George Mitrovich
"Mine Eyes Have Seen"
George Mitrovich's Latest Posts
I’m Not An Expert, But…
How many times have you heard a speaker say, “I’m not an expert, but…” The speaker then proceeds to discuss the subject they have already admitted they’re unqualified to talk about. It’s a dumb thing to say. Just say what you are going to say. It will stand on its merits – or not. That […]
The Pope of Hope & Our Democracy
In my first column of the New Year, I address two themes – the Pope and the state of our democracy. They are not inherently related, beyond the fact that some of what His Holiness has said applies to issues in America. I don’t think it’s a small thing when a Methodist, as I am, […]
Frank Mankiewicz – Mentor & Friend
Frank Mankiewicz was Latin American director of the Peace Corps, president of National Public Radio (NPR), nationally syndicated columnist (he made Richard Nixon’s infamous “enemies list”; described by the president’s chief of staff as a “known revolutionary”), author of “Perfectly Clear: Nixon From Whittier to Watergate,” an executive of Hill & Knowlton, one of the […]
Money, Politics & Democracy’s Depravity
I believe in government, which is established through the means of politics. The government we get and the political means by which it is derived is imperfect, and to expect perfection from either is overly idealistic or dangerously ignorant. As Mr. Churchill said, “Democracy is the worst form of government, save for all the rest.” […]
America’s Drug Epidemic: Our Greatest Threat
By George Mitrovich The drug epidemic sweeping our country is someone else’s problem until it becomes your problem, as it has become our family’s problem. But most families so affected are silent because they’re ashamed and they wish to keep their family’s “shame” private; but silence is not an option, because until we have a […]
Hostage to Water
When I was doing some work for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), I put together a private dinner at Rainwater’s (remember Rainwater’s? what a loss). Among San Diego’s civic leaders invited that night was Malin Burnham, as great as any civic leader we have. At the dinner Malin made a comment that […]
Traffic Court & the Denial of Democracy
By George Mitrovich Have you been to Traffic Court? Let me presume you haven’t. Great. Because you don’t want to go there. You will lose. The system is set up for you to lose. And, as systems go, this one is virtually fail safe. Absent seeing an in-depth study of cases that come before Traffic […]
America’s Greatest Danger
Philip Seymour Hoffman was a very great actor. He was also a heroin addict. February 2 of this year Mr. Hoffman was found dead on the bathroom floor of his New York apartment. Phillip Seymour Hoffman, winner of the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2005, died with a heroin syringe in his left arm. […]
Of Gloria Steinem & Kevin Faulconer
I haven’t researched this, but it’s almost certain Gloria Steinem’s and Kevin Faulconer’s names have never before been linked, in life or in print. That they’re here as the lead for my Sentinel column this month, requires an explanation. While Ms. Steinem may know San Diego has a new mayor, and Mayor Faulconer undoubtedly knows […]
America’s Shame & Our Blame
Last week I spoke at Congregation Beth Israel on the title that leads this column. It was a major speech. At least that was my intent. Whether that was the audience’s reaction, I have no certainty of knowing; but at the end, during Q & A, a man said, with considerable emotion, my speech had […]
