Revisit The First Amendment

Manifest Destiny

The Christian Nationalist would lead us to believe there is only one true religion, theirs, and that the United States has been chosen by God to enforce that notion.

American Christian nationalism is based on a worldview that America is superior to other countries, and that such superiority is divinely established. It posits that only Christians are "true Americans". Christian nationalism also bears overlap with the American militia movement. The 1992 Ruby Ridge standoff and the 1993 Waco siege served as a catalyst for the growth of militia activity among Christian nationalists.[95] Christian nationalists believe that the US is meant to be a Christian nation, and that it was founded as a Christian nation, and want to "take back" the US for God.[107][108] _wikipedia

Really? 

James Madison, who crafted the First Amendment, didn't believe that. He feared the consequences of one true religion, a state religion. I'll have more on that below. The problem of a state religion is exclusion. Only certain people will be included in this quest. The rest will be marginalized and persecuted.

More from Wikipedia:

Christian nationalism prioritizes an ethno-cultural, ethno-religious, and ethno-nationalist framing around fear of "the other", those being immigrants, racial, and sexual minorities. Studies have associated Christian nationalism with xenophobia, homophobia, misogyny, political tolerance of racists, opposition to interracial unions, support for gun rights, pronatalism, and restricting the civil rights of those who fail to conform to traditional ideals of whiteness, citizenship, and Protestantism.[106]: 6  The Christian nationalist belief system includes elements of patriarchy, white supremacy, nativism, and heteronormativity.[106]: 7  It has been associated with a "conquest narrative", premillennial apocalypticism, and of frequent "rhetoric of blood, specifically, of blood sacrifice to an angry God".


In “Federalist No. 10,” part of a series of essays written to support the Constitution, Madison warned about the dangers of factions and intolerance. A dominant religious group could marginalize others. A “religious sect may degenerate into a political faction,” he warned. In his view, a religious faction with political power can create a political tyranny, especially when it claims to act in God’s name.


Madison understood that religious freedom did not mean protecting one faith against others. Religious freedom is best secured in a nation that respects religious diversity in all of its variety, including the right to no religion at all. The point was not to privilege any tradition but to protect all traditions.

A broader attack on our freedoms.

This administration and the Supreme Court are silencing entire voting blocs, attempting to squash freedom of expression, legislate a national religion, and silence the press, all while claiming it is part of the original intent of the founders of this country. A quick look at what was adopted as the First Amendment makes clear none of that is true. James Madison, the author of the Constitution, proposed more descriptive First Amendment.

Madison’s proposal for what eventually became the First Amendment is broadly consistent with the final product but in some respects more descriptive:

“The civil rights of none shall be abridged on account of religious belief or worship, nor shall any national religion be established, nor shall the full and equal rights of conscience be in any manner, or on any pretext infringed.

“The people shall not be deprived or abridged of their right to speak, to write, or to publish their sentiments; and the freedom of the press, as one of the great bulwarks of liberty, shall be inviolable.

“The people shall not be restrained from peaceably assembling and consulting for their common good; nor from applying to the legislature by petitions, or remonstrances for redress of their grievances.”

Thanks to Middle Tennessee State University and the Free Speech Center for the information about James Madison.

The Supreme Court has gotten it wrong before. Plessy v Ferguson codified segregation based on separate but equal. They were separate alright, but not equal. Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) is widely considered the worst decision in U.S. Supreme Court history because it declared that Black Americans could not be citizens and ruled that the federal government had no constitutional authority to ban slavery in the territories. This overt racism, judicial overreach, and failure to peacefully resolve the slavery crisis pushed the country directly into the Civil War. (Wikipedia) The damage done took generations to fix. 

But what's happening now can be repaired if we, like those who came before us, do not stand idly by.  

But how?

Historian and Andrew Carnegie Fellow Timothy Snyder suggests ways to defend democracy with individual actions.

1. Do not obey in advance. 
2. Defend institutions. 
3. Beware the one-party state. 
4. Take responsibility for the face of the world. 
5. Remember professional ethics. 
6. Be wary of paramilitaries. 
7. Be reflective if you must be armed. 
8. Stand out. Someone has to. 
9. Be kind to our language. 
10. Believe in truth. 
11. Investigate. 
12. Make eye contact and small talk. 
13. Practice corporeal politics. 
14. Establish a private life. 
15. Contribute to good causes. 
16. Learn from peers in other countries. 
17. Listen for dangerous words. 
18. Be calm when the unthinkable arrives. 
19. Be a patriot. 
20. Be as courageous as you can. 

Want to know more? Click here.

The Level of Corruption Is Breathtaking

I remember a conversation I had in 2016, after he won his first election. I was told Trump would grow into the job. The gravity of the responsibility of the position would mold him into true leadership. Boy, that sure was off the mark.

The slush fund is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Trump's corruption. The following is from the commentary of Brooks and Capehart on the PBS Newshour.

William Brangham:

You mentioned that this is -- some people call this weaponization fund a thug fund. My colleague Liz Landers talked to Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the Proud Boys, a white supremacist, organizer, a lead organizer of January 6, and he was thrilled by the idea of this fund.

He thinks he's owed tens of millions of dollars for what he has been through. Do you think, David, if in fact, money starts to flow to people who there is very good evidence assaulted officers or were deeply involved in January 6, that this will further that revolt?

David Brooks:

Possibly.

And it wasn't just the fund. Derek Thompson, an independent journalist, mentioned, what happened this week? Trump got out of $100 million IRS fund. He had the immunity from future tax investigations, this $1.8 billion slush fund, insider trading about $1 billion.

This was like the Coachella of political corruption all in one week. And you take a look at that, and you're like, I don't care who you are. If you have got a shred of integrity, you're like, what is going on here?

Walter Olson, who is a prominent legal analyst, said it was the biggest act of political corruption of his lifetime.

Several notable historical quotes offer different perspectives on corruption:
On Law: "The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws." — Tacitus

On Morality: "Corruption is worse than prostitution. The latter might endanger the morals of an individual, the former invariably endangers the morals of the entire country." — Karl Kraus

On the Poor: "Corruption is paid by the poor." — Pope Francis

Insider trading has netted Trump over $1 billion

And this is all legal because the Supreme Court ruled Trump can not be prosecuted for acts that take place while in office.

Addressing Voter Concerns

 

If Democrats want to win, they have plenty of issues to address. The cost of living, inflation, and cost of health care are on top. Speak to those issues, and the Democrats will find their talking points resonating with the majority of Americans. These issues are common ground, transcending the culture wars (race, color, and creed), because they affect all of us.

As of early 2026, the biggest problems in America are dominated by financial pressures, intense political divisions, and the rising cost of living, with many Americans feeling their financial situation is deteriorating. [1, 2]

Based on 2026 data, here are the top issues facing the United States:

1. Cost of Living and Inflation

• Persistent Inflation: Despite cooling from previous peaks, inflation remains a major issue, with 50% of Americans ranking it as a top concern.
• Housing Affordability: The high cost of housing is a critical issue, exacerbated by low inventory and high mortgage rates.
• Everyday Costs: Surging prices for food, gas, and utilities are placing a strain on household budgets, leading to a "struggle for survival" for many households. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

2. Healthcare Costs and Access

• Rising Costs: Healthcare has become the top concern for Americans, rising above the general economy as a key worry.
• Insurance Premiums: The potential doubling of insurance premiums for millions following the expiration of Obamacare subsidies is a major 2026 issue. [1, 2]

3. Politics and Government Functioning

• Political Polarization: "Government dysfunction" and the inability of Democrats and Republicans to work together are considered major problems by 60% of Americans.
• Role of Money in Politics: 72% of Americans say the role of money in politics is a "very big problem," topping the list of societal concerns.
• Trust in Institutions: A 2026 record high of 45% of U.S. adults now identify as political independents, reflecting disillusionment with the two-party system. [1, 2, 3]

4. Immigration

• Border Concerns: Immigration is a top-tier issue for the American public, with 44% citing it as a priority concern. [1, 2]

5. Economy and Labor

• K-Shaped Economy: While some wealthy households continue to spend, many lower-income families are struggling, creating a "K-shaped" economic divide.
• Job Market Uncertainty: Concerns exist about a "low-hire, low-fire" labor market and a slowdown in job growth outside of health and education services. [1, 2, 3]

6. Climate Change and Infrastructure

• Uninsurable Homes: Climate change is fueling destructive natural disasters, causing insurance companies to stop issuing new policies in some regions, making homes uninsurable.
• Grid Stability: Increased electricity prices and the need for new transmission infrastructure are major concerns. [1, 2, 3, 4]

7. Social and Health Crises

• Mental Health Epidemic: Rising mental health challenges, particularly among youth, are a significant issue.
• Misinformation: The spread of misinformation is posing a threat to public health, with the return of diseases like measles.
• Drug Addiction: Many Americans still classify drug addiction as a very big problem. [1, 2, 3, 4]

---

Other 2026 Context:

• Demographic Shift: US public schools are facing a crisis due to a decline in the number of children in America.
• Global Instability: The U.S. is facing high levels of geopolitical risk, including an "End of Global Order" scenario and a new nuclear arms race. [1, 2, 3]

Why Is War Prioritized Over Poverty?

 

Is This Who We Really Are?

Based on recent policy positions, the Trump administration has prioritized military spending and federal budget cuts over funding social safety nets, which it often views as ineffective, arguing these programs ("little scams") should be managed at the state level. Critics argue these policies disproportionately affect low-income individuals. -The Nation 

Three Quotes and a Call to Action

"One cannot live with sighted eyes and feeling heart and not know or react to the miseries which afflict this world."
- Lorraine Hansberry

“A few years ago there was a shining moment … It seemed as if there was a real promise of hope for the poor—both black and white—through the poverty program. There were experiments, hopes, new beginnings. Then came the buildup in Vietnam, and I watched this program broken and eviscerated, as if it were some idle political plaything of a society gone mad on war, and I knew that America would never invest the necessary funds or energies in rehabilitation of its poor so long as adventures like Vietnam continued to draw men and skills and money like some demonic destructive suction tube. So, I was increasingly compelled to see the war as an enemy of the poor and to attack it as such.” MLK jr. (Beyond Vietnam)

"When Trump says “We can’t take care of day care,” we must expose the lie: Our nation absolutely could take care of child care and medical coverage; we’re just choosing to spend taxpayer money—to the tune of around $12 billion so far—on a war in Iran." -Russell Taylor

 
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy." -Proverbs 31:8-9

The war with Iran is neither a just war or a holy war. It is a war of choice. The Council on Foreign Relations thinks so. A classic example was the Iraq War.  It was not required for survival, but rather to change the Iraqi regime. Critics are labeling US military actions against Iran as a "war of choice" that was costly, risky, and lacked public or congressional support. Is the warrior mentality more important than treating the poor fairly, and offering the dignity they deserve? I hope not. But that would mean regime change, wouldn't it? How? Vote!

Why We're At War

A Gut Feeling

I noticed two things. First, if it is inconvenient or contrary to what he wants, Trump won't listen to people who know what they're talking about. Second, his closest advisors decline to offer any advice for fear of making him angry. The Trump cabinet is not made up of the best and the brightest. The chairs are filled with sycophants desperately clinging to power. A sycophant is a self-seeking, servile flatterer; fawning parasite. They tell Trump that he is tall and tan, and wise and intelligent. Not to mention those great ties.

From The NYTimes:

 Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, who report on the White House, have uncovered new details about why, with little opposition from his closest aides, Trump attacked Iran.

The pitch came from Israel — in the Situation Room. Netanyahu made an hourlong presentation to Trump and his senior advisers on Feb. 11, arguing that a joint U.S.-Israeli campaign could destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, force regime change and bring down the Islamic republic. Sounds good to me, the president said.

The next morning, U.S. intelligence officials questioned that plan. Kill the ayatollah? Sure. Cripple Iran’s capacity to threaten its neighbors? Absolutely. But a popular uprising? A secular leader installed to govern the country? They found that “detached from reality.” The director of the C.I.A. called the scenario “farcical.” Trump, though, thought the campaign would be quick and decisive.

Previous victories filled him with confidence. He pointed to Iran’s muted response to the U.S. bombing of its nuclear facilities in June, and to the hasty seizure of the Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January, an operation during which no American lives were lost. Tucker Carlson called the president to ask how he could be sure that everything would be OK in Iran. “Because it always is,” Trump replied.

Trump’s decision was gut-driven, and driven by Trump’s gut alone. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was enthusiastic about striking Tehran, of course. But Trump’s more equivocal advisers — Secretary of State Marco Rubio; his chief of staff, Susie Wiles; and Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff — did not push back on Trump’s plan. (His director of national intelligence and Treasury secretary weren’t even part of the final discussion.) Vice President JD Vance told the president: You know I think this is a bad idea, but if you want to do it, I’ll support you.

Read more of the inside story about how Trump decided to go to war with Iran. It’s reporting taken from a forthcoming book from Jonathan and Maggie, “Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump.”

Iran has proved to be difficult, problematic. His attention will drift elsewhere. Cuba? I hope for some rationality among his inner circle when it comes to Cuba. Russia is their closest ally. It is not likely they will stand idly by and let Trump swoop in for a regime change and takeover.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greece, sykophantēs meant "slanderer." It derives from two other Greek words, sykon (meaning "fig") and phainein (meaning "to show or reveal"). How did fig revealers become slanderers? One theory has to do with the taxes Greek farmers were required to pay on the figs they brought to market. Apparently, the farmers would sometimes try to avoid making the payments, but squealers—fig revealers—would fink on them, and they would be forced to pay. Another possible source is a sense of the word fig meaning "a gesture or sign of contempt" (as thrusting a thumb between two fingers). In any case, Latin retained the "slanderer" sense when it borrowed a version of sykophantēs, but by the time English speakers in the 16th century borrowed it as sycophant, the squealers had become flatterers. -webster

Has God turned his back on us?

 

Now that's A Scary Thought

The Pope issued that warning yesterday to those with blood on their hands.

What was Pope Leo talking about in his Palm Sunday message? His reference was Isaiah 1:15. Yes, this is directed at the masters of war and religious leaders, including those who believe this conflict is a divine intervention, and our leader is somehow the chosen one.

From Isaiah 1: 13-17 (The Message)

Quit your worship charades. I can’t stand your trivial religious games: Monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings— meetings, meetings, meetings—I can’t stand one more! Meetings for this, meetings for that. I hate them! You’ve worn me out! I’m sick of your religion, religion, religion, while you go right on sinning. When you put on your next prayer-performance, I’ll be looking the other way. No matter how long or loud or often you pray, I’ll not be listening. And do you know why? Because you’ve been tearing people to pieces, and your hands are bloody. Go home and wash up. Clean up your act. Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings so I don’t have to look at them any longer. Say no to wrong. Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless.

Powerful stuff! Maybe we should open our eyes and ears. The answer to what we should be doing is in the last few lines.

The Best Leaders Listen

What distinguishes good leadership? Have a plan? Planning for all possibilities? Garnering advice from those you can trust?

According to The Center for Creative Leadership, it's all that and more. A good leader inspires trust, fosters collaboration, and drives results through integrity, clear communication, and empathy. They are self-aware, resilient, and adaptable, focusing on empowering their team while taking accountability for outcomes. Effective leaders lead by example, mentoring others to achieve professional growth.

Nowhere in there do I see, "I alone can fix this."

Ancient Wisdom

Where there is no guidance, a nation falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

- Proverbs 11:14

Voice of the day

A painting is more than the sum of its parts. A cow by itself is just a cow, a meadow by itself is just grass, flowers, and the sun peeking through the trees is just a beam of light, but you put them all together...and it can be magic.

- Richard Baker in “Flipped” (2014)

And in 2026?

Two political experts were blown away on Thursday after President Donald Trump proved he "paid attention to nothing" that his war advisors are telling him. -Raw Story

We're in for a rough landing.