“Peace Through Strength”: The Irony of “Pax Romana” is a Warning for “Pax Americana” and Trump’s “Golden Age”

The concept of “peace through strength,” rooted in ancient Rome, has resurfaced in modern politics. This foreign policy rhetoric compliments historical patterns of extractive governance. Unchecked concentration of power and influence threatens pluralism, political representation, and inclusive economics/institutions. Any drift towards tyranny necessitates active civic engagement.

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?

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.”