About John Oliver Mason

I am a freelance writer, having worked for newspapers, magazines and blogs for over twenty-five years, covering neighborhood and working people making their communities and their lives better. I believe in the power of the written word to bring about change, and I put that into practice. I believe that when we become aware of the effect our small actions in the community have in improving lives, we can truly make a difference. I am also one of the leading poets in the Philadelphia area, and I also write fiction. I also act, performing on the public access channel PhillyCAM.

Having Fun Yet, Donnie?

Today, the Obama Presidential Library and Center has its grand opening. How grant is it? It houses the papers of Barack Obama, still highly respected in the nation and the world. It has a playground, a vegetable garden, a public library, and an athletic center. the Center is located on the South Side of Chicago.

Attending the event was Barack and Michelle Obama themselves, their two daughters Sasha and Malia, Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, and George W. Bush. Performing for the event were Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Stevie Wonder, John Legend. Jennefer Hudson, and  Christine Aguilara.

(https://www.ms.now/liveblog/obama-presidential-center-opening-ceremony-live-updates)

NOW contrast this to the UFC freakshow on the South Lawn of the White House, to celebrate the Eightieth year of Donald t—p’s existance on the planet. Trump was caught dozing off at ringside, next to UFC head Dana White. (What’s this again about “Sleepy Joe” Biden?) The Lincoln Memorial was the site of the ritual weigh-in, and the rooms of the White House served as changing rooms for the fighters.

The high point came when one of the fighters, Josh Holkit, after winning his bout, got on the mic and proclaimed, “Michelle Obama is a man!” and that got cheers from the crowd.

(https://abc3340.com/news/nation-world/ufc-fighter-says-michelle-obama-is-a-man-after-winning-white-house-match-joe-rogan-josh-hokit-derrick-lewis-president-trump-dana-white)

Obama haas always carried himself with the greatest dignity; Trump, does he know the meaning of the word? I doubt it.

Coming up next will be what he hoped to be a 250th anniversary for our country; several musical acts were announced to perform, but practically all of them announced they were not ifnormed to being on the program, and they backed away. Now, it’s advertised as a big rally where the featured performer is DONALD TRUMP.

Quite a contrast between Obama’s event and trump’s.

My Novel, “Soldier Of The Cross.”

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The Mason Moment, June 15, 2026

I speak about the pro-wrestling esthetic in political events, and the dumbing-down of our discourse.
http://johnomson.com

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What’s In A Name?

At last! The vile name of Donald J. Trump has been removed from the John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts. (https://www.aol.com/articles/trumps-name-removed-kennedy-center-132537000.html) 

Representative Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), an ex officio Board member stripped of her vote on the Board,  helped file the suit n Federal District Court; Judge Christopher Cooper granted the decision to remove the name, stating only Congress has the authority to change the Center’s name; he has also denied a last-minute appeal to stop the removal.

(https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72069932/50/beatty-v-trump/) 

Dictators have been infamous in erecting monuments to their own glory, both as a means of ego-stroking and to remind their subjects who the Boss is; Stalin and Hitler were notorious for having their graven images on every street corner; I deliberately used the phrase “graven images” since this is called idolitry, and the dictator is the Idol AND High Priest. And, when the Dictator is (inevitably) overthrown, all the statues and paintings to his (ahem!) “glory” are torn down.

Let’s keep it up, Americans, we’ll get there!

http://johnomson.com

 

My Novel, “Soldier Of The Cross.”

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The John Mason Talk-Walk, June 12, 2026

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1937652/episodes/19336319

I speak about the Republican entitlement problem, and tRump’s masculinity issues.

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The Mason Moment, June 8, 2026

I speak on social and political issues, calling them as I see them. I’m speaking about the destruction of CBS News, and of the corporatization of news media.

My Novel, “Soldier Of The Cross.”

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Describe your dream chocolate bar.

I always prefer Hershey’s, in all their variations.

The John Mason Talk-Walk, June 5, 2026

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1937652/episodes/19301169

I speak about upcoming events in Philadelphia, and of trump’s ridiculous show on the White House lawn.

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My favorite book from childhood

There was no particular book I could call a favorite, but I was an avid reader as a kid, and I remain so to this day.

Happy Gay Pride Month!

I give a shout-out to the LGBTQ+ community on this, their month to celebrate their history, struggles, determination, and their love. Arrayed against them are a regime in the White House and its allies who think they’re heroic freedom-fighters because they attack vulnerable people who have the audacity to organize for their rights and very dignity. My LGBTQ+ friends, please keep fighting, because as you fight for each other and your lives, you fight for the rest of us.

The Mason Moment, June 1, 2026

I speak about trump’s continued disrestpect for our service-members, and his self-agrandizing.

My Novel, “Soldier Of The Cross.”

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