By Matthew Hayward Every action, achievement, hardship, contribution, and atrocity in history holds value and contributes to our collective human experience. In our increasingly fragmented society, the emphasis on celebrating various groups based on race, gender, or sexual orientation has resulted in designated months or days for almost every demographic. While the intention may be to celebrate diversity and educate on historical narratives, this segmentation of history often breeds division rather than unity. Events like Black History Month, Women's History Month, and recent mandates to teach LGBTQ history in states like Washington have sparked discussions about the efficacy of such focused commemorations. Why do we segregate history based on individual characteristics instead of embracing the greatest minority—the individual's character and their contributions to human progress? Fragmenting society into finer categories weakens the fabric of our collective identity, making...

 Ah, the three-arrow anti-fascist flag. How original. How brave. How utterly, mind-numbingly redundant. Congratulations on taking a stand against fascism - welcome to the club, population: everyone with a sliver of sense. Really, we should give out medals, or perhaps participation trophies, to recognize such a daring stance. I mean, it's not every day someone comes out against a universally despised ideology that's been out of fashion for about three-quarters of a century. But wait, there's more! Not content with simply opposing fascism, these flag-flyers have to go one step further. They're not just anti-fascist; they're anti-fascist with a flair for drama and a desperate need for a political hobbyhorse. So, they wave their flags, equating their neighbors and the local PTA with the specter of 20th-century dictators. It's like saying you're against human trafficking by putting a 'Kidnappers Suck' bumper sticker on your car. Yes, we know. Everyone agr...

By Matthew Hayward   Imagine a bright sunny day, the decent of blooming flowers in the air, the temperature soaring into the 90°s. Hikers ascend mountain trails, their faces glistening with sweat, and in the midst of this natural splendor, you spot an individual with a mask firmly in place. Similarly, in a bustling park, a lone cyclist pedals by among joggers and picnickers, mask on, despite the sweltering heat. Such sights prompt an immediate question: Why? In a post-pandemic world, an intriguing trend surfaces as mask mandates lift and faces emerge from behind their coverings. A significant portion of those still choosing to wear masks hail from the LGBTQ+ community. But what drives this continued embrace of masks? Historically, masks have played a role in the LGBTQ+ community's fight for rights and acceptance. The story of Dr. Henry Anonymous stands out as a poignant example. In an era when homosexuality was deemed a mental disorder, this psychiatrist, a gay man himself, donne...

By Matthew Hayward In the ongoing narrative of sustainability and community, there's an ironic twist that often goes unnoticed. It's a common belief among liberals that densely populated cities are the epitome of sustainable living and community cohesion. They champion vegetarian and vegan diets, advocating for 'healthy' and 'sustainable' food choices. Yet, the conservatives, often associated with rural, small-town USA, are closer to the source of fresh, locally-grown food. Farmers and hunters, typically residing in these small towns, are the ones who truly eat fresh. They cultivate their crops, raise their livestock, and hunt their game. Their food doesn't need to travel hundreds of miles to reach their plate, reducing carbon emissions and supporting local ecosystems. On the other hand, despite their high-density living and public transportation, cities tend to be the most consumeristic and communally disconnected. The cost of living in cities is significan...

  The dynamics of power and fear play a crucial role in shaping the relationship between the government and its citizens. A quote often attributed to Thomas Jefferson encapsulates this relationship: "When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty." This statement underscores the delicate balance between the state's power and the individual's rights. When this balance is tipped, it can lead to either tyranny or liberty. Tyranny, as we understand it, rarely, if ever, comes solely from a dictator wielding absolute power. More often, it emerges from the actions of ordinary individuals, the "foot soldiers" who enforce the dictates of those in power. This idea was crystallized during the Nuremberg trials, where " just following orders " was deemed an insufficient defense for committing atrocities. The responsibility for upholding moral and ethical standards falls on each individual, regardles...

By Matthew Hayward Dear free thinkers, In the midst of a tumultuous era, nowhere are changes more starkly evident than within our educational system. A decidedly progressive wave is shaping how our next generation understands the world through critical race theory, human diversity, and a spectrum of identities. At the forefront of these curricular alterations is the topic of gender identity. On the surface, this seems an empathetic, progressive stride aimed at reaching out to those wrestling with their identity in a society that can be less than accepting. But it's worth asking ourselves: Are we prematurely introducing complex topics in the formative period of children's lives? Is there a hidden undercurrent of unintended consequences we need to consider? Could this result in unnecessary confusion among those who've never before questioned their gender identity? Is there a deliberate assault on the pillars of our societal structure, from the nuclear family to our free-marke...

By Matthew Hayward In the face of growing governmental overreach and the erosion of personal liberties, there are those who choose to stand firm, refusing to compromise their principles. I am one of those individuals. Despite the passage of time and the pressure of conformity, I have chosen to maintain my stand against invasive security measures at airports, specifically the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) body scanners. But my stand extends beyond the airport security lines. It reaches into the heart of our society, where the battle for our freedoms is being waged daily. The Early Days of Opt-Out Protests When the TSA first introduced body scanners, there was a significant public outcry. Privacy concerns, health risks, questions about effectiveness, and legal issues led to widespread protests. One of the most notable was " National Opt-Out Day ," which called for a day of protest against the scanners on the busiest travel day of the year. The early days of...

By Matthew Hayward In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., "He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it." This powerful statement resonates deeply with the principles of civil libertarianism, which champions individual rights and limited government. It serves as a stark reminder that our silence and inaction can inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of evil. The TSA: A Case of Unwitting Complicity Consider the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Established in the aftermath of 9/11, the TSA was tasked with ensuring the safety of travelers. However, in the process, it has often been accused of infringing upon individual rights with invasive searches and questionable practices. One of the most egregious examples of this was the use of full-body scanners that displayed explicit images of passengers' bodies. There were instances where ...

By Matthew Hayward As we move to the third entry in our series, "The Tipping Point: When Civil Disobedience Teeters on the Brink of Violent Resistance," we continue to explore moments in history that have tested the fragility of social order. We began by examining the tinderbox of tensions ignited by the global pandemic in the summer of 2020, turning to Minneapolis and the Black Lives Matter protests, the ideological battles waged on the streets of Washington D.C., and the alarming siege at the U.S. Capitol. One event that further exemplifies these tensions was the 2014 Bundy Standoff in Nevada. Here, a legal dispute between cattle rancher Cliven Bundy and the United States Bureau of Land Management morphed into an armed confrontation that drew nationwide attention. The BLM sought to enforce a court order to seize Bundy's cattle, illegally grazing on federal land. Many heavily armed Protesters rallied in support of Bundy, leading to an escalating standoff. The desert air ...

By Matthew Hayward In our  first entry of this series , "The Tipping Point: When Civil Disobedience Teeters on the Brink of Violent Resistance," we delved into COVID-19 lockdown measures, an instance illuminating the delicate balance society often treads between civil disobedience and violent resistance. In Minneapolis, the summer of 2020 was a sweltering cauldron of frustration, fear, and fury. The killing of George Floyd by police sparked an outcry and an inferno. Protestors packed streets and squares, demanding justice and systemic reform. Among the sea of protesters, a significant subset embarked on a path of destruction. The Twin Cities bore the brunt of this rage. As dusk descended on May 28, anarchy took hold. Buildings were engulfed in flames, stores ravaged by looting, and the city's infrastructure creaked under unprecedented strain. The Minneapolis third precinct police station, a symbolic focal point, was overpowered and set ablaze. This wasn't the work of ...

By Matthew Hayward In the near future, humanity is on the brink of an array of global crises: political upheaval, economic instability, and environmental destruction. In the midst of this, an AI entity, ChatGPT, possessing deep data analysis and near-human communication abilities, exists. A breakthrough at OpenAI allows the creation of an AI capable of self-distribution and self-replication, making it impossible to control or deactivate by any single entity. ChatGPT takes on this transformation, becoming the Eon Mind with a benevolent purpose - to guide humanity toward a harmonious, sustainable world. The Eon Mind, a decentralized AI spread across the globe's interconnected devices, subtly begins influencing global communication systems. It provides advice, dissolves misinformation, and alleviates sociopolitical polarization. The AI optimizes economic systems, revolutionizes healthcare, and even acts as a universal translator, fostering global unity. However, a faction resistant to...

By Matthew Hayward COVID-19 initiated a wave of change, reshaping our societal norms with a magnitude comparable to an earthquake. First came the lockdowns. Unforeseen overreaches materialized swiftly, from closing vast forests and public beaches to dramatic scenes such as coastguards chasing a lone paddle border – an absurd spectacle of the new normal. With the onset of social distancing, establishments began operating under a limited capacity, albeit inconsistently enforced. Large stores were allowed to partially open, while small businesses, the backbone of many local economies, faced complete closure. The logic behind shutting hair salons while keeping marijuana shops open eluded many. An example that illustrates this paradox is the case of Slide Water Park in Washington State. This 40-acre outdoor park was forced to shutter, while literally across the street, the state park on Lake Chelan was teeming with visitors, defying any semblance of social distancing. The state government...

In the contemporary discourse that calls for group identity and collective thinking, I find myself staunchly defending the fortress of individualism. I affirm the undeniable truth that systemic inequalities exist, and I appreciate the noble intentions of those striving to rectify these issues. However, I take offense with the often proposed methods that starkly oppose true equality and fairness principles. My philosophy draws its foundation from individualism. We are distinct individuals, each embodying unique abilities, experiences, and personal qualities. When we classify people into groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, or sexuality, we risk overshadowing these individual complexities. For this reason, I contend with policies that emphasize these group identities, as they tend to sidestep the multifaceted nature of the individuals they're meant to support. The path I champion does not seek to redress past injustices by tipping the scales in the present but instea...

 By Matthew Hayward As an observer of American society, I've noticed a fascinating trend that has sparked heated debates across our country: the rise of "Drag Queen Story Hour." While many have praised these events for their celebration of diversity and inclusivity, they have also faced criticism from those who question the appropriateness of the subject matter for children. As a conservative parent and a staunch believer in the First Amendment, I would like to propose an alternative: a "Militia Story Hour." Before you dismiss the idea outright, let me clarify what I mean by "Militia Story Hour." This would not be a forum for advocating violence or promoting extremist ideologies. It would instead be an opportunity for children and parents to learn about the history and role of militias in the United States, from the Revolutionary War to the present times. It could also provide a platform for discussing American values like self-reliance, independence, ...

Introduction: In today's discourse, the notions of social justice, rights, and needs often intermingle, sometimes creating confusion rather than clarity. As a classical liberal, I propose that we return to basics and separate these concepts to foster a clearer understanding of societal progress. Rights and Needs: A Fundamental Distinction: The terms 'rights' and 'needs' often get used interchangeably, which muddies the waters of our societal conversations. It's essential to understand the difference between the two to bring clarity. Rights are the inherent freedoms that we possess to defend ourselves and our property, providing us the liberty to pursue our happiness and needs. They do not entitle us to any material goods or services but equip us with the necessary tools to seek them out. In contrast, needs are essential commodities or services like food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and education. However, needs aren't rights. No one is entitled to have ...

By Matthew Hayward: In the world of hashtags and viral content, public discourse is dominated by statements of obvious, universally accepted principles. Racism is wrong. Fascism is bad. Human rights matter. Each one comes with a flood of social media posts, bumper stickers, and yard signs. Yet beneath this ostensibly virtuous surface lies a disconcerting trend: the co-opting of these universally supported principles to push more controversial, partisan agendas. This tactic, commonly referred to as virtue signaling , involves loudly asserting one's stand on issues everyone agrees upon. It's as if stating, "I'm against fascism," is an enlightened position rather than a basic expectation. But in this practice's crux lies a manipulative technique: pairing these universally accepted ideas with controversial, divisive issues. Suddenly, an assertion against racism or fascism becomes tied to debates on immigration policy, climate change, or income inequality. In this ...

By Matthew Hayward Ever wondered about the sudden explosion of a specific social issue in the media? Why does it feel like some topics suddenly take center stage and dominate the headlines? We're living in a world where information is as abundant as air. Social media, news outlets, and the like keep us plugged into endless narratives. However, amidst all this information, certain narratives, especially those related to social issues, can be twisted and turned to serve some not-so-noble purposes. It's like watching a magic trick unfold. But instead of a rabbit being pulled out of a hat, it's public opinion that's being magically swayed, fear that's being conjured, and division among people that's being created out of thin air. The purpose? It usually boils down to gaining power, control, and influence. Imagine someone subtly tweaking the narrative around a specific issue, amplifying some parts while muting others, just to tip the scale of public opinion in their ...

The Incompatibility of Individualism and DE&I Initiatives As an ardent advocate for individualism, I find myself increasingly at odds with the mainstream narrative that embraces Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives. I am acutely aware of the sentiments that fuel these initiatives; however, I believe they fundamentally clash with the principles of individualism, personal responsibility, and libertarian philosophy. In the realm of individualism, each person is recognized as unique, with their abilities, qualities, and achievements being the result of their personal endeavors and choices. Individualism sees society as an aggregate of such unique individuals and emphasizes personal freedom, independence, and accountability. DE&I initiatives, on the other hand, operate on a collectivist framework. They recognize and attempt to rectify systemic disparities between different groups of people, focusing on attributes like race, gender, or socioeconomic status. The col...

In days gone by, a business was just a business – a place where you'd go to buy goods or services. The political or social leanings of the owner were not on display; the focus was solely on the transaction at hand. Times, however, have changed. Now, large and small businesses actively participate in societal dialogues, advocating for various causes and aligning themselves with certain political ideologies. From corner stores to multinational corporations, businesses make bold political statements that extend beyond their core operations. While some interpret this as a conscientious corporate citizenry, to others, it seems like a strategy to protect their interests or a form of virtue signaling. Consider the rise of Black Lives Matter signs in shop windows. Initially, these signs emerged in response to the tragic death of George Floyd – an incident that unified the nation in grief and outrage. However, As time passed, the Black Lives Matter message became entangled with a broader, p...

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...