Beetle on soil near a nuclear missile with US Air Force markings in a bunker

Welcome to the Jungle: What do cuckoos, kings, cleaner fish, caterpillars, and beetles have to do with nuclear proliferation?

The Trump administration is receiving a lot of criticism over the war with Iran, but I’m hearing few suggestions from those critics on what to do now. I can understand criticizing the administration for initiating the conflict without a better-developed strategic plan. But where do we go from here? If you’re the POTUS, what’s your next move?

Four medieval villagers whispering and reacting to rumors swirling as sticks and stones in the town square

Sticks & Stones: Is gossip all bad?

Growing up in the Protestant Christian Church, gossip was routinely criticized for its harm and divisiveness. Pastors regularly debunked the adage “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”. Words can and do hurt people. But is gossip sometimes helpful?

Naive, Defensive, & Uncultured: Being Square in a Shapeshifting World

I briefly discuss the challenges of distinguishing between AI-generated content and genuine articles, societal pressures to integrate marketing and entertainment into content creation, and the balance between being yourself and changing yourself in a rapidly-evolving world.

“No Kings” 3 in Rural Missouri: Local Residents Rally in Warrenton to Express their Support for Constitutional Rights & Opposition to Trump’s Politics

On a brisk Saturday in Warrenton, Missouri, a crowd gathered for the No Kings rally, expressing discontent with the current political climate. Attendees voiced concerns about authoritarianism, government corruption, and the degradation of constitutional rights. The rally reflected a desire for democratic principles and connection among like-minded individuals in a predominantly conservative area.

Guns & Gold: What’s wrong with Sudan?

Fox News recently reported that President Trump is sending 200 troops to Nigeria to protect Christians who are being persecuted there. Fox has also reported Christians being killed in Sudan. So, why isn’t President Trump sending troops to Sudan as well?

Love Thy Neighbor: A Reply To Those in Support of ICE at Fort Leonard Wood, MO SB58 (now SB 94), and MO SB72

“…fearing, profiling, or stereotyping others for a $1,000 check or calling the federal government to arrest my neighbors -without accountability to local authorities- degrades the trust, power, and independence of our cities, towns, and communities.”

ICE at Fort Leonard Wood: An Open Letter to Senators Eric Schmitt & Josh Hawley of the State of Missouri

Would you happily turn in your immigrant neighbor for $1,000?

Murder, Prejudice, & Profiling: Our Constitutional Rights Under Threat

Murder-suicides increased slightly from 2016-2022, the mystery surrounding Demartravion “Trey” Reed’s death is not new, and bills like MO SB58 and MO SB72 threaten immigrant populations without proper documentation.