Author: Jackie Oldham

Retired for 12 years, after nearly 38 years as a STEM production editor, trainer, and team leader for a local printer/publisher, I now have the time and energy to pursue my love of writing, music, and other arts. My writing is primarily in the form of essays, book and film reviews, and poems. I am also a musician---a vocalist who plays piano, organ, guitar, and flutes. My music can be found on this page, as well as on Facebook and YouTube. Some of my writing has been published in online and print magazines and books. Check out my site for more details.

The “Freddie Gray” Trials: It’s A Complicated Case—A Hung Jury Is Not an Acquittal

December 16, 2015

This afternoon, around 4:00 P.M., I was driving my mother from Northeast Baltimore to the Central Post Office in Baltimore, on the eastern edge of downtown. On Harford Road, near Clifton Park, I spotted two helicopters hovering over downtown. My mother asked me to turn on the radio, to a news station. That is how … More The “Freddie Gray” Trials: It’s A Complicated Case—A Hung Jury Is Not an Acquittal

The “Freddie Gray” Trials: Closing Arguments of the First Trial, of Officer William Porter

December 15, 2015

Monday, December 14, 2015 This morning, I arose uncharacteristically early—6:00 A.M., so that I could witness the closing arguments in the first of the “Freddie Gray” trials. An old friend of mine had invited me to tag along, and I accepted the invitation, not knowing what to expect of the proceedings. I only knew that … More The “Freddie Gray” Trials: Closing Arguments of the First Trial, of Officer William Porter

“Guns Don’t Kill People….” And Other Forms of Circular Logic

December 5, 2015

The timing of this article could not be more wrong. Or more right. Like many of you, I have been watching the coverage of the latest mass shooting in San Bernadino, California. I have gone from being sickened by the horror of the shooting to being downright angry about the nitpicking by the cable networks … More “Guns Don’t Kill People….” And Other Forms of Circular Logic

Blue Bloods Are Called to Protect and Serve…But Whom?

November 6, 2015

Let me begin with this Disclaimer: I am neither pro- nor anti-police. I know that police work is a difficult job, and that most men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve their communities do so with the intent to answer the higher call of public service—just … More Blue Bloods Are Called to Protect and Serve…But Whom?

There Is Nothing New Under the Sun: History Just Keeps Repeating Itself – Part II

September 17, 2015

The War Between the States (aka The Civil War) Last week, I watched the landmark documentary, “Ken Burns’ The Civil War,” which has been restored in celebration of its 25th anniversary. I have seen this series numerous times since its first appearance in 1989. However, in view of recent events in the realm of race … More There Is Nothing New Under the Sun: History Just Keeps Repeating Itself – Part II

There Is Nothing New Under the Sun: History Just Keeps Repeating Itself – Part I

September 15, 2015

“Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing?” —Psalm 2:1, New King James Version (NKJV) I have always been a history buff; it was my favorite subject throughout school, and it remains a beacon in my life as I struggle—like everyone else—to understand the present. Old sayings such as “Those who … More There Is Nothing New Under the Sun: History Just Keeps Repeating Itself – Part I

Atticus Finch Is NOT a Racist…But He’s Not the True Hero of the Story, Either!

August 21, 2015

In late July, I took advantage of my bookstore membership discounts and ordered both To Kill a Mockingbird (TKAM) and Go Set a Watchman (GSAW). I had seen the movie version of TKAM as a girl and I already owned a copy of the book that I’d read as a girl, but it was buried … More Atticus Finch Is NOT a Racist…But He’s Not the True Hero of the Story, Either!