The Politically-Induced “Split-Personality” of the Human Soul I recently experienced an epiphany that generated hope out of a lot of frustration regarding the contending factions in American and world politics, and within my own heart. I was discussing Adam Smith’s The Theory of Moral Sentiments with a colleague, in which Smith (according to my discussant) [...]
How To Influence the Definition and Direction of Contemporary Libertarianism Collectivism, though at its apex and seemingly more powerful than ever, is on the decline; individualism is on the rise. With its rise, individualism, also known as libertarianism, poses threats to American culture and governance. It also provides significant, positive opportunities that have not been [...]
When a federal judge earlier this week struck down portions of Arizona’s attempt to crack down on illegal immigration it certainly riled up those who’ve chosen this issue as their figurative last stand. Sheriff Joe Arpaio, a darling of the forces of so-called “law and order” (so long as it’s being enforced against someone else), [...]
Illegal immigration poses serious problems for America, on many levels and for many different reasons. It must be dealt with if we wish to preserve our heritage and culture and “establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, [and] provide for the common defence…” But to enact long-term solutions we must raise the level, temper the tone, and [...]
Blame is easier than leadership. It’s been long enough since the announcement of the “Great Recession” that a shelf of books are now out—each outlining the “real” causes of the recession and its unsettling impact on the American psyche and economy. Unfortunately, most of these books are essays on blame. The two major political parties [...]
“The fabric of American empire ought to rest on the solid basis of the consent of the people. The streams of national power ought to flow immediately from that pure, original fountain of all legitimate authority. –Alexander Hamilton Simply put, legitimate foundation means the will of the People at large, while legitimate authority is the [...]
Freedom. Let it ring! Freedom. What does it mean? Although the Greeks and Romans discussed Liberty and Independence and what it meant in their city-states and republic, Freedom is essentially an Anglo-American concept in political philosophy, having its origin in ancient Germanic languages and being used in the culture of the Anglo-Saxon. Here I investigate [...]
When an Arabic-speaking Muslim friend saw Mel Gibson’s movie Passion of the Christ with most of the dialogue in Aramaic, he was very surprised that he did not need most of the subtitles in English to understand the movie! This connection is a critical bridge builder: sister languages, the Arabic, and the Aramaic, the written [...]
Much of our recent foreign policy is guided by the notion that spreading democracy will naturally result in a state of peace, and respect for basic human rights. While seeking peace and human rights are notable and essential goals, the idea of using force to set up a system claiming to foster true freedom is [...]
While the neo-conservative “solution” of war-imposed “democracy” continues to fail and bankrupt America, former Congressman and UN Ambassador Mark Siljander has been quietly, yet steadily, building bridges of love, tolerance, peace, and understanding in the Middle East. His new book, A Deadly Misunderstanding: A Congressman’s Quest to Bridge the Muslim-Christian Divide, offers hope and genuine [...]
