Tag: Politics

🌍 The World in 2050: A Future Shaped by the Progress of Our Present

This month, we crossed a threshold where we are now closer to the year 2050 than the year 2000. In 2025, we are constantly bombarded with negative imagery, wars, threats, and reasons to be fearful. Our leaders yearn for days of the past they want to take us back to. It is seems the challenges ahead of us are insurmountable.

But evidence does not support this fear based world. In fact, a student of history can demonstrate we are more likely to overcome our differences than to succumb to them. Our brightest days are ahead of us if we work to create them.

If you were born before the year 2000, you’ve already witnessed a world transformed. The rise of the internet, smartphones in every pocket, renewable energy growth, artificial intelligence breakthroughs, and life-saving medical advances have all become part of daily life. But what if the trajectory we’ve been on — socially, technologically, and environmentally — continues to accelerate in the same spirit of innovation and reform?

Let’s take a trip to 2050 — not a dystopian future, but a world built on the momentum of the last 50 years of progress.

đŸŒ± A Climate-Conscious Civilization

Clean air. Renewable power. Resilient systems.

In 2050, the energy transition is largely complete. Solar, wind, and geothermal now power the majority of the world’s infrastructure. Battery storage and smart grids have made energy abundant and accessible — even in previously underserved regions. Cities run on clean energy, and the air in once-polluted metropolises like Delhi and Los Angeles is fresh and breathable.

Massive reforestation and carbon capture projects, kickstarted in the 2020s, have reversed decades of atmospheric damage. Climate change hasn’t disappeared — but we adapted in time to avoid the worst. Coastal cities have upgraded their defenses, agriculture has become climate-smart, and the circular economy has become the default rather than the exception.

đŸ€– A Technologically Augmented Life

AI-enhanced creativity. Safer transportation. Smarter living.

Artificial intelligence has grown from a niche tool to a silent partner in everyday life. AI tutors tailor education to each student’s learning style. Healthcare AI systems diagnose illness with incredible precision and prevent disease before symptoms even appear. Autonomous vehicles have eliminated most traffic accidents, and mobility is no longer a barrier to opportunity.

The fusion of AI and human creativity has ushered in a cultural renaissance. Artists, designers, and storytellers collaborate with machines to produce new forms of expression, pushing the boundaries of music, film, literature, and visual art.

Meanwhile, augmented reality and virtual reality have redefined “place.” You can attend a concert in Tokyo, a lecture at Harvard, and a dinner with your family across the globe — all in the same evening.

🌍 A More Just and Inclusive Global Society

Equity is no longer a fringe idea — it’s policy.

If the social progress of the early 21st century continues, by 2050 we may see a world that is markedly more equitable and inclusive. The gender gap has shrunk significantly. Diversity is not just celebrated but embedded into governance, business, and education. More countries have embraced democratic values, and technology has enabled a deeper kind of civic participation — direct democracy through secure blockchain voting, for example.

The internet has become a human right. Universal access to education, knowledge, and opportunity is available through global learning platforms and open-source tools. Poverty has not been eradicated completely, but extreme poverty is rare, thanks to global investment in infrastructure, education, and health.

🌐 From Nationalism to Global Cosmopolitanism

A world that thinks in “we,” not just “me.”

The 2020s were marked by a surge in nationalist politics — walls went up, alliances fractured, and fear of the “other” defined much of the decade. But in hindsight, that period looks more like the final gasp of an old world order than the birth of a new one.

By the 2030s, a shift began. As global crises — pandemics, climate disasters, cyberattacks — continued to cross borders, it became painfully clear that no nation could solve these challenges alone. The result was a slow but profound move toward global cooperation and cosmopolitan identity.

In 2050, international institutions have been revitalized and democratized. There’s a Global Commons Council that governs planetary resources like the oceans, atmosphere, and space. Cities form regional alliances across borders based on shared challenges, not national divisions. Younger generations, raised on global platforms and intercultural collaboration, see themselves as both citizens of their nations and of the world.

Patriotism still exists, but it’s not zero-sum. Love of country no longer requires fear of another. National pride now flows from global contribution — what a country gives, not just what it protects.

🧬 Health and Longevity Reimagined

Longer lives. Better lives.

Medical science has exploded in capability. Gene editing, personalized medicine, and regenerative therapies have extended not just the human lifespan but the healthspan. People are routinely living healthy lives well into their 90s and beyond. Mental health is treated with the same urgency and seriousness as physical health, and stigma has largely faded.

Diseases that were once chronic — diabetes, heart disease, even some cancers — have either been cured or managed to the point of invisibility through beneficial updates to the food system. Global pandemics, thanks to real-time viral detection and universal vaccine platforms, are neutralized within weeks rather than years.

🚀 A New Space Age

Not just reaching for the stars — working among them.

Human presence beyond Earth has expanded dramatically. There are now scientific research stations on the Moon and a permanent human settlement on Mars. Space is no longer the domain of governments alone — universities, private companies, and global coalitions participate in a new era of exploration.

Earth-orbiting satellites deliver instantaneous global internet. Space-based solar arrays beam clean energy back to Earth. The stars are no longer unreachable dreams but shared frontiers.

🌐 The Spirit of 2050

The defining feature of 2050, if we stay on our current course, won’t be flying cars or robot butlers — it will be balance. A balance between technology and humanity. Between progress and sustainability. Between individual freedom and collective well-being.

This is not a utopia. There will still be conflict, inequality, and struggle. But the difference is: we will have the tools, the wisdom, and the global will to address them.

2050 won’t be the finish line. It’ll be proof that we chose the right path when it mattered most — and that the best is still ahead of us.

The world is waiting. What will you help build?

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From Constantine to Christian Nationalism: Faith as a Tool of Power

As I reflect on our current state of affairs, I can’t help but recognize we have a deep spiritual crisis in America. It seems religion is increasingly the enemy of spirituality rather than its ally. We are struggling to connect with the divine. There is so much noise in our world that there is hardly time to hear the universe whisper.

I was born into the United Methodist Church. A large portion of my values and beliefs were formed through my understanding of the Gospel framed through John Wesley’s way of preaching it. At the same time, I have broadly studied philosophy and history. It is not new that religion and politics have been co-opted by less than righteous individuals, causing the faithful to distrust their institutions.

When Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in the early 4th century, it sent shockwaves through the Roman Empire and reshaped the course of Western civilization. But Constantine’s sudden embrace of the Christian faith wasn’t just a spiritual awakening—it was a masterclass in political strategy. Seventeen centuries later, echoes of that strategy can be heard in the rhetoric and tactics of modern right-wing Christian Nationalism.

Constantine: The Cross and the Crown

Constantine’s conversion is often portrayed as a divine revelation. The story goes that before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD, Constantine saw a vision—a cross of light in the sky with the words “In this sign, conquer.” He adopted the Christian symbol for his army, won the battle, and soon after became the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. He then issued the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, legalizing Christianity and ending centuries of persecution. It is absurd to me that Christians adopt this tale of an Emperor winning a battle with the cross in front of it, as Jesus’s life clearly demonstrates his commitment to non-violence.

But this wasn’t about religion—it was about unifying a fractured empire. The Roman world was riddled with internal strife, and Constantine recognized that Christianity, with its growing numbers and organizational strength, could serve as a cohesive force. His “conversion” allowed him to consolidate power, align himself with an increasingly influential group, and gain legitimacy as a divinely favored ruler. In effect, he weaponized religion to cement political dominance.

Christian Nationalism and the GOP

Fast forward to 21st-century America, and a similar pattern emerges. Within the Republican Party, particularly its right-wing faction, Christianity—specifically conservative Evangelical Christianity—has become a central pillar of political identity. It’s not uncommon to hear calls for the United States to be declared a “Christian nation,” or for policies to be framed as extensions of biblical values. Flags bearing crosses fly next to MAGA banners. Political rallies often resemble revival meetings.

Like Constantine’s strategic conversion, the modern use of Christianity in politics is less about personal faith and more about power. Christian Nationalism seeks to fuse national identity with a narrow interpretation of Christianity, positioning one religious worldview as synonymous with patriotism and moral authority. It often marginalizes those who fall outside that worldview—Muslims, Jews, atheists, LGBTQ+ individuals, and progressive Christians alike.

The Politics of Piety

For both Constantine and today’s Christian Nationalists, the strategy is clear: use religion as a tool to legitimize authority and create an “us vs. them” framework that rallies the faithful while excluding dissenters. Constantine turned Christianity into a state religion, blending the cross with the sword. Today’s Christian Nationalists echo this by advocating for policies that blur the line between church and state, from school prayer mandates to abortion bans rooted in religious doctrine.

But just as Constantine’s alliance with the Church transformed Christianity—making it a powerful institution tied to empire—modern political Christianity risks turning faith into a partisan weapon. The result? A version of religion more concerned with control than compassion, more about votes than virtue.

Lessons from History

History teaches us that when religion becomes too entangled with political ambition, it can lose its moral compass. Constantine’s legacy is complex—he helped spread Christianity, but also laid the groundwork for centuries of religious coercion and crusades. He also laid the ground work for the demise of the Roman Empire. Today, as some Republican leaders invoke Christian symbols to consolidate power, we’re faced with the same fundamental question: is this about genuine faith, or is it about using faith to gain and keep power?

The danger lies not in the presence of faith in public life, but in the distortion of faith for political ends. As history shows, when power and piety become indistinguishable, both can be corrupted. We need a spiritual revival in the country, but it needs to be based on love, mercy, humility and justice. This is what is missing in our lives and our politics.

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Nostalgia vs. Reality: What progress have we made in the new millennia?

Think back to the year 1999. Do you recall how well we were doing? The internet was booming. Google and Amazon were taking off. Unemployment was at a thirty year low. America was at the peak of its power and the world was at peace.

Is this the world you remember?

Let me tell you a different, yet equally true, story.

In 1999, we faced a false technological panic in the “Y2K” computer glitch. The sitting President was impeached for improper sexual conduct with an intern. He seemed to serially harass women throughout his career. NATO attacked Serbia due to an ongoing authoritarian genocide. A little known group called Al Qaeda bombed US Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania a year prior and were plotting the 9/11 attacks. Half of Africa’s population lived in abject poverty. The US stock market was in a bubble that it would not fully recover from for another twelve years.

Do you remember this as well?

If you are like most people, you likely think of the first description when you recall the 1990’s, but you also remember the events from the second description when they are pointed out. We have a pervasive nostalgia bias that puts rose colored glasses on the past, and paints our current situation worse than it truly is.

As the quarter-century mark draws near, I find it necessary pause and reflect on the progress we’ve made over the last twenty five years. Global discourse skews toward negativity for the purpose of grabbing your attention, with narratives of decline dominating headlines and social media.

Yet, when we look beyond the noise, the data and lived experiences tell a different story: one of remarkable advancements in healthcare, technology, economics, and equality. These achievements paint a hopeful picture of a world that, despite its challenges, continues to move forward.

Let’s take a look at where we have made significant advancement.

Healthcare: Saving Lives at Unprecedented Rates

Since the year 2000, healthcare has witnessed extraordinary breakthroughs. Global life expectancy has risen by over six years, thanks in large part to innovations in medicine, expanded access to care, and public health initiatives. Diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, once major killers, are increasingly under control due to effective treatments and global cooperation.

For instance, the global death rate from malaria has been cut nearly in half since 2000, while mother and child mortality rates have plummeted due to improved healthcare access in developing nations. The rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines exemplify how far we’ve come in leveraging science and technology to address health crises at scale.

Yet, many lament that healthcare systems are overwhelmed or unequal. While these concerns are valid, they should not overshadow the undeniable progress we’ve made in saving lives and improving quality of life.

Technology: Empowering Billions

In the year 2000, the internet was a luxury for the few, and smartphones were yet to revolutionize our lives. Fast forward to today: over 5 billion people are connected online, with access to information, education, and opportunities that were once unimaginable. Artificial intelligence, renewable energy technologies, and advancements in space exploration are not just buzzwords—they’re shaping a better future for humanity.

Technology has democratized access to tools that once belonged to the elite. From farmers using AI-driven apps to predict crop yields to students in remote areas attending virtual classes, the reach of innovation is profound. Critics often point to the downsides of technology—addiction, misinformation, privacy concerns and the looming uncertainties of AI. While these are challenges that need addressed, they should not obscure the transformative potential and positive impact technology has had on billions of people across the globe.

Standard of Living: A Quiet Revolution

The world has made significant strides in reducing extreme poverty. According to the World Bank, the global extreme poverty rate fell from 36% in 1990 to about 9% in 2021—a staggering achievement. Electricity, clean water, and sanitation are now accessible to millions more people, significantly improving their quality of life.

While the gap between rich and poor remains a pressing issue, the overall trend is one of continuous upward progress. Even in developing nations, more people have access to better housing, education, and health services than ever before. This quiet revolution in standard of living often goes unnoticed amidst the noise of pessimism.

Economics: Resilience and Growth

Global economic growth has lifted billions out of poverty and into the middle class. Emerging markets like China, India, and parts of Africa have transformed the global economic landscape. Trade, innovation, and technology have fueled productivity, creating wealth on an unprecedented scale.

Critics may point to economic crises, inequality, or inflation as signs of a failing system. However, these are not new phenomena—they are challenges that have been managed repeatedly throughout history. The resilience of economies in rebounding from global shocks, including the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, showcases humanity’s ability to adapt and thrive. While changes are needed to address inequalities, we do not need to throw out the entire system to accomplish the progress we seek.

Equality: The Long Journey Forward

While slower and more uneven than we would like, progress in equality is undeniable. Since 2000, gender parity in education has improved, with more girls attending school globally than ever before. Legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals have expanded, and movements advocating for racial and social justice have gained momentum.

Of course, much work remains. Systemic inequalities still exist, and cultural resistance can slow change. But progress is not linear—it’s a gradual, often contested journey. The growing global awareness and activism around equality signal that the arc of history continues to bend toward justice.

Dispelling the Perception of Decline

Why, then, do so many feel as though the world is getting worse? The answer lies in human psychology and the nature of information consumption. Negative news captures our attention more than positive stories—a phenomenon known as “negativity bias.” Social media amplifies this effect, creating echo chambers that distort reality.

When viewed through the lens of data and historical context, the evidence is clear: we are healthier, wealthier, and more connected than at any other time in human history. While it’s essential to acknowledge and address the challenges we face, focusing solely on them risks overlooking the immense progress humanity has made.

A Call to Optimism

The world has come a long way since 2000. Despite what you hear on the news, from our politicians, or your favorite influencer, we are better off today than we were twenty-five years ago. Recognizing this progress doesn’t mean ignoring the problems that remain—it means drawing hope and inspiration from our achievements as we tackle future challenges.

Progress is not inevitable. The developments that have been made are due to the hard work and determination of people who worked together to create a better life for themselves, their communities, their countries and the world as a whole. We are ultimately a social species. Our prosperity is created through communication, collaboration, listening and understanding.

Our perception today creates the reality of tomorrow. If we believe in a world that continues to make progress, that is the world we will create. We must seek out ways we have overcome obstacles in the past and build upon those methods to create a brighter tomorrow. The progress we have made was not mandated from political leaders. It was the collective result of billions of people doing the right thing on a daily basis.

My challenge to you is to actively foster a mindset of informed optimism that cultivates your actions into the life you want to lead. That is what will make 2050 an even better year than 2025.

I look forward to our continued collective progress.

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The Birth of Jesus: A Christmas Immigration Story

The story of Christmas, celebrated worldwide as the birth of Jesus Christ, carries profound themes of hope, resilience, and inclusion. It is also a narrative deeply rooted in the experiences of migration and displacement. Mary and Joseph, as key figures in the Nativity story, faced daunting obstacles, including a government-ordered journey and the inability to find shelter. Their experience resonates with the struggles of countless migrants throughout history, including those impacted by restrictive policies in modern times. In a profound irony, it seems unlikely there would be room for Jesus in a country run by christian nationalists.

If America is for Americans only, then a middle eastern Jew name Jesus has no place here.

The Nativity as a Tale of Migration

The journey to Bethlehem, as recounted in the Gospel of Luke, begins with a government mandate. Emperor Augustus issued a decree requiring all citizens to register for a census, compelling Mary and Joseph to leave their home in Nazareth and travel to Bethlehem. Mary, pregnant and near term, undertook this arduous journey under circumstances of duress—a journey mirrored in the lives of refugees fleeing war, famine, or persecution in search of safety and stability.

Upon reaching Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph faced rejection and exclusion, as “there was no room in the inn.” This moment highlights the vulnerability of migrants who, despite their urgent need for shelter, are often met with indifference or hostility. Jesus, born in a stable among animals, entered the world as a figure of humility, solidarity, and resilience—qualities that resonate with the experiences of those forced to navigate the margins of society.

The narrative does not end there. After Jesus’ birth, King Herod’s violent decree to kill all male children under two years old forced the Holy Family to flee to Egypt. This act of political persecution transformed them into refugees, seeking asylum in a foreign land to escape violence. Their flight to Egypt mirrors the modern plight of asylum seekers fleeing oppressive regimes, seeking sanctuary in countries where they hope for safety and a chance to rebuild their lives.

Immigration Policies in the Trump Era

Fast forward to contemporary times, and the themes of the Nativity story take on new significance in the context of modern immigration policy. Under Donald Trump’s administration, a series of restrictive measures profoundly impacted migrants and refugees. The “zero-tolerance” policy led to the separation of thousands of families at the U.S.-Mexico border, creating a humanitarian crisis that drew widespread condemnation. The travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim-majority countries further restricted the movement of vulnerable populations, including refugees fleeing conflict zones.

These policies often invoked the language of national security and economic preservation, yet they also revealed a troubling lack of empathy for the human stories behind migration. The separation of families echoes the rejection and vulnerability faced by Mary and Joseph when seeking shelter. Refugees turned away from borders evoke the plight of the Holy Family fleeing Herod’s tyranny.

The Trump administration’s policies also stand in stark contrast to the central message of the Christmas story: a call to embrace the marginalized and provide refuge to those in need. The story of Jesus’ birth challenges societies to extend compassion to strangers, reflecting the biblical mandate to “welcome the stranger” (Matthew 25:35).

It seems the MAGA movement was not paying attention in Sunday school and do not recall the injustices of his first term. True Christ followers will treat any immigrant as their neighbor, because it is literally commanded by God in the Bible:

“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” – Exodus 22:21

“Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.” – Deuteronomy 21:19

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers.” – Hebrews 13:2

And dozens more. It is ultimately clear that Christianity requires us to accept the immigrant, as there are no illegals in the eyes of God.

Bridging the Divide: Lessons from the Nativity

The Christmas story serves as a powerful reminder that migration is not a new phenomenon but a recurring theme in human history. It calls for empathy and an acknowledgment of shared humanity. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were migrants seeking safety and shelter, much like today’s refugees and asylum seekers. The political barriers and hostile attitudes they faced are still evident in contemporary debates about immigration.

To reconcile these lessons with current policies, we must prioritize compassion and inclusion over fear and exclusion. Immigration systems should focus on protecting the dignity and rights of migrants, providing them with opportunities to thrive rather than barriers that perpetuate suffering.

The birth of Jesus and the story of Christmas offer profound lessons about migration, resilience, and hope. By drawing parallels between the experiences of the Holy Family and modern migrants, we are reminded of the moral imperative to treat all people with dignity and compassion. We are all the descendants of immigrants.

The Nativity story challenges us to envision a more just and inclusive world—one that honors the fundamental humanity of all, regardless of borders or circumstances.

I challenge all of us, particularly evangelical christians, to reflect over the holidays on how we can make room in our country for a young pregnant couple doing their best to make their way through life.

We need to make room in the inn. Or we need to stop pretending this holiday has any true meaning.

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Where do we go from here?

I started this blog eight years ago after the first election of Donald Trump. It was (and is) an introspective reflection of what I aspire to be and the good I see in the world. The lead up to the 2016 election was filled with vitriol and hate. My first blog post was about how we need reconciliation as a country. It pains me to say we find ourselves in an even deeper hole eight years later. 

After Trump’s first election, I took a step back. I could not wrap my head around why conservative Christians would elect a person who so blatantly disregards the principles they stand for. I took a deep dive into meta-cognition, asking myself: how do I know what I know? I read the classics, from Plato and Aristotle to Descartes and Kant. I researched psychology from William James to Martin Seligman to Philip Zambardo. I studied history from Caesar, to Lincoln, to George Marshall. Along with readings in business, economics and leadership, I have read over 400 books since Trump’s first election. 

Below are the timeless takeaways I have found:

  1. In our hearts, people deeply desire to love and be loved. To do good and be good. To connect and be connected.
  2. People fear losses more than they appreciate gains. The fear of loss is the most powerful motivator and is genesis of hate between people.
  3. Individuals take logical actions based on their frame of reference. The clearer your frame is, the better outcome you will receive. 
  4. There is more information available than any individual’s ability to understand it. Thus, we all have incomplete frames of reference. 
  5. Individuals, communities, and nations prosper when they collaborate with their neighbors. 
  6. The suffering of individuals, the failing of communities, and the collapse of nations is not caused by the presence of enemies. It is caused by the apathy of friends.
  7. The arc of history bends toward justice. We are living in better times today than at any point in history. 
  8. There are powerful forces working to misinform you because they are afraid of losing their own power. 

I find these takeaways to be most relevant, because I truly believe we need to re-ground ourselves in fundamental truths before we can address the current state of global and national geopolitics. Our problems are rooted in the tension created by the above truths. However, I believe the majority of Americans believe in a better future and are willing to work toward it. We want a better form of leadership. 

I also believe their is overwhelming agreement on the below principles, even if their is disagreement upon the policy solution:

  1. Working middle class people have been left behind by globalism. Although the total economy has expanded, the majority of the benefit has gone to the elite. 
  2. The two party system has been corrupted by finances and is not serving average Americans. Politicians have to spend too much time raising money and not enough time solving problems. 
  3. Concentration of power in the Federal government and mega-corporations is an inherent problem, because it concentrates power in the hands of very few people. As noted, no one has a perfect frame of reference, so concentrated power will ALWAYS result in distorted outcomes. 
  4. We believe in both individual freedom AND collective action. We want laws that work and are enforced. We want leaders who inspire us to build better communities. 
  5. We are terrified by the path we have been headed down for the past eight years. It seems that no matter who is in office, the problems we face are amplified rather than resolved. 

I am writing these things because I need to bring back the best version of myself. The person who believes we can work together for a brighter future. Make no mistake, I remain and will remain a staunch opponent of Donald Trump, and any follower of his who uses fear mongering to divide us. But I remain open to any conservative idea that reflects love, peace, rationality and prosperity. 

I believe it is incumbent upon you and me, the average citizens of America, to discard the divisiveness currently defining American politics. We need to throw out the labels of Republican and Democrat. We need to tune out Fox News and MSNBC. We need to turn off our phones and head to the library. We need to talk to our neighbors with the intent to understand their struggle, not to convince them of our own righteousness. 

I will admit, it has been difficult to maintain a positive outlook recently, for personal, professional and political reasons. At times, I have not showed up as the person I aspire to be. And yet, alert and healthy natures realize that the sun rose clear. It is never too late to give up our prejudices. 

In the coming weeks, months and years, I hope to continue sharing with you, both to gain understanding of our world and to inspire myself and others in becoming the people we aspire to be, to build the communities we want to live in and to continue writing a uniquely human story, where good people stand together in the face of adversity to create a better world for us all. 

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The World is Less Volatile Than Ever Before

Last week, I attended the Securities Industry Institute hosted by the University of Pennsylvania. The faculty and speakers were outstanding. The week was filled with thought provoking content about the current and future state of business and financial services. A recurring theme was the need for strategic agility and adaptability in a rapidly changing environment. The term VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) was consistently called out as a challenge to modern leaders. In fact, today’s business executives believe decision making is harder now than it was thirty years ago.

While I am in full agreement that adaptability is critical for success, I am a wholehearted skeptic that today’s world is more volatile than it has been before. Recency bias and a lack of historical perspective may be clouding our view of what life was like thirty, one hundred, or one thousand years ago. In an era often characterized by rapid change and uncertainty, it is essential to recognize the significant strides humanity has made towards stability and peace. Despite ongoing challenges, the world today is less volatile than at any other point in history. We need to recognize how far we have come so that we can continue the journey through our ambiguous and complex times.

An Accurate Perspective Requires Broad Historical Context

Let’s take a look at some current events which lead us to believe we live in exceptionally volatile times.

COVID vs Pre-Modern Pandemics

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our lives in ways none of us previously experienced. It was a time of great ambiguity, as no one knew the appropriate course of action. Many of us lost loved ones to the virus, which is an absolute tragedy. There have been around 7 million global COVID related deaths at the time of this writing.

At the same time, this represents only 0.1% of the global population. Compare this to the Spanish flu 100 years ago, where nearly 50 million people died, or about one out of every three people. The Black Death was even more devastating, killing half of Europe in 14th and 15th centuries. And likely the most egregious case of them all, when disease caused a near complete genocide of indigenous Americans, killing nearly 95% of all inhabitants of the Americas after 1492.

COVID was a tragedy, but collective action, information sharing and modern medicine mitigated the devastating losses humanity has experienced in the past.

Russian Invasion of Ukraine

On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded the Ukraine on an unprovoked basis. It was shocking to most of us to see a modern invasion of this magnitude. There has been incredible suffering by the Ukrainian people that cannot be overlooked. The free world should stand behind Ukraine and against the oppressive rule of authoritarianism.

And yet, the current suffering of the Ukrainian people pales in comparison to the past. In the 1930’s, Joseph Stalin created a famine in the Ukraine to suppress its people, creating a genocide, known as the Holodomor, of nearly 4 million Ukrainians. Compare this against just over 10,000 civilian deaths since the most recent instance of Ukraine’s invasion. Lest we forget, the Soviet Union was an initial collaborator of the Nazi’s invasion of Poland in 1939. Compare this against the near unanimous European solidarity against Russia today, which includes the conversion of a historically neutral Sweden into a NATO ally.

The lessons learned after WWII have been applied to the war in Ukraine. While it was a surprise when war actually came, diplomatic channels had already made NATO allies aware of Putin’s intentions, and the Biden administration publicly predicted the invasion weeks before it occurred. Ukrainian resistance and international cooperation thwarted Russia’s march toward Kiev. A united front against a totalitarian can bend the arc of history toward freedom.

War in the Holy Land

The attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023 was a shocking and horrific attack. The ensuing Israeli invasion has been equally and even more disturbing. And while each war has its own unique causes and atrocities, this is the ninth war Israel has fought since it became an independent nation in 1948.

The unfortunate truth is that war in the Holy land is as normal as peace. This is a land occupied by the Assyrians, Babylonians, Hebrews, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Ottomans, British and Palestinians prior to the formation of modern Israel. War should always outrage us when it occurs, but this war is not a sign of the times becoming more volatile. It’s a sign volatility is part of human existence.

Gender and Racial Inequality

Recent events have highlighted the persistent and intersecting inequality women and people of color face. From George Floyd, to the Supreme Court Dobbs decision, to the ongoing border crisis, America still falls short of living up to the creeds written in the Declaration of Independence and inscribed on the Statue of Liberty.

And yet
black unemployment is at an all time low. The gender pay gap is as narrow as it ever has been. The incarceration rate has been falling over the last decade. The 118th Congress is the most diverse in history, both by gender and race. We are not yet where we need to be, but on the long march to equality, there is more road behind us than there is left to travel.

Our Progress Depends on Connection, Understanding, Democracy and Rule of Law

The ideas of the Enlightenment have created global prosperity unknown to previous generations. As leaders and individuals, we must continue to advocate for the ideas that support progress:

  1. Global Connectivity: The interconnectedness facilitated by technology and globalization has created a web of economic, social, and political ties that incentivize cooperation over conflict. Nations are more reliant on each other’s stability, fostering diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes peacefully.
  2. Diplomatic Channels: The proliferation of diplomatic channels and institutions, such as the United Nations and regional organizations, provides platforms for dialogue and conflict resolution. Diplomatic efforts have prevented many potential conflicts from escalating into full-scale wars.
  3. Democratization: The spread of democracy around the world has led to more accountable and responsive governance structures. Democratically elected leaders are often constrained by institutions and public opinion, reducing the likelihood of authoritarian abuses and internal strife.
  4. International Law and Norms: The establishment and enforcement of international laws and norms have created a framework for resolving disputes and holding aggressors accountable. Treaties and conventions on issues like human rights and armed conflict provide a common standard for behavior.
  5. Economic Interdependence: The deepening economic ties between nations have created mutual interests in maintaining stability and avoiding conflict. War disrupts trade and investment, making it an unattractive option for most countries.
  6. Advancements in Conflict Resolution: Innovations in conflict resolution techniques, such as mediation, arbitration, and peacekeeping operations, have been instrumental in preventing and resolving conflicts. These mechanisms provide non-violent alternatives for addressing grievances.
  7. Technological Advancements: Technological advancements have improved communication, surveillance, and military capabilities, making it easier to detect and deter potential threats. Additionally, technological innovations in agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure have lifted millions out of poverty, reducing social instability.
  8. Global Governance Initiatives: Collaborative initiatives to address global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and terrorism, demonstrate the willingness of nations to work together for the common good. Multilateral agreements and partnerships strengthen collective security and resilience.
  9. Cultural Exchange and Understanding: Increased cultural exchange and understanding have fostered empathy and tolerance among diverse communities. People are more inclined to resolve differences peacefully when they recognize shared humanity and common aspirations.
  10. Youth Empowerment and Education: Greater access to education and opportunities for young people empower them to participate in shaping their societies positively. Educated and engaged youth are less susceptible to extremist ideologies and more likely to advocate for peace and progress.

These concepts have created and will continue to develop a prosperous world, as long as we stay committed to listening to each other and standing up for progress.

Perhaps the greatest threat to our current state are demagogues who manipulate facts to obscure reality for their own benefit.

We are Supremely Capable of Facing the Obstacles in Front of Us

I do not mean to minimize the challenges we face today as individuals, leaders, organizations or as a society. The threat of disruption is real. We have a long bridge to build to reduce national and international political divisiveness. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza are appalling. Global warming threatens to change the face of the planet. America is still not the land of opportunity and equality it aspires to be. We cannot ignore the challenges we face and we must recognize our ability to overcome them.

We must acknowledge how far we have come so we can take courage, hope and inspiration from the people who have faced and defeated even greater obstacles than these in the past. We have more tools at our disposal, more people we can call on for assistance, more resources we can deploy and more love we can share.

There are forces that actively seek to make you afraid for the purpose of preserving old power dynamics that no longer serve us. We need to proactively counter this narrative with the voices of all the prophets, sages, stoics and activists who came before, and who through their words and actions delivered this message:

Do not be afraid. Boldly take action toward improving yourself, your situation, your organization and your community. Do not be overcome by fear, but overcome evil with good. The world is changed through the small actions individuals take. Plant trees under which whose shade you will never sit under. Build a community whose results you may never reap the rewards of. Lift up the people around you, because the highest calling we have is to care for the people we live with.

These are the actions of a life well lived. I hope you live it to the fullest.

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A better way for politics

Political divisiveness is the most critical issue of our time. The polarization between different political factions has reached a breaking point. It is increasingly difficult to find common ground between opposing viewpoints, not only around a solution to any give issue, but around what issues even exist and the sources of facts upon which to base a decision.

This divisiveness has led to a range of negative consequences, including gridlock in the political process, social unrest, and an erosion of trust in democratic institutions. We must find a way to end political divisiveness and bring people together for the greater good.

One of the most effective ways to end political divisiveness is to promote empathy and understanding between different groups. This means actively seeking out opportunities to engage with those who hold different political views and trying to understand their perspective. By listening to others and considering their point of view, we can begin to see the world through their eyes and develop a deeper understanding of their concerns and motivations. This can lead to greater empathy and a more collaborative approach to problem-solving.

Another important way to end political divisiveness is to encourage open and honest dialogue. This means creating safe spaces where people can express their opinions without fear of being attacked or ridiculed. It also means being willing to listen to and engage with those who hold different views. When we can have constructive conversations about politics, we can begin to break down barriers and find common ground.

Another effective approach to ending political divisiveness is to focus on shared values and priorities. While there may be differences in opinion on specific policy issues, there are often shared values that can serve as a foundation for collaboration. For example, most people value freedom, security, and prosperity, regardless of their political affiliation. By focusing on these shared values and working together to find solutions that promote them, we can bridge political divides and work towards a common goal.

Education is also a powerful tool for ending political divisiveness. By promoting critical thinking and media literacy, we can help people to understand and evaluate different sources of information. This can help to counter the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories, which often fuel political divisiveness. Additionally, education can promote a greater understanding of the complexities of political issues, which can lead to more informed and nuanced discussions.

Another approach is to encourage political leaders to take a more collaborative and bipartisan approach. This means seeking out opportunities to work across party lines and finding common ground on issues that affect all Americans. When leaders are willing to put aside their differences and work together, they can model the kind of collaboration that is needed to overcome political divisiveness.

Finally, it is important to recognize the role that social media plays in political divisiveness. Social media algorithms often promote content that reinforces our existing beliefs and biases, which can lead to a narrow and polarized perspective on political issues. By being mindful of our social media use and actively seeking out diverse perspectives, we can begin to break down these echo chambers and engage with a wider range of opinions.

Political divisiveness is a major challenge in our world, but we have the collective ability to address it. By promoting empathy and understanding, encouraging open and honest dialogue, focusing on shared values, promoting education, encouraging bipartisan collaboration, and being mindful of social media use, we can begin to bridge political divides and work towards a more collaborative and inclusive society. Ultimately, it is up to all of us to take responsibility for ending political divisiveness and promoting greater unity and understanding.

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Equally supported: An American Manifesto

There is a sinister belief in American politics that the country is “deeply divided”. This is a false reality perpetuated by polarized traditional and social media outlets to improve their advertising profits. They need you to be afraid of the other side so you keep watching, scrolling, clicking and commenting.

The reality is Americans are not deeply divided, we are equally supportive. That’s why we end up with split control of Congress. That’s why one party has not controlled the Presidency for more than 3 terms since Roosevelt. That’s why so many of us are fed up with political extremism.

We equally support limited government, and the need for government spending on infrastructure, education, and social security. We equally support a future of independent clean energy and the need for affordable gas prices today. We equally support the right to own a gun and the right of government to regulate gun ownership. We equally support women’s reproductive health and the fact that each abortion is a personal tragedy. On almost every political issue, you will find the majority of Americans understand both sides of the argument.

We are also fully support the foundations of our democracy, which are rule of law, burden of proof, and free and fair elections.

Most Americans are not deeply divided. They are understanding, reasonable and responsible citizens. This is why our democracy has lasted for over two centuries, and it is why it will continue to thrive.

Some fear-mongers want you to believe that America is threatened, but this only becomes true if the vast majority of political rationalists allow it to happen. We have seen the results of political extremism. It has failed at the ballot box. It has failed at the Capitol Building on January 6th. And it will continue to fail, because we are not deeply divided.

We are united as people who love our families, who want the best for our children, who are willing to work together and who understand that disagreements do not make us enemies, but rather, make us a stronger society. We are united in the rejection of a political arms race toward the extreme right or left. We are united in wanting to find a better way.

It sure as hell makes a better story to make Republicans the enemies of Democrats. But most Republican and Democratic voters are not enemies. We are neighbors, friends, cousins, sisters and brothers. The next time someone tells you the country is divided, I would encourage you to think about if this division is the world you see in your daily life, or is it a manifestation of the screens that are trying to steal your attention.

Reject the narrative that we are deeply divided. Understand that we are instead equally supportive. And that will make all the difference.

E Pluribus Unum
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Be Independent

Perspective is often gained by changing the place you sit. It is easy to get lost in our daily hustle, thinking ourselves the center of the world. But if you take the time to stare at the stars or watch the sunrise, you find yourself part of a much more expansive and extravagant universe.

Perspective allows us to see things from someone else’s point of view. Too often we allow ourselves to believe the echo chambers our news sources have created for us. This has given us a false sense of certainty in the correctness of our opinions and created a phantom enemy, our political opponents.

242 years ago, a group of comparatively ordinary citizens signed a document that declared, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” And thus, the American Dream was born.

The American Dream is constructed upon individual freedom, the ability for a person to hold their own beliefs, choose their own profession, and travel freely from place to place. It is also constructed upon a deep sense of community, the knowledge that living with purpose calls us to care for each other, that two are better than one and a cord of three strands is not easily broken.

Unraveling the spirit of America has been an unfortunate consequence of seemingly noble desires held by short sighted men. Although some will make attempts to convince you otherwise, individual freedom and collective action are mutually beneficial, not mutually exclusive, ideals. The man with the most freedom is free even of his own wants, and has his spirit set on right action. His freedom leads him to a higher purpose, which is to aid others in their pursuit of freedom.

Such freedom is rarely found, and to often we lose perspective of our principles by focusing on specific actions. Some call for our country to be made great again. Others say it was never great. Both may have valid points, but their proposed remedies do not uphold the values set forth by American philosophy. We have made enemies of one another, which is by no means a feat of greatness.

The enemy of individual freedom and collective action is the centralization of power. Since America’s inception, it has fought empires, tyrants and dictators. We have constructed internal systems attempting to diminish the ability of any official to obtain too much authority. We have broken apart monopolies to ensure a single capitalist could not wield too much influence.

The central thesis of both political parties is a perversion of the American Dream, because both ignore half of the Dream itself. My Republican friends will tell you that individual freedom is paramount and too much power has been centralized in the government. They are right. My Democratic friends will tell you that collective action is paramount and too much power is centralized in corporations. They are also right.

What neither party will admit is that too much power has been centralized in the political parties themselves. Democrats are not a good countervailing force to Republicans, because their massive influence undermines an individual’s freedom to solve a collective action problem. The political parties have defined who can play the political game, what you have to believe and who you should associate with. All of this is the antithesis of the free thinking that wrote the Declaration of Independence, that fought a war to abolish slavery, that overcame a depression to stop fascism, that continued fighting for equal rights and continues on the path to a better life for so many today.

So on Independence Day, it is my hope that you would be truly independent, that you think freely and deeply. We need to expunge the thoughts regurgitated to us about who we should fear and remember that our neighbors fundamentally desire the same things we do. We need the perspective to understand that individual freedom can work in tandem with collective action, and the harmony between free thought and right living has always been interconnected.

America’s greatness does not lie in the strength of its weapons or the size of its wallet. America’s greatness lies in the spirit of its people. But don’t take my word for it.

Be independent.

Think for yourself.

Find your own perspective.

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Finding Leadership

Can humanity reach its fullest potential without inspiring leadership? Are title, rank, and formalized power necessary to lead us from where we are to where we need to be? What are the characteristics, criteria and credentials that make a person a leader? If history is any indication of future events, we should expect the most exhilarating leadership to come not from formal authority bestowed upon economic or political elites, but through personal power derived from within, many times induced from people of the lowliest circumstances.

In 1838, a man travelled from Baltimore to New York, and after a short time, settled in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He had imagined life in north to be significantly inferior to that in the south, due to the affluence created by the institution of slavery. To his surprise, it was a flourishing town, where both laborers and merchant class workers shared in the wealth created by industry and trade. He acquired gainful employment and started a family with his newlywed wife. He went on to write an autobiography of his life in the sweltering plantations of south, the moral masquerade in the city of Baltimore and his admirable journey to the north.

The Narrative of Frederick Douglass became one of the most influential writings of the 19th century, and was a spark to a fire that ended the institution of slavery. Douglass could have lived a quiet life in New Bedford, where although racism was not absent, it was minimal compared to abhorrent conditions he had known in the fields of Maryland. But Douglass remembered his brethren still trapped in bondage and was compelled to act on their behalf. Still a slave in 1845, he published his famous work, which propelled him to the forefront of abolitionist thought leadership.

But before Douglass became a leader of the abolitionist movement, he became the leader of his own destiny. He resolved to satisfy his insatiable yearning to breathe free. He taught himself to read and developed a skilled trade. He developed a plan, and executed it in the face of over-whelming odds with life-threating risks.

Through his story, we can see the first step to leadership is self-leadership. If you cannot successfully lead yourself, leading others will not be possible. Secondly, we can see the evidence of thought leadership. The first step in advancing society is to believe in a future that is brighter than the current reality. The words we speak and the thoughts we believe become the lives we lead in the future. And third, we can see how the resolve of an ordinary person, even from the lowliest of circumstances, through their dreams, words and diligence can change the fate of the world.

Douglass’ story of extraordinary resolve is only one example of how everyday people influence the outcomes of our lives. Before institutions are changed, before laws are passed, even before society changes its mind, a thought leader emerges who changes the course of history.

In the absence of quality leadership from our politicians, religious figures, and business people, we must be resolved to develop our own self-leadership. Deciding to lead yourself on a course of self-improvement is the first step to living your life to its fullest potential. If we lead ourselves individually in this manner, we will undoubtedly advance society collectively.

We need the thought leadership which will break the deficiencies of the status quo to move us toward a more perfect union. We need thought leaders who speak truth in the face of opposition, even in the face of the majority, because the thoughts that change the world are rarely those originally held by popular opinion. We need to listen to those who are speaking the truth of our times, with a vision for the future founded upon the knowledge of the past. We need to actively seek out our own errors, and refine our own positions, to draw closer to the evasive, omnipresent truth which brings harmony to our lives.

The world will be no better than the best its leaders can offer. A compelling vision of the future, combined with a sober judgment of our current state is required to move humanity forward. Both true leaders and demagogues have assumed positions of formal authority in the past and present, but those with formal authority have not always, or even usually, produced the most progress. It is the common person arising above their station, who leads in thought and example, which creates the most leadership known to the world.

The leader the world needs to find right now is you, in whatever capacity you’re in, to achieve your fullest, and by example, lead those around you to do the same.

The question remains, where are you going to lead us?

Photo courtesy of PBS.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4h2962.html

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