Brilliant interview. I especially enjoyed for personal reasons, “What should be the role of literature and art in sparking social change?
Well, my honest answer—that I don’t always live by—is that I don’t think an artist should think about that intention directly. Let the art do what it wants to do. But a beautiful work of art will, sometimes, spark change, just because the primary ingredient of a work of art is truth. Like Chekhov said, “If you show a man how he really is, he will change.” Likewise a culture. But the work has to be truthful.
Are you running ( please) for Congress or the Senate? Gabe Amo and Sen Whitehouse ( his name is apt for his membership in an all white club) are tools of AIPAC. Amo has the spine of a scungilli.
Sharon, are you a Republican or oil company zealot seeking to undermine Senator Whitehouse who is a leading elected official trying to address climate change, the subject of the novel? And it is all wrong to say to say he is a "tool" of AIPAC as he opposes the Iran war, and just voted to deny heavy tractors to Israel used to demolish West Bank homes. It is true he did vote to keep funding some military supplies to Israel but he explained the split vote as trying to keep the various wings of the Demociratic coalition together to be able to take back at least one branch of Congress which he understandably thinks is vital to save democracy (and environmental rules)
Brilliant interview. I especially enjoyed for personal reasons, “What should be the role of literature and art in sparking social change?
Well, my honest answer—that I don’t always live by—is that I don’t think an artist should think about that intention directly. Let the art do what it wants to do. But a beautiful work of art will, sometimes, spark change, just because the primary ingredient of a work of art is truth. Like Chekhov said, “If you show a man how he really is, he will change.” Likewise a culture. But the work has to be truthful.
I’m from the Bernie Sanders wing ( tiny) of the Democratic party that hasn’t been bought off by AIPAC. Senator Bernie Sanders has labeled AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) a "billionaire establishment" oligarchy that uses significant financial resources to silence progressive critics of the Israeli government and interfere in Democratic primaries. Sanders, a frequent critic of Prime Minister Netanyahu, warns that AIPAC's funding aims to uphold the status quo and intimidate politicians against supporting a change in foreign policy, particularly concerning the Gaza conflict.Key Aspects of the Conflict:AIPAC Attacks on Progressiveness: AIPAC has been accused of targeting progressives who raise concerns about U.S. taxpayer dollars and arms sales to Israel.Political Funding and Influence: Sanders highlighted that AIPAC spends heavily in primaries to defeat candidates critical of Israel, often supporting Republican, right-wing, or pro-Netanyahu positions in Democratic races.Weaponization of Anti-Semitism: Sanders and his supporters have accused the lobbying group of weaponizing accusations of anti-semitism to crush dissent.Stance on Aid: Sanders has argued for reducing or conditioning aid to Israel, particularly in light of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which AIPAC has strongly criticized."Dispicable Blood Libel" Accusation: AIPAC accused Senator Sanders of "despicable blood libel" in 2025 for his strong criticism of the Israeli government’s war in Gaza, escalating the tension between him and the pro-Israel lobby.
“U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse has faced long-standing scrutiny over his family’s membership in Bailey’s Beach Club (Spouting Rock Beach Association) in Newport, RI, an exclusive club accused of having a historically all-white membership. Whitehouse has defended his family's continued membership, citing it as a "long tradition," while noting a desire for increased diversity.Key details regarding the controversy:Club Membership: While often described by critics as an "all-white" club, Bailey’s Beach Club has denied this, stating its membership includes people of diverse backgrounds.Whitehouse’s Role: Senator Whitehouse has stated he is not a member, having transferred his shares to his wife, Sandra, who is a member.Controversy Re-ignited: In April 2026, FBI Director Kash Patel criticized Whitehouse regarding the club, renewing media attention on the issue.Context: The club is known as an elite Newport institution, with reports highlighting its exclusive nature and high membership fees.Whitehouse has faced criticism for belonging to an exclusive, predominantly white club while being an outspoken proponent of civil rights.”
Brilliant interview. I especially enjoyed for personal reasons, “What should be the role of literature and art in sparking social change?
Well, my honest answer—that I don’t always live by—is that I don’t think an artist should think about that intention directly. Let the art do what it wants to do. But a beautiful work of art will, sometimes, spark change, just because the primary ingredient of a work of art is truth. Like Chekhov said, “If you show a man how he really is, he will change.” Likewise a culture. But the work has to be truthful.
Are you running ( please) for Congress or the Senate? Gabe Amo and Sen Whitehouse ( his name is apt for his membership in an all white club) are tools of AIPAC. Amo has the spine of a scungilli.
Sharon, are you a Republican or oil company zealot seeking to undermine Senator Whitehouse who is a leading elected official trying to address climate change, the subject of the novel? And it is all wrong to say to say he is a "tool" of AIPAC as he opposes the Iran war, and just voted to deny heavy tractors to Israel used to demolish West Bank homes. It is true he did vote to keep funding some military supplies to Israel but he explained the split vote as trying to keep the various wings of the Demociratic coalition together to be able to take back at least one branch of Congress which he understandably thinks is vital to save democracy (and environmental rules)
Brilliant interview. I especially enjoyed for personal reasons, “What should be the role of literature and art in sparking social change?
Well, my honest answer—that I don’t always live by—is that I don’t think an artist should think about that intention directly. Let the art do what it wants to do. But a beautiful work of art will, sometimes, spark change, just because the primary ingredient of a work of art is truth. Like Chekhov said, “If you show a man how he really is, he will change.” Likewise a culture. But the work has to be truthful.
I’m from the Bernie Sanders wing ( tiny) of the Democratic party that hasn’t been bought off by AIPAC. Senator Bernie Sanders has labeled AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) a "billionaire establishment" oligarchy that uses significant financial resources to silence progressive critics of the Israeli government and interfere in Democratic primaries. Sanders, a frequent critic of Prime Minister Netanyahu, warns that AIPAC's funding aims to uphold the status quo and intimidate politicians against supporting a change in foreign policy, particularly concerning the Gaza conflict.Key Aspects of the Conflict:AIPAC Attacks on Progressiveness: AIPAC has been accused of targeting progressives who raise concerns about U.S. taxpayer dollars and arms sales to Israel.Political Funding and Influence: Sanders highlighted that AIPAC spends heavily in primaries to defeat candidates critical of Israel, often supporting Republican, right-wing, or pro-Netanyahu positions in Democratic races.Weaponization of Anti-Semitism: Sanders and his supporters have accused the lobbying group of weaponizing accusations of anti-semitism to crush dissent.Stance on Aid: Sanders has argued for reducing or conditioning aid to Israel, particularly in light of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which AIPAC has strongly criticized."Dispicable Blood Libel" Accusation: AIPAC accused Senator Sanders of "despicable blood libel" in 2025 for his strong criticism of the Israeli government’s war in Gaza, escalating the tension between him and the pro-Israel lobby.
ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS?
“U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse has faced long-standing scrutiny over his family’s membership in Bailey’s Beach Club (Spouting Rock Beach Association) in Newport, RI, an exclusive club accused of having a historically all-white membership. Whitehouse has defended his family's continued membership, citing it as a "long tradition," while noting a desire for increased diversity.Key details regarding the controversy:Club Membership: While often described by critics as an "all-white" club, Bailey’s Beach Club has denied this, stating its membership includes people of diverse backgrounds.Whitehouse’s Role: Senator Whitehouse has stated he is not a member, having transferred his shares to his wife, Sandra, who is a member.Controversy Re-ignited: In April 2026, FBI Director Kash Patel criticized Whitehouse regarding the club, renewing media attention on the issue.Context: The club is known as an elite Newport institution, with reports highlighting its exclusive nature and high membership fees.Whitehouse has faced criticism for belonging to an exclusive, predominantly white club while being an outspoken proponent of civil rights.”
From AIPAC WATCH:
SHELDON WHITEHOUSE
RI-SEN [D]
Lobby Total: $410,544
PACs: $410,544
IE: $0
AIPAC, AUSD, BICOUNTY, COPAC, CITY, FIPAC, HEARTLAND, JAC, JSTREET, LAFAS, MDACC, NACPAC, NATPAC, NORPAC, PHXED, SUNPAC, TPOH, WAPAC, WAFI
Next Election: 2030