Category: Social Commentary

Carnival midway with a spinning ride (“Satan’s Wheel of Death”) as red-haired Hope approaches—humorous story of lost love, amnesia, and a twist ending.

Helplessly Hoping Her Harlequin Hovers Nearby

A cheeky jab at pay-to-play writing contests, followed by a 1,000-word midway caper: Hope, Hopo, amnesia, and a carnival twist. Yes—Hope springs eternal.
Popcorn against an emerald glow—laughing at the show’s spectacle while side-eyeing its missing context.

Wicked

Plinke riffs on Wicked, prequels, and pop culture: dazzled by spectacle, skeptical of the premise, and wickedly amused from start to “To Be Continued.”
Vintage youth football photo of the author at 13 without a facemask—first season, pregame stance—paired with an essay on PIAA fairness and Parkland vs St. Joe’s.

Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam

A rant on PIAA’s stacked deck: Parkland’s public roster vs St. Joe’s all-star pipeline, a 46–7 reminder, and a facemask-free life lesson from 1960.
Author recovering at home with TV casting a pink glow from “Barbie”; humor essay on post-procedure brain fog, Allan’s baffling antics, and a lone great Helen Mirren line.

Like, Oh My God!

Convalescing after surgery, I tried “Barbie” and found only brain-twisting confusion—Allan’s whiplash moments, one great Mirren line, and a lot of pink noise.
To Serve Man

To Serve Man

We don’t seize the day—we film it. From safety theater to the Big Lie, Rich Plinke argues we’ve traded participation for performance and shows how to take life back.
Nobody’s Right if Everybody’s Wrong Rich Plinke

Nobody’s Right if Everybody’s Wrong

Get a license to vote? Maybe. Rich Plinke dismantles partisan cheerleading, lazy voters, and why political ads sound more like playground chants than democracy.
Brain Damage by Richard Plinke

Brain Damage

From riot rebrands to absurd laws, Rich Plinke dissects cultural chaos with biting humor and Pink Floyd references. Welcome to the dark side.
He Say One and One and One is Three

He Say One and One and One is Three

From AP style to Smithsonian missteps, Rich Plinke examines modern contradictions and cultural divides with sharp wit and no-holds-barred commentary.

Opinion pieces and essays on culture, politics, and the world around us. Sharp, witty takes designed to challenge assumptions and spark discussion.