Me Sick!!!
Among the reasons for not moving to Austin, I bet you think our atrocious traffic problem and lack of mass transit is at the top of the list. Or the lack of affordable housing. Or the high property taxes. But you’d … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged allergies, Austin, cedar fever, cedar tree, juniper, traffic
9 Comments
Beyond All the Flag Waving…
Mike, my friend and Vietnam vet, recently posted some of his thoughts about his Army service. I was reminded of my high school years during that war era and the angst over the draft lottery that the boys I … Continue reading
Now and Thenadays 