Lead contributor Greg Asimakoupoulos expresses his perspective on current events and life in general through verse. We have used Greg's weekly expressions since SeniorLifesytle began in 2006 and borrowed (with permission) the "Rhymes & Reasons" title used on the Partial Observer website where his work still appears.

The updated SeniorLIfestyle site includes all of the Rhymes & Reasons we have used since April 2006. 


Filter Article list:
Article Scope:  

The Author, Category and Topic selectors will reflect the Article Scope setting.

Date range:    
Current: articles posted within the last 30 Days
Recent: articles posted within the last 3 Months
Sort Order:    

Hints on searching Articles

Some articles may be restricted—viewable only to logged-in users with the appropriate Security Level.

You can narrow your search using one or all of six criteria:

  1. Article Scope:
    • This Collection Only (default) limits search results to this article "home page."
    • All includes all articles (including blog entries) on the site.
  2. Date range:
    • Current shows articles posted within the past 30 Days
    • Recent shows articles posted within the past 3 Months
    • All includes all articles within the Collection Scope.
    • NOTE: Based on the number of articles found and other filter settings, the Date Scope may be adjusted automatically. However, in most cases you can still use the form to choose a specific range.
  3. Author--regular contributors are listed by name; "special" is used for ocassional or one-time authors. (They are idenitified by name in the article list using a "byline" field in the database).
  4. Category—each article is assigned to one category ( a master category list is used for Articles, Blog Entries, Resources, and similar features on the site).
  5. Topic—each article can be assigned to multiple topics (also uses a master list). You can narrow the search by one topic at a time.
    Even though we try to keep the number of topics limited and as general as possible, the list of topics is long and constantly growing simply because of the wide scope of content covered by aritcles on the site. A good alternative to using the drop-down list is to click on a topic from the Summary View of the Article List, or the category and topic summary at the top of an Article.
    NOTE: Because topics are added over time, some topics may not be associated with earlier articles to which they could apply. From time to time, we update category and topic links.
  6. Keywords
    Looks for a word, phrase or part of a word in the component parts of the article.

Viewing the Results

In addition to the "Most Recent" and "Top Articles" lists, there are three Views of the searchable Article List: (where you are now):

  1. Quick. Shows Categories in alphabetical order, with a list of articles by post date (most recent first), title, author. This is the default view. Return to it anytime by selecting "Clear Filter" in the Article Filter.
  2. Minimal. Shows a list of Categories in which articles for this collection appear, including the number of articles in each category. Activate this view by clicking on "View Category names only" under the gray view description bar.
  3. Summary. Expands a single Category to include a brief description of each article, the primary category, and any topics assigned to it.

Actions from the Article List

  • Click on an Article title to view it.
    • A link at the bottom of the article will bring you back to this page.
    • If you have expanded the Collection Scope to All, and view an article or blog entry outside this collection, the return link will take you to the corresponding "home" page. To return to this page, use the Back button in your browser or use the Site Menu.
  • Click on a Category name to expand the list into Summary View, which will include more detals about the articles within that Category, including the topics associated with it.
    • If you have selected "All" in the Article Scope, the initial Summary View will reset the Article Scope to "This Collection only." From there, you can go back to "All" if desired.
  • Click on a Topic name (Summary View) to see recent articles associated with that topic. From there you can expand to "All" articles or narrow the search using the Filter.
    • There are some categories that also appear as topics. In this case, the filter will set the topic, since that will return the greatest number of results. From there, you can modify the Search Filter to narrow your search.

Actions from the Article (listing of Categories and Topics at top of Article)

  • Click on the Category or a Topic and you will be taken to the Article List page with the search filter set accordingly. (The notes under Article List also apply here).

Printing the List or individual Articles

Using Print this page at the upper left will print the content displayed in the Articles List or an individual Article, without any of the surrounding page elements. The filter form in the list view is replaced with a summary of the filter settings.

Please note: Using the "Print this page" option is highly recommended over the print options available through the Share utility (described below).

Additional Hint: On some smaller devices you may find it helpful to use the Print option to display a simpler content-only view. Depending on the device, you may not actually be able to print, but it may produce a view that is easier to read. You will need to close the print window to get back to the site navigation.

Sharing and Commenting on Article Lists and Individual Articles

There is a lot of discussion about the merits of commenting within a site. At this time we have decided not to integrate it into the site. The AddThis Share utility that appears at the upper left on the page as well as at the end of articles allows you to share the selected page through Facebook, Twitter, and more than 200 other social media services. Most of these options allow you to add comments.

You can also comment through the site's own social media connections, which are linked through the icons in the site masthead (only active social media accounts are shown).


7 articles found.

SUMMARY VIEW  Expanded details within a Category. Click on article title, Category, or a listed Topic

To change sort order or make another search, modify the form above

Government & Politics

 98 records found

The Sad State of Our Union by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   March 9, 2024)
The state of our union as a nation is troubling…
Topics: Dysfunctional, Broken Government Policy, Policy Formation Social Issues Unity, Unified


Is There a Doctor in the House? by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   October 6, 2023)
Poetical comments on the current chaos on Capitol Hill…
Topics: Current Events, News Dysfunctional, Broken New Year's Politics


Reflections on the State of Our Union by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   February 8, 2023)
Marked by division, our fragile union needs a revival of psyche and soul…
Topics: Faith Government Politics Relationships Social Issues


Election Day is Chooseday! by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   November 8, 2022)
Election Day is the day we voice our values and influence our future…
Topics: Government Patriotism Politics Values Voting & Elections


Life versus Love by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   June 27, 2022)
A Supreme Court ruling has raised the bar of civil discourse…
Topics: Beliefs Civility Communication Dysfunctional, Broken Faith Government News Policy, Policy Formation Politics Prayer Social Issues Social Movements


Liz Cheney's Not Lon Chaney by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   May 15, 2021)
Why recent events on Capitol Hill resemble a horror show…
Topics: Government News Politics Values Voting & Elections


The Fabric of Democracy by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   February 6, 2021)
Celebrating the strength of our diversity…
Topics: Character, Integrity Civility Diversity & Pluralism Government Relationships


Inauguration Day by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   January 22, 2021)
It's a day of new beginnings…
Topics: COVID-19 Current Events, News Government History Hopes & Dreams News Politics Prayer Racism and Inequality Unity, Unified Values Voting & Elections


The Supremes Have a New Member by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   October 31, 2020)
Let's hear it for Amy Coney Barret…
Topics: Crime, Justice, Punishment Government History News


But Where are the People? by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   August 29, 2020)
Why virtual political conventions are for the birds…
Topics: Change COVID-19 Current Events, News History Humor Media Politics


A House Divided by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   February 8, 2020)
The state of our nation is not what we're told…
Topics: Dysfunctional, Broken Government History News Politics


A Prayer for Lawmakers by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   February 23, 2019)
What I prayed at the Washington State Legislature on the eve of Washington's birthday…
Topics: Character, Integrity Faith Freedom God Government Grace Leadership Prayer


Venti Dreams by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   February 2, 2019)
What is Howard Schultz thinking?…
Topics: News Politics


Divided Loyalties by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   November 10, 2018)
Our right to vote unites us as Americans…
Topics: Diversity & Pluralism Government Politics Unity, Unified Values Voting & Elections


A 'Dear John' Letter to Senator McCain by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   September 1, 2018)
An expressino of thanks for a remarkable leader…
Topics: Personal Stories (Biography/Autobiography) Character, Integrity Civility Courage Inspiration Leadership Politics Tribute, Testimony


A Way with Words by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   July 21, 2018)
Exposing President Trump's verbal challenges…
Topics: Current Events, News Language, Meaning News Politics Popular Culture Writing


A Call for Respect by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   February 4, 2018)
Lessons from the State of the Union
Topics: Character, Integrity Civility Communication Government News Relationships


May I Be Frank, Mr. President? by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   December 17, 2017)
Challenging a double standard in the Oval Office…
Topics: Crime, Justice, Punishment Current Events, News Ethics & Morality News Politics Scandal Social Issues Values


Praying for a Dictator by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   June 4, 2017)
Asking God to silence Kim Jong-Un…
Topics: Change Government News Prayer


Hold the Phone by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   May 21, 2017)
If only The Donald would do just that…
Topics: Communication Government News Politics


Second Thoughts about "America First" by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   February 4, 2017)
The Bible trumps our President's initiative
Topics: Bible Faith Government


Make the Presidency Great Again! by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   January 28, 2017)
A message to the new Commander in Chief…
Topics: Government History Leadership Politics


Inauguration Day Ponderings by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   January 20, 2017)
More than a President is called to take an oath…
Topics: Government History Politics Prayer


A Prayer for the President-Elect by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   November 13, 2016)
A new hymn text to a time-honored tune…
Topics: Change Government Leadership News Politics Prayer


The White House Race is a Mud Bowl by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   October 15, 2016)
Just how low can they go?…
Topics: Ethics & Morality News Politics


A Prayer for Uncle Sam by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   July 2, 2016)
A Fourth of July supplication…
Topics: Freedom History Holidays July 4 (U.S. Independence Day) Prayer Trends


My Favorite Uncle's Annual Appeal by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   April 16, 2016)
Why I hate Tax Day…
Topics: Financial Government Holidays Taxes


The Republican by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   April 2, 2016)
It's more like a funeral wake…
Topics: News Politics


Good Lord, He's a Bad Candidate by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   March 12, 2016)
Why I hope Donald Trump is not the GOP's nominee…
Topics: News Politics


Why Donald Trump Troubles Me by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   February 27, 2016)
One poetic commentator's opinion…
Topics: Current Events, News News Politics


Caution: Congress Under Repair by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   March 1, 2015)
The cracks in the Capitol Dome aren't the only cause for concern…
Topics: Dysfunctional, Broken

Can Two Become One? by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   November 16, 2014)
Here's hoping the new Congress can make vows of unity…
Topics: Politics Unity, Unified

The Lessons of Bridgegate by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   January 19, 2014)
Coming to terms with an unnecessary toll…
Topics: Ethics & Morality Politics

Uncle Sam at the Brink by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   December 9, 2012)
A suicide watch in Washington…
Topics: Politics

A State of Indecision by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   October 21, 2012)
Washington state debates same-sex marriage…
Topics: Faith Family Political Correctness Politics Social Issues

The Donkey and the Elephant by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   October 7, 2012)
Can we hear what each is saying?…
Topics: Politics

A Faded Bedroom Poster by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   September 2, 2012)
Why it's time for a new one…
Topics: Politics

Undercover Betrayal by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   April 29, 2012)
Lessons from the Secret Service scanda…
Topics: Government Scandal

Where's the Party? by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   March 25, 2012)
The Grand Old Party needs a party planner…
Topics: Planning Politics

A Prayer for Lawmakers and Others by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   January 15, 2012)
Asking Divine guidance for those who make decisions…
Topics: Politics Prayer

Herman "Raisin" Cane by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   November 13, 2011)
How the accused reacts to the "grapes of wrath"…
Topics: Current Events, News Grace Politics

And They're Off by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   August 21, 2011)
The county fair campaigning has begun…
Topics: Politics

Obama's Big Black Bus by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   August 21, 2011)
What's wrong with this picture?…
Topics: Politics

Uncle Sam's Spending Problem by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   August 7, 2011)
Is raising the debt ceiling the best solution?…
Topics: Financial Government Politics

The Little Weiner Went to Congress by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   June 12, 2011)
If only it were just a nursery rhyme…
Topics: Current Events, News Politics Scandal

Chicago's All-TIme Favorite Sport by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   January 30, 2011)
The votes are in…
Topics: Current Events, News Politics

Don't Ask? Don't Tell? by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   January 9, 2011)
What would the Generals say?…
Topics: Armed Forces Current Events, News History Social Issues

High Touch Security by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   November 21, 2010)
Can't touch that!…
Topics: Current Events, News Government Safety Travel

Dancing with the Stars and Stripes by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   October 31, 2010)
It's boogie time with the ballot box…
Topics: Current Events, News Politics

Tea Party Ponderings by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   October 3, 2010)
What began one night in Boston still continues in our day…
Topics: Current Events, News History Politics

Obama, Duh! by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   March 21, 2010)
New lyrics to the same old tune about healthcare reform…
Topics: Current Events, News Health Care Politics

O Little Town of Washington by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   December 27, 2009)
There is no goodwill among men on Capitol Hill…
Topics: Health Care Politics

Domestic Parter-Ships by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   November 1, 2009)
Should their moorage be equal to marriage?
Topics: Family Language, Meaning Politics Social Issues

Obama, Obsama by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   October 25, 2009)
Reminding the President of a promise…
Topics: Politics Terrorism

Jimmy's Crack Scorned by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   September 27, 2009)
Why the former President misspoke…
Topics: Communication Politics

The Lion Sleeps by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   August 30, 2009)
A tribute to Ted Kennedy: the prince who never would be king…
Topics: Personal Stories (Biography/Autobiography) Politics Tribute, Testimony

Profiles in Courage (and Humanity) by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   August 30, 2009)
Facing the four Kennedy brothers head-on…
Topics: Personal Stories (Biography/Autobiography) History Politics Tribute, Testimony

Slaves of Lust by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   June 28, 2009)
An over-populated political prison…
Topics: Politics Scandal

The Bronx Cheers by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   May 31, 2009)
But the jury is still out on this judge…
Topics: Political Correctness Politics

A Table Grace for Tax Day by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   April 19, 2009)
Singing for our supper…
Topics: Faith Financial Politics

The Motorcade and the Parade by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   April 5, 2009)
Obama's reception in London is no Palm Sunday parade…
Topics: Current Events, News Easter Politics

Babies in the Wings (Clipped) by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   March 15, 2009)
Grieving a pro-life stance…
Topics: Current Events, News Ethics & Morality Politics Social Issues

A President's Day Present by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   February 22, 2009)
A little package from his friends on the Hill…
Topics: Crisis Financial Politics

Lunacy in the Land of Lincoln by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   February 1, 2009)
Hot Rod left the race track of reason…
Topics: Crime, Justice, Punishment Politics Scandal

A Violation of Robert's Rules of Order by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   January 25, 2009)
Pondering the Chief Justice's uncharacteristic gaff…
Topics: Politics

A Purpose-Driven Choice by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   December 21, 2008)
Obama's Democratic critics speak volumes…
Topics: Politics Prayer Religion

Son of a Blagojevich by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   December 14, 2008)
One governor's questionable pedigree…
Topics: Crime, Justice, Punishment Politics Scandal

A Shrine to "No Belief" by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   December 14, 2008)
Yet another governor raises eyebrows…
Topics: Beliefs Christmas Politics

A Thankless Thanksgiving in the White House by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   November 30, 2008)
A less-than-memorable holiday for the First Family…
Topics: Holidays Politics Thanks, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving

The White House is Over-Rated by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   November 9, 2008)
Why your house matters much more…
Topics: Politics

Dumb and Dumber by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   October 26, 2008)
Not the movie, but this senseless presidential campaign…
Topics: Politics

Joe the Plumber Pleads His Case by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   October 19, 2008)
Making the case for the small business guy…
Topics: Freedom Politics

A Peel at Todd Palin's Alaska by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   October 5, 2008)
Why the First Dude is having second thoughts…
Topics: Politics

Queen Sarah and Delaware Joe by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   October 5, 2008)
The difference between the two is debatable…
Topics: Politics

Batter Up by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   September 28, 2008)
A creative alternative to presidential debates…
Topics: Politics

Sarah Palin Needs Our Prayers by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   September 7, 2008)
Her family's joys and sorrows are not unique…
Topics: Politics Prayer

Sarah (Plain and Tall) Palin by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   August 31, 2008)
What I know about this unknown candidate…
Topics: Personal Stories (Biography/Autobiography) Politics

The Purpose-Driven Pastor Grills the Candidates by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   August 24, 2008)
Rick Warren's burger-bash at Saddleback…
Topics: Politics Religion

Conventions Come, Conventions Go by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   August 24, 2008)
What we can expect in Denver…
Topics: Politics

Joe Biden's Bidin' Time by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   August 24, 2008)
Actually, he's writing a speech…
Topics: Politics

A Relay Race Disgrace by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   August 17, 2008)
Sober lessons from John Edward's fall…
Topics: Ethics & Morality Politics Scandal

Jeremiah's Lamentations by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   April 6, 2008)
What Obama now laments about his pastor…
Topics: Politics Religion

A Racial Race? by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   March 9, 2008)
The black and white truth about a black candidate…
Topics: Politics Social Issues

Poetry in Motion by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   February 10, 2008)
What Maya Angelou is blind to…
Topics: Arts & Entertainment Politics

Dancing with Our Candidate by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   February 10, 2008)
Kicking up our caucusing heels…
Topics: Politics

`Prayer for Our Head of State by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   February 3, 2008)
On the occasion of the State of the Union address…
Topics: Leadership Prayer

He's Not a Sheep Clad Wolf by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   January 27, 2008)
Barack Obama is a Christ-follower…
Topics: Faith Politics Religion

A Horse Race without Equal by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   January 13, 2008)
The candidates continue to jockey for position…
Topics: Politics

The Obama and Oprah Show by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   December 12, 2007)
Is this a winning team?…
Topics: Politics Popular Culture Television

Holy Smoke by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   December 6, 2007)
Fuming questions about a candidate's faith…
Topics: Politics Religion

The Marathon to the White House by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   November 19, 2007)
The exhausting impact of this presidential race…
Topics: Politics

Disgraced in the John by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   September 16, 2007)
How a Minneapolis bathroom flushed a reputation…
Topics: Current Events, News Politics Scandal

Gordon Brown's Dilemma by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   July 1, 2007)
How will Britain's new Prime Minister vote on Iraq?…
Topics: Current Events, News Politics

A Politically-Correct Holiday is a Humbig by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   December 3, 2006)
One jaded Christian's Christmas wish…
Topics: Christmas Education Faith Freedom Holidays Politics

Election Day in Who-ville by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   October 29, 2006)
The paradox of exporting what we fail to practice&helliip;
Topics: Current Events, News Politics

Hyde and Seek by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   October 6, 2006)
The fall elections are anything but child's play…
Topics: Current Events, News Politics

The Donkey King's Temper Tantrum by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   October 1, 2006)
Questioning Clinton's right to criticize…
Topics: Current Events, News Politics

Remembering Joe Lieberman by Greg Asimakoupoulos


(Rhymes & Reasons   August 13, 2006)
The Connecticut senator is a casualty of war.…
Topics: Current Events, News Politics War