"Before there can be the unique human intellect, the unique human gift for sharing feelings must be in place. I can look into my dog’s eyes and imagine that he feels with me. Our family dog, Pablo, comes into my home office and looks up at me with sweet eyes. He has learned that I respond well when he uses a long yawn to produce what sounds like a parody of speech: 'Aarrr-oooo.'"

Joe Biden said he will follow “the scientists” on whether to lock down the country a second time. Based on Biden’s COVID advisory task force appointments, that harsh approach looks increasingly likely in the new administration.

As we rush to embrace an “obey the experts” technocracy in the fight against COVID, media and commentators often assume that the epidemiological data justifying proposed draconian policies — such as lockdowns — are clear. But that’s not true. And that should give our policymakers pause before attempting to impose policies that are likely, in some cases, to be popularly resisted.

The Massachusetts Legislature may vote next week to expand the right to abortion through an entire pregnancy, a measure to be placed in a budget bill. The "Roe Act" states, "Medical judgment may be exercised in the light of all factors—physical, emotional, psychological, familial, and the person’s age—relevant to the well-being of the patient."