Sean Dietrich Articles

Sean of the South | Waiting for takeoff

BY SEAN DIETRICH OPINION — We were sitting on a plane. Awaiting takeoff. I am convinced that if you live wrongly, if you treat your fellow man poorly, if you are selfish, if you are not a good person, you will die and wake up in Hartsfield-Jackson International...

Sean of the South | See Rock City Barns

OPINION — Interstate 59 shot past our windows like a streak of pigeon excrement on a commercial airline windshield. We crossed into Tennessee, heading northward to New Jersey. The radio played Jerry Reed. And I was busy counting barns.A barn in the distance. Overgrown...

Sean of the South | This was not written by AI

OPINION — I don’t know what to do about AI.Humanoid robots. Automated cars. Augmented reality smart-glasses. Smart dishwashers. Robotic surgeons. And what about the weird AI images all over my newsfeed? Where are these freaky AI pictures coming from?A masterfully...

Sean of the South | Eulogy for the American newspaper

OPINION — I miss the newspaper. Before the internet. I’m talking physical newspapers. The kind you unfold.I miss the morning routine of it all. Walk to the end of the driveway, barefoot, pre-sunrise. Messy hair. Morning breath. Unsheath the newsprint from its plastic....
Sean of the South

Sean of the South

Chaplains on the Wall OPINION — It was a weekend. A lot of people were there. And by “a lot,” I mean folks were standing two or three deep.It’s one...

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Sean of the South

Sean of the South

The not-so-little leaguers OPINION —It was just one of those things. I ran into them in the supermarket. They were no longer boys. They were young...

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Sean of the South

Sean of the South

The Tree OPINION —In my front yard is something beautiful. Something living. Something that sometimes reminds me of my mother.It is a tree, about 80...

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Sean of the South

Sean of the South

I heart America OPINION —An old highway. Somewhere in America. Two lanes. No shoulder. Faded yellow lines. Oh, the things you see while driving old...

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Sean of the South

Sean of the South

Champions OPINION —The Scripps National Spelling Bee was broadcast a few nights ago on the Ion network, drawing a staggering 14 viewers not...

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Sean of the South

Sean of the South

What I did this summer OPINION — Lake Martin is busy, the rich scent of smoked meat fills the air, and my LDL cholesterol count is already...

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Sean of the South

Sean of the South

A Memorial Day in the park OPINION — Sunset. There must be a million people gathered in Railroad Park tonight. Downtown Birmingham is crazy. There...

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Sean of the South

Sean of the South

Dumplings OPINION — I’m 5 years old. On Mama’s stove is a steaming stock pot, filling the world with the essence of chicken and dumplings.I’m...

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