Gerald Eisman
Gerald Eisman has been writing columns, short fiction, and articles on a variety of topics for 27 years. His work has appeared in magazines, newspapers and anthologies. He worked as a reporter for a medical business journal for several years. His normal vocation is as a medical professional, (Pharmacist) a profession he still pursues on a part time basis.
Nominated for two Pushcart prizes in the past two years, Gerald continually offers his opinions in a column at the Chronicle. Much of his writing may also be found under the name of the old curmudgeon (TOC).
Nominated for two Pushcart prizes in the past two years, Gerald continually offers his opinions in a column at the Chronicle. Much of his writing may also be found under the name of the old curmudgeon (TOC).
Contact Information
Articles by Gerald Eisman
January 27, 2008
The Democratic primary in South Carolina is over and once again the overwhelming majority of African-Americans voted for the "black candidate." This in itself isn't too surprising considering, but to vote for any man based on rhetoric is frightening. Take, as an example, the results of electing the "great uniter." Now, adding to the confusion, it appears race is rearing its ugly head, in reverse.
January 22, 2008
Race: A group of people united or classified together on the basis of common history, nationality, or geographic distribution.
Race! It played out in Nevada and it´s playing out in South Carolina. Race, that simple word which holds so many ugly implications certainly does come into play in ...
January 11, 2008
Eloquence: Persuasive, powerful discourse. The skill or power of using such discourse.
Barack Obama is perhaps the most articulate of all the presidential candidates on the stump today. Listening to the man orate, one gets the impression he is worldly wise and eminently capable of leadership....
December 31, 2007
In A Word – Honesty: Facts be damned, the candidates motto is “whatever if takes!”
Honesty: The quality or condition of being honest; integrity
"I would not say that the level of honesty or deception is better or worse than in past campaigns," said Brooks Jackson, director of the Annenberg Politi...
December 17, 2007
Tactic: An expedient for achieving a goal; a maneuver.
I have been observing the modus operandi of the candidates now for a year and have come to the conclusion that every one of them has a unique approach to their candidacy. This might be considered a good thing, but when analyzed with impartial...
December 10, 2007
“As costs for food, energy, and housing continue to rise and wages stagnate or decline, American households are finding themselves increasingly strapped. Millions have difficulty affording a healthy and adequate diet,” said Jim Weill, president of the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). “This ma...
December 02, 2007
Religiosity: The quality of being religious. Excessive or affected piety.
Barack Obama, during campaign appearances and downplaying the fact that he has only been a Senator for 3 years, invokes the fact that his unsteady past qualifies him to call himself expert in foreign policy. He regularly ...
December 02, 2007
Foolish - Lacking or exhibiting a lack of good sense or judgment; silly: foolish remarks. 2. Resulting from stupidity or misinformation; unwise: a foolish decision. 3. Immoderate or stubborn; unreasonable:
The dramatic headline in the December 1st edition of the “State” newspaper said it all. “...
November 29, 2007
Recession: An extended decline in general business activity, typically three consecutive quarters of falling real gross national product.
Perhaps one is coming. There is a likelihood a recession might arrive soon, a possibility obviated by several factors, two of which are the snowballing housin...
November 21, 2007
In a Word: Fear: So many things are done out of fear. Heroes are made, but cowards are as well.
Fear: To be afraid. To be uneasy or apprehensive.
We are soon to officially enter the primary season when the remaining candidates vie for the nomination for president. Unfortunately, we have alr...
November 21, 2007
There are times when confrontation is not only the best way to resolve a difficulty, but often the only way. By confrontation, I am not suggesting a face-to-face meeting between two people, where give and take can easily lead to a head-knocking scene complete with angry words exchanged in loud voice...
November 20, 2007
Stubborn - Unreasonably, often perversely unyielding; bullheaded. Firmly resolved or determined; resolute. Characterized by perseverance; persistent. Difficult to treat or deal with; resistant to treatment or effort:
In what it calls its final and most powerful report, a panel of United Nation...
November 17, 2007
Wise: Having wisdom or discernment for what is true, right, or lasting; sagacious: a wise leader. Exhibiting common sense; prudent: a wise decision. shrewd; crafty.
There is a budget battle beginning to rage on Capital Hill. George W. vetoed a 150.7 billion bill for health, labor and education ...
November 13, 2007
I was minding my own business the other day, perusing the internet, when I ran across this ad from Best Buy. It says, print out this coupon and get a $49.00 in home PC consultation from a member of our Geek Squad. Oh joy I say to me. I can get all the stuff that’s been bugging me straightened ou...
November 11, 2007
Why - For what purpose, reason, or cause; with what intention, justification, or motive. The cause or intention underlying a given action or situation..
It’s a wonderful word, why? It evokes often ponderous thoughts that solve complex problems in addition to those simple questions that plague o...
November 06, 2007
Global warming is real, here, and happening faster than anyone predicted. Shall we panic now? Of course not! Scientists say there is a great possibility that we can curb the ever increasing dangers of the process but it will take bold steps instituted immediately; steps that can add up to 80% reduc...
October 17, 2007
The government agencies are forever bombarding us with statistics telling us how well we are doing as a nation and as individuals. The market numbers are up, they crow, and inflation is under control. Our economic health has never been better. Well folks, I’m here to tell you that’s hogwash.
On O...
October 10, 2007
by TOC
Now I ain’t one to get offended when some folk call me Loony Tunes and twirl their pointer fingers at their head. No sir, not me. That’s because I know what and who I am and that’s more than a lot of folk can say. They say I have a hair-trigger temper and it goes off often, but things both...
October 08, 2007
Mystery - Something that is not fully understood or that baffles or eludes the understanding; an enigma.
Something strange happened in northern Syria on September 6. It was significant, but there weren’t any news flashes about it. This whatever-it-was had to be dangerous enough to warrant an...
October 03, 2007
Gasconade: A self-admiring speech or statement: boast, bluster, brag, braggadocio, gasconade (literary).
There is nothing more interesting, enlightening and edifying, nor more diverse media than radio. One can listen in and hear music, history, news, and almost every kind of entertainment, and it...
October 01, 2007
Contradict: The act of contradicting. The state of being contradicted. A denial, Inconsistency; discrepancy. Something that contains contradictory elements.
All the leading Democratic hopefuls recently participated in a debate, trying to win over voters to their side of the ledger. This particu...
September 24, 2007
Repercussion: An often indirect effect, influence, or result that is produced by an event or action.
A few days past, moveon.org placed an ad in numerous newspapers in the Northeast calling Gen. Petraeus Gen. Betray Us. They more than insinuated the good General sat before a Senate committee an...
September 16, 2007
Qualification: A quality; an ability, or an accomplishment that makes a person suitable for a particular position or task.
We the voting public have been bombarded for the last several months with rhetoric, photo-ops, and appearances by candidates for the top job in our country. Democrats, Republ...
September 11, 2007
Reputation for solvency and integrity entitling a person to be trusted in buying or borrowing: You should have no trouble getting the loan if your credit is good.
Every day that my mail is delivered, I get at least two solicitations to obtain a credit card. The record to date is eight such mi...
September 05, 2007
John Edwards is the third Democratic hopeful in the top tier of candidates for the office of the president. He’s reached that position because of name recognition (he ran as Kerry’s mate) and some of the changes he promised. His outlook at this point is far from bright, but he plods along with high ...
August 30, 2007
Quagmire continued.
The Fox Network is at it again. Let’s face it folks, the actual motto of the network owned and run by Mr. Murdock should read, “All the news that isn’t fit to read and mostly impossible to believe.” How unfortunate that here in America we should often be bombarded by drivel ...
August 27, 2007
Quagmire: A difficult or precarious situation; a predicament.
The American political machine is lost in a maze of hate, mistrust and ineptness. The two party system has become a pair of armed camps; their weapons, deceit, subterfuge and prevarication. Their objective: to completely discredit the...
August 25, 2007
On August 23 I did an article on Karl Rove in which I mentioned the fact that it was believed that Mr. Rove possibly instigated the swift-boat ruckus. I received the following message on the day after my article appeared in print.
I feel compelled to state that I served in Vietnam, in CosDiv ...
August 24, 2007
Remorseless: Having no pity or compassion; merciless. 2. Unyielding; relentless.
The headlines blared out: Karl Rove Resigns. Behind the headlines lies, perhaps, the most notorious story in political history, more shattering than the assassination of Lincoln or all the wars we ever fought. Arguab...
August 22, 2007
Consider this! No two children other than identical twins are alike. Then think to yourselves, have you ever seen two children from one family that behave the same; think alike, dress alike or react alike to the same situation? If you’re like me, you know that such circumstances are extremely rare. ...
August 20, 2007
Levels – A Possible Solution
The Educational situation in the country today is a mess. The nonsensical and ineffective “no child left behind,” and the Political Correctness of leaving children in classes where they are ill equipped to compete, have left our children in limbo. Furthermore, those...
October 16, 2006
In A Word, Lemming:
Lemming: A species of European rodent prone to mass migrations terminating often in mass drownings in the ocean.
In the constitution there is a section called the Bill of Rights. In that section, certain unalienable rights are spelled out as inviolable.
"…But when a lo...
October 08, 2006
In A Word: Bluster – The Foley incident has unleashed a new wave of claims and counter-claims. Where’s the truth?
Bluster: To speak in a loudly arrogant or bullying manner. To brag or make loud, empty threats. To force or bully with swaggering threats.
There was a saying in the advertising ...
September 18, 2006
Fear: a feeling of agitation and apprehension caused by the presence or imminence of danger.
In life there are statements made that endure through the years as a fundamental truth that never changes. The facts surrounding the statement may be altered and the times changed, but the underlying trut...
September 12, 2006
Rhetoric: The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively 2. Skill in using language effectively and persuasively. 3. A style of speaking or writing, especially the language of a particular subject. Language that is elaborate, pretentious, insincere, or intellectually vacuous.
Mon...
September 08, 2006
Response: A reaction, as that of an organism or a mechanism, to a specific stimulus.
The article on distortion seems to have struck several nerves and letters began rolling in. In fairness to my readers I feel a response to several responses is in order, and in fairness to those who took the ti...
September 08, 2006
Distortion: The act or an instance of distorting. The condition of being distorted. A statement that twists fact; a misrepresentation.
There is a definite difference between truth and facts. Facts change but truth is immutable. ABC-TV is about to drop a pre-mid-term election bombshell in the...
September 05, 2006
Social Security - A government program that provides economic assistance to persons faced with unemployment, disability, or agedness, financed by assessment of employers and employees.
It’s election time again and, considering the astonishing amount of distortions, fabrications and propaganda ...
September 04, 2006
Hypocrisy: The practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess; falseness.
The President referred to the act as “Kleptocracy,” which means a government characterized by greed and corruption. To quote our leader, he stated –“(Kleptocracy) is a grave and corr...
August 29, 2006
Anthropomorphism: Attribution of human motivation, characteristics, or behavior to inanimate objects, animals, or natural phenomena.
The bible says that God made man in his image and likeness. By today’s linguistic understanding, that would mean exactly what the average man thinks, that God look...
August 19, 2006
Bigotry: The attitude, state of mind, or behavior characteristic of a bigot; intolerance. Irrational suspicion or hatred of a particular group
Bigotry used to be rampant early in our nation’s history, a scourge that lasted until the 1960’s when civil rights won out over bigot’s rights. Everythi...
August 15, 2006
Usurp - To seize and hold (the power or rights of another, for example) by force and without legal authority. To take over or occupy without right.
The real problem began when the Army had difficulties meeting its recruitment goals. Allegations of violations by military recruitment personnel, a...
August 12, 2006
Action: The state or process of acting or doing.
The Bush administration, the Republican congress dominated by vocal Conservative non-thinkers, and a recently stacked Supreme Court may be clueless when it comes to global warming, but Americans in general are waking up to the danger. State and lo...
August 10, 2006
Perjure: To render (oneself) guilty of perjury by deliberately testifying falsely under oath. (Bulls—t) To attempt to mislead or deceive by talking nonsense.
On March 27, Time magazine raised the possibility that an incident in the Iraqi village of Haditha may have involved intentional killing of...
August 07, 2006
Tax Shelter: A financial operation, such as the use of special depletion allowances, which reduces taxes on current earnings.
Lucy R. recently received a letter from the Internal Revenue Service disallowing her health deduction, claiming it was excessive and not documented. It went on to say th...
August 07, 2006
In A Word:-Unseat Presidents are impeached if they do wrong. What do yu do when a king does wrong?
Depose: To deprive of rank – to oust.
The undercurrents of tendency toward the removal of George W Bush from the presidency of the nation are becoming more than just a thought or whisper. The kno...
August 04, 2006
Manipulate: To influence or manage shrewdly or deviously. To tamper with or falsify for personal gain:
Politics never changes, particularly when the activity is aimed at messing with the minds of the voting public or gaining and maintaining political power. For years, organized labor has been i...
August 01, 2006
Damocles: Greek courtier to Dionysius the Elder, tyrant of Syracuse, who according to legend was forced to sit at a banquet under a sword suspended by a single hair to demonstrate the precariousness of a king's fortunes.
The world bristles with every bomb that is dropped by the Israeli Air Force...
August 01, 2006
Eminent Domain: The right of a government to appropriate private property for public use, usually with compensation to the owner.
A government's authority to condemn land for public use has, since its inception. been used to tear down slums and prepare the land for public use, or build new roads...
July 26, 2006
In A Word – Bogeyman: Yes Virginia, there is such a thing. It's called the religious left.
Bogeyman: A terrifying specter; a hobgoblin.
Just when you think you have the moral high ground, up pops the most awful of specters, a ghost of unknown proportions, materialized to bring the battle for ...
July 25, 2006
In A Word: Rebellion: You can only push so far before someone pushes back. Take Congress for example.
Rebellion: An act or a show of defiance toward an authority or established convention.
There is a beautiful, pristine area in New Mexico called Valle Vidal. It is a largely unblemished 100,00...
July 25, 2006
Gall: Outrageous insolence; effrontery.
According to Phillip Cooper, a leading expert on signing statements, George Bush raised 505 constitutional challenges in his first term alone. Still, until one week ago he hadn't issued one veto. Instead, he is using his signing statements to effectively nu...
July 24, 2006
Disdain. To regard or treat with haughty contempt; despise. 2. To consider or reject as beneath oneself.
In a report issued yesterday (July 23, 2006) George W. Bush, president of the United States and nominal leader of the free world, has issued more challenges to provisions of laws than all th...
July 23, 2006
Veto: The vested power or constitutional right of one branch or department of government to refuse approval of measures proposed by another department, especially the power of a chief executive to reject a bill passed by the legislature and thus prevent or delay its enactment into law.
The veto...
July 22, 2006
wishy-washy: Informal. Thin and watery, as tea or soup; insipid. 2. Lacking in strength of character or purpose; ineffective.
All of president Bush's activity geared toward the upcoming mid-term elections in the next 100 days appear to be unnecessary in light of the Democratic strategy that has ...
July 21, 2006
Bushwhack: To attack suddenly from a place of concealment; ambush.
With little more than 100 days remaining till the mid-term elections, the sudden emergence of a "new and improved" George Bush seems incongruous with his usual persona. The sudden reversal of character cannot conceal the underly...
July 18, 2006
In A Word – Asinine
Asinine: Utterly stupid or silly: asinine behavior. 2. Of, relating to, or resembling an ass.
The headline that lead into the story found on line and, I expect, in print in the NewsMax publication says; "Eco-Expert" helped Gore and Kerry. That was followed by the lead para...
July 17, 2006
Denial: A refusal to grant the truth of a statement or allegation; a contradiction.
Since Al Gore’s documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, hit theaters around the nation, global warming has become one of the hottest topics in the media. The film warns of a future that includes melting glaciers, hor...
July 14, 2006
In A Word - Humor
As a child at the knee of Mendel the bagel baker and Yiddish philosopher, I would listen as he spread his brand of bagel-oven observations evenly among those privileged to hear him speak. He always had a pot of coffee brewing in his little basement shop on Avenue B and 14th stre...
July 13, 2006
Hate: To feel hostility or animosity toward. To detest. To feel dislike or distaste for
It can appear in a flash and dissipate as quickly. It can generate over an extended period of time and continue forever. It can be all consuming and life altering. It is an emotion called hate. It surrounds ...
July 13, 2006
Insidious: Working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner: Intended to entrap; treacherous. Beguiling but harmful; alluring:
Yesterday, July 12, marked the use of another in the long list of machinations (A crafty scheme or cunning design for the accomplishment of a sinister end) ...
July 11, 2006
Stupid: Slow to learn or understand; obtuse. Lacking or marked by a lack of intelligence.
There is a better definition for the word stupid. It is, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. The following two examples, though totally opposite in scope, point up th...
July 09, 2006
Remedial: Intended to correct or improve deficient skills in a specific subject:.
In the battle between red and blue, the direction of all political thought runs rather rigidly along party lines. If you are a Republican Party member (the red) you will more than likely believe in forceful measures...
July 09, 2006
knee-jerk Crisis - A crucial or decisive point or situation; a turning point. An unstable condition, as in political, social, or economic affairs, involving an impending abrupt or decisive change.
Thanks to the clear, thoughtful leadership exhibited by America's commander-in-chief and his admi...
July 08, 2006
Gobbledygook: Unclear, wordy jargon.[Imitative of the gobbling of a turkey.]
As I read the commentary of all conservative columnists, listen to the words of the talk-show hosts, and hear the opinions of those who tune in to the programs, I begin to understand why America is so deeply mired in di...
July 05, 2006
Traitor: One who betrays one's country, a cause, or a trust, especially one who commits treason.
President Bush created and delivered an impassioned defense of his secret international banking surveillance program and, true to form, denounced the media for revealing yet another one of the "kings...
July 04, 2006
THIS IS A RE-RUN OF THE ARTICLE SINCE IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO EVERY AMERICAN WHO CARES ABOUT HIS/HER COUNTRY AND WHAT'S HAPPENING TO IT. HERE'S THE ADMINISTRATION'S TAKE ON GLOBAL WARMING AND THE LENGTHS TO WHICH IT WILL GO TO OBFUSCATE THE FACTS.
Greenhouse effect: The phenomenon whereby the earth...
July 01, 2006
Admission - A voluntary acknowledgment of truth. 2. A fact or statement granted or admitted; a concession.
President George Bush’s acknowledgment that an increase in human-caused greenhouse gas emissions is contributing to global warming signals more than a shift in rhetoric. It signals the fact...
June 29, 2006
Bluster: 1. To blow in loud, violent gusts, as the wind during a storm. 2. To speak in a loudly arrogant or bullying manner. To brag or make loud, empty threats.
In May, 2006, Our president, George W Bush showed there is a touch of humanity in his makeup. He admitted to making a mistake by mak...
June 06, 2006
Homophobic: Aversion to gay or homosexual people or their lifestyle or culture. 2. Behavior or an act based on this aversion.
In order to understand homophobia it would be best to begin at the source, that is by defining a homosexual person. The simplest definition is, a person who relates to, or...
June 01, 2006
In A Word: Conservative
Conservative: 1. Favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change
Tending to oppose change, now there's a view we really need in America today. First we can move backward in time one hundred years and revive the attitudes and mores of the early nineteen ...
May 31, 2006
In A Word: Labor
Labor: 1. Work for wages. 2. Workers considered as a group. The trade union movement, especially its officials
Helene W. is a single mother of two living in a two bedroom one bath apartment in a city of 160,000. Her rent is $695 dollars monthly, a figure that includes noth...
May 21, 2006
Aversion: 1. A fixed, intense dislike; repugnance: 2. One that is intensely disliked and avoided. 3. A feeling of extreme repugnance accompanied by avoidance or rejection.
Much has been written and said on the topic of homosexuality throughout the ages, but it has been engraved on the minds of a m...
May 16, 2006
Obscene: 1. Offensive to accepted standards of decency or modesty. 2. So large in amount as to be objectionable or outrageous
Just yesterday I received in the mail several offers from credit card companies to bestow upon me the privilege of carrying their card. I was guaranteed acceptance by two o...
May 09, 2006
Legacy: Something handed down from an ancestor or a predecessor or from the past:
When George W. Bush took office in January of 2001, the statutory debt ceiling, or borrowing limit, was $5.95 trillion dollars. That is a daunting sum, but one that the Clinton administration had begun to pay down. ...
May 09, 2006
Futile: 1. Having no useful result. 2. Trifling and frivolous; idle:
Our politicos, both Republicans and Democrats, are desperately trying to soothe the pain of the latest gasoline price hikes. This is, after all, an important election year and as such, the less irritated the public is, the mor...
May 08, 2006
SPIN: The distinctive complex of connotations or implications inherent in a point of view:
Imagine the surprise registered by career appointees at the Department of Agriculture when they opened their May 2 e-mail. In it were instructions from the George W. Bush administration guiding them with t...
May 07, 2006
Senseless: 1. Lacking sense or meaning; meaningless. 2. Deficient in sense; foolish or stupid.
The following is an excerpt from the Washington Post: Democratic leaders, increasingly confident they will seize control of the House in November, are laying plans for a legislative blitz during their...
May 04, 2006
Tolerance 1. The capacity for or the practice of recognizing and respecting the beliefs or practices of others. 2. Leeway for variation from a standard.
We the people, as a nation, have developed a most selective tolerance level in all aspects of our lives. Words, deeds, and activities that used...
April 25, 2006
Quick Fix
Quick Fix; The process of doing a temporary repair on a particular damage until a more thorough and permanent corrective measure may be affected.
The tendency of the current administration is to resort to the ?quick fix? in every situation that requires political damage control or any ...
April 20, 2006
Abortion: 1. Induced termination of pregnancy and expulsion of an embryo or fetus that is incapable of survival. 2. A miscarriage. 3. Cessation of normal growth, especially of an organ or other body part, prior to full development or maturation.
IN 1973, the Supreme Court of the United States of...
April 19, 2006
To make an accusation against. To charge (a public official) with improper conduct in office before a proper tribunal.
There has been an undercurrent lately of discontent that translates into thoughts of action against G. W. Bush, president of the United States. Though mainly privately, several m...
April 06, 2006
Greenhouse effect: The phenomenon whereby the earth's atmosphere traps solar radiation, caused by the presence in the atmosphere of gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane that allow incoming sunlight to pass through but absorb heat radiated back from the earth's surface.
Recently, ...
April 05, 2006
Contradict: . To assert or express the opposite of (a statement). 2. To deny the statement of. 3. To be contrary to; be inconsistent with.
According to all the medical studies I've read, reports I've heard, and tests in which I was a participant, these facts became very evident. Were I to power ...
April 03, 2006
Trust: Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing. The condition and resulting obligation of having confidence placed in one:
We place a great premium on trust not only in our everyday lives, but also in our expectations for the future. Upon arising every morning ...
March 23, 2006
Liberal: Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry. Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others. Broad-minded.
The very word strikes fear in the heart...
March 22, 2006
In a word: Medal: A flat piece of metal stamped with a design or an inscription commemorating an event or a person, often given as an award.
I often see, in all facets of the media, military men being given a decoration for bravery on the battlefield or other feats of valor. Officers take great ...
March 20, 2006
A being conceived as the perfect, omnipotent, omniscient originator and ruler of the universe, the principal object of faith and worship in monotheistic religions. The force, effect, or a manifestation or aspect of this being.
The concept of God is personal and unique to each individual that ...
March 20, 2006
In A Word
Chutzpah: Utter nerve, effrontery.
Without so much as a moment's hesitation, Alberto Gonzales, current Attorney General of the United States, refused to remove himself from the investigation of the infamous lobbyist, Jack Abramoff. Under investigation are the ties Mr. Abramoff has wi...
March 20, 2006
Inaction: Lack, or absence of action.
Plan B is in the process of being scuttled, not by legal process or, as is the case many times, vocal denigration by members of this administration, but by inaction on the part of a governmental agency. Such inaction compromises the effectiveness of the agenc...