Often, the American conversation is stuck in a never-ending loop, repeating the same tired debates. But the reality is, the tracks we're replaying aren't even the ones we should be listening to. Instead of discussing the root causes, philosophical underpinnings, and societal implications of our policies, we often argue over them. It's time to shift our attention and focus our debate on the fundamentals. Abortion Rights: A Societal Reflection Consider the perennial issue of abortion. It's a subject that incites heated debates and strong emotions, yet the conversation almost always centers on the policy itself. Should it be legal? Under what circumstances? What restrictions should there be? These questions, while important, ignore the more profound issues at play. At its core, the debate on abortion is really a philosophical discourse on the sanctity of life, women's autonomy, societal responsibilities, and the role of government in personal decisions. Our discussions...

By Matthew Hayward The right to freedom of speech, expression, and assembly, with recognition of the need for safe spaces, trigger warnings, and accommodations for individuals who have experienced trauma or are sensitive to certain topics or stimuli. The right to bear arms, with recognition of the need for responsible gun ownership and regulations to address systemic bias and gun violence in communities of color. The right to protection against the quartering of soldiers, with recognition of the need for protection against government surveillance and the right to privacy. The right to protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, with recognition of the need for protection against implicit bias and discrimination in policing and law enforcement. The right to protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy, with recognition of the need for protection against systemic oppression and unfair treatment in the criminal justice system. The right to a speedy and public trial...

 By Matthew Hayward This is what a rewrite of the Declaration of Independence might look like if the progressive left in American gets there way: When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of ethics entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of Humankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths as self-evident that all individuals are created equal and have inherent worth and dignity and that among their unalienable rights are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. To secure these rights, governments are instituted among individuals, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the individuals to ...

These are not debates! By Matthew Edward Hayward on Saturday, November 12, 2011     There has not been a true debate in my lifetime. Are there any history buffs that care to share how long it has been since there were actual debates? What happens today is nothing more than cookie-cutter propaganda and showmanship. A substantive and philosophical dialog cannot take place in the current settings. The candidates do not get enough time to speak, and they often fail to use the time they get to answer the questions; instead, they artfully attempt to gain emotional appeal. They often banter with one another and toss around catchphrases and slogans. The whole thing is disgusting. They don’t all get asked the same questions, nor do they get equal time to speak. Sadly, many Americans are uninformed beyond reading the newspaper and watching their propaganda box. People either do not know how to do their own research or are too lazy to do so. Most of us sub...