freedom

US: 250 Years Later – Part 21: Church and State/Religious Freedom

by

In 1776, church and state were deeply intertwined across much of America. Religion shaped laws, taxes, politics, and public identity, while dissent often carried real consequences. Two hundred and fifty years later, America remains engaged in one of its longest arguments: how to protect both freedom of religion and freedom from coercion. This letter follows the evolution of religious liberty and asks what true pluralism actually requires.

Read the letter →

US: 250 Years Later – Part 14: The Capital

by

In 1776, America had no permanent capital. The government moved where it could survive, and Philadelphia served as a temporary center for a nation still unsure of its own future. Two hundred and fifty years later, Washington, D.C. stands as a city built from symbols, monuments, and ideals, asking whether nations are ultimately held together by stone and power… or by shared belief.

Read the letter →

“In Memoriam: A Memorial Day Advent Series” – Part Four: The Skinny Dipper & The Streaker

by

A wild, fleeting freedom – when being seen wasn’t recorded, and liberation lived in moments that vanished as quickly as they arrived.

Read the letter →

An Introduction to Philosophy (RLL style) Week 16 – Final Exam Week – Part 3: Have you laughed at yourself today?

by

Laughter is what happens when the ego trips over reality. It’s not about belittling yourself; it’s about forgiving yourself. It’s the pressure valve that releases the tension of our overinflated selves. Wanting peace while compulsively checking email. Seeking meaning while losing your keys. Laughter turns rigid beliefs into flexible ideas and reminds us that wisdom doesn’t always sound profound. Sometimes, it sounds like a snort-laugh at your own nonsense. And that’s freedom.

Read the letter →

An Introduction to Philosophy (RLL style) Week 13 – Society 1 (Money) – Part 5: Why not make everything free?

by

The penny’s gone, but what about the rest of the system? The idea of a moneyless, resource-based economy suggests that abundance is not only possible – it’s achievable. What if instead of currency, we focused on meeting human needs directly? This reflection challenges the limitations of scarcity, hoarding, and the age-old question of motivation. Can we design a system where resources, not profits, shape society? And what if the rich and powerful didn’t have to approve? Let’s explore a world without money.

Read the letter →

An Introduction to Philosophy (RLL style) Week 13 – Society 1 (Money) – Part 4: What’s better than money?

by

Huckleberry Finn knew freedom didn’t come from accumulating wealth – it came from needing fewer permissions. Off-the-grid living shows us that value isn’t measured in dollars; it’s measured in community. Through barter systems, mutual aid, and local economies, we can reclaim wealth that isn’t found on a balance sheet, but in the trust and cooperation between people.

Read the letter →

An Introduction to Philosophy (RLL style) Week 13 – Society 1 (Money) – Part 1: Introduction: What would you do if money weren’t an issue?

by

What would you do if money weren’t a consideration? Would your choices change? It’s a simple question, but the answer could unravel everything you think you know about your daily life. We’re often ruled by money without even realizing it—our choices, our ambitions, our sense of worth all shaped by a system we rarely question. This week, we’ll peel back the layers and explore what truly drives us, before the need for money even enters the equation.

Read the letter →

The Twin Heists

by

Dear Art and History (and Democracy) Lovers, This week, in broad daylight, the world witnessed two grand thefts.One took place in Paris – the Crown Jewels vanished from their glass case, stolen in silence and skill, likely never to be seen again. The odds are high they’ll be broken apart, melted down, scattered across black … Read more

Read the letter →