'THIS IS THE FIRST SHOE TO DROP. THERE ARE GOING TO BE OTHERS'

William Astore, 05/22/12

Writer, Professor, Retired Lt. Colonel, Air Force

Americans admire plucky individuals, those who cry "Give me liberty or give me death." But how much liberty do we truly have when we cede so much power to corporations?

Newton N. Minow, 05/22/12

Attorney; former chairman, FCC

Simply put, the LBJ I knew hungered for power, and knew he knew how to use it. The Kennedy I knew grudgingly but genuinely admired LBJ's ability. Robert Caro's book reminded me of a sad conversation I had with LBJ during the time he was languishing in the vice presidency.

Nancy Doyle Palmer, 05/21/12

Journalist and screenwriter

It's just under three miles -- a mere ribbon of a road connecting Chevy Chase to Massachusetts Avenue that embraces Tenleytown along the way -- but for me it registers almost every landmark of my Washington life.

Molly Fosco, 05/21/12

Entertainment enthusiast

The recently announced TV network fall line up seems to have some common themes this year. Did anyone order some revived sitcom actors? FOX, ABC, CBS, and NBC sure did, and these new shows will all have some very familiar faces.

Phil Angelides, 05/21/12

Chairman, Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission

Jamie Dimon was hailed as the wizard of Wall Street. Until the revelation of JPMorgan Chase's disastrous derivatives bet, he was the man who supposedly could do no wrong. But, alas, even wizards are not all powerful, not in Oz and not when trading in financial derivatives.

Sean Carman, 05/21/12

Environmental lawyer, dabbler in the literary arts

Like all great fiction, Tania James's stories emerge from a strange and beautiful source of inspiration, then proceed to transcend it.

William Rose, 05/21/12

Connect2Mason Opinion Editor, Political Columnist, and Global Zero Student Leader at George Mason University

When we talk about all the hatred, fear, and ignorance in this country, I will never understand why people so quickly assume that the racism, homophobia, and brain-drain all comes from the South.

Erin Ruberry, 05/21/12

Deputy blog editor, The Huffington Post

Yes, you're going to see a lot of pork. But fear not, vegetarians and non-porkers. There's plenty here for you, too. But if there was ever a reason to hop off the vegetarian train for the night ("Hi, my name is Erin and I'm a vegetarian... 98 percent of the time."), it's at The Pig.

Peter Dreier, 05/20/12

E.P. Clapp Distinguished Professor of Politics, Occidental College

The protesters consider Geithner the key architect of Obama's economic recovery plan and the loudest voice within the president's inner circle for taking a "hands off" approach to tougher government rules to tame Wall Street's risky practices.

John Lundberg, 05/20/12

Writer, Poetry teacher

It was a long road for Kristen, who had to advance from her classroom to a school-wide competition, then on through regional/state competitions, just to make the finals in Washington, D.C.

Michael Brenner, 05/21/12

Senior Fellow, the Center for Transatlantic Relations; Professor of International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh

Seven venal sins or seven mortal sins? Makes scant difference as far as public ethics are concerned. The accumulation of venal sins has mortal consequences.

Bus 52, 05/21/12

5 Young People, 48 States, 1 Converted School Bus

As students and teachers settle into the quiet hum of the knitting circle, a cloud of relaxed calm falls across the group. Lynn and Sheila's knitting class is like many others across the country. Except theirs takes place in prison and their students are inmates.

Dr. Peggy Drexler, 05/21/12

Author, 'Our Fathers, Ourselves. Daughters, Fathers, and the Changing American Family'

Can a mom truly encourage a daughter to be close to her father without comparing her daughter's experience to her own?

Andrea Northup, 05/21/12

Founder, D.C. Farm to School Network

The journey from seed-to-cafeteria tray is long and complex. My role is to shepherd the process from start to finish, and help local schools actionably transform the quality of their food.