HERE COMES EVERYBODY: Conservative Catholics occupy many high-profile positions in our society, but what exactly is the Catholic part all about? (Photo by Flickr user Jim Forest; used under Creative Commons license) I chafe when the label “conservative” is applied to me. I am not embarrassed to be called a conservative or associated with its […]
Conor Dugan
Conor Dugan is an attorney with Warner Norcross & Judd LLP in Grand Rapids, where he lives with his wife and four children. The views expressed here are his own, including his equivocation on a favorite brunch dish: A tie between smoked salmon and waffles. He blogs on the Michigan appellate courts at One Court of Justice. The views and assertions of guest columnists do not necessarily reflect those of Bridge or The Center for Michigan.
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
On All Souls' Day, remembering a vivid life, well-lived
A RICH LIFE: Anita Betzen fled two European nations but never let setbacks quench her love of life. (Courtesy photo) Next week brings Halloween, generally seen only from a secular perspective. But for Christians, Halloween is also the Vigil of the Feast of All Saints (Nov. 1), followed by the Feast of All Souls on […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
A year after the big move, Grand Rapids is still the place to be
WHEN PIGS FLY? Events like Art Prize have given Grand Rapids a big-city feel that welcomes a native son – and former bigger-city boy – home. (Photo by Flickr user HarrisinMI; used under Creative Commons license) Just over a year ago, my wife and I moved our family back to Grand Rapids after nearly a […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
A conservative case against small-town Walmarts
WHAT PRICE BARGAINS? While Walmart’s low prices may help some shoppers, a store in a small community carries other costs, says Conor Dugan. (Photo by Flickr user Ron Dauphin/used under Creative Commons license) This spring, Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, announced plans to build a Supercenter east of the towns of Whitehall and Montague, just […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
To kill the gerrymander, elect better representatives
WHAT ROUGH BEAST? Oddly shaped districts, like Michigan’s 14th in the U.S. Congress, are the result of political power plays. But the solution isn’t necessarily to take politics out of the process, argues Brunch columnist Conor Dugan. Rep. Sean McCann, D-Kalamazoo, has proposed legislation that would establish an independent, nonpartisan commission consisting of “regular citizens” […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Technology is altering how we learn, think and live – and not necessarily for the better
LIFE THROUGH A LENS: Our increasing dependence on technology to relate to the world around us does not come without costs to ourselves, our families, our nation, writes Conor Dugan. (courtesy photo/used under Creative Commons license) I recently had the pleasure of attending a performance of the musical “Annie Jr.” at my daughter’s school. It […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
In Michigan, small things add up to life writ large
NOT THE GOAL: The teeming sidewalks and streets of New York and other major coastal cities may draw young people from Michigan now, but the state can reverse the trend if it shows its young people that pursuit of no limits is no path to freedom, writes Conor Dugan. (courtesy photo/used under Creative Commons license) […]
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