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...

By Matthew Hayward Memorial Day Reflections: A Civil Libertarian's Perspective Every year on the last Monday of May, the United States observes Memorial Day, a day to honor and remember the men and women who have given their lives in service to the nation. As a civil libertarian, I approach this holiday with a profound sense of respect and contemplation. These brave individuals fought for the liberties we cherish as American citizens, from the freedom of speech to the right to privacy. However, are we truly upholding the values they died for? One key question I grapple with is whether we, as a society, are disrespecting their sacrifices by taking our liberties for granted and allowing them to be gradually eroded. It seems that we often forget the struggles endured by our ancestors for the freedoms we enjoy today. What could be more disrespectful to the people who died for these freedoms than standing by and watching them vanish because we don't want to be inconvenienced? It...

By Matthew Hayward  A small group of Patriots stand ready to sacrifice their lives to defend personal and collective freedoms. Yet, in stark contrast to our times, the overwhelming majority recoil at the mere thought of experiencing the slightest inconvenience to protect their own liberties, let alone step up for those of others. This is the heartbreaking tragedy, the raw truth that must be fiercely acknowledged and courageously confronted as we question the nature of our current reality. The canvas of our status quo is inked with the indifference of those who refuse to stir from their comfort to safeguard their most valued rights or rally for their fellow citizens' rights. This declaration of our times is a loud bell tolling for awareness and action. To echo the words of the trailblazing libertarian Claire Wolfe, "America is at that awkward stage; it's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards." A reflection that we stand at a critical p...

 By Matthew Hayward Dear Members of the Political Class, I hope this open letter finds you in good spirits and with an open mind, for the words I pen are crucial to our great nation's continuing strength and prosperity. It is with a deep sense of responsibility and an unwavering commitment to the liberties our founding fathers bequeathed to us that I address you today. The topic at hand is the Second Amendment and the concept of the militia, both of which are integral to safeguarding the freedoms we hold dear. When our forefathers crafted the Constitution, they had the wisdom and foresight to understand that a well-regulated militia is necessary for the security of a free state. They recognized that every able-bodied and willing American plays a pivotal role in preserving and protecting the very fabric of our nation. In that spirit, I call upon you to acknowledge and support the right of the people to keep and bear arms, as enshrined in the Second Amendment. In today's world, t...

By Matthew Hayward Patriotism is often defined as love for one's country and a willingness to serve and defend it. However, when the government of that country is being run by people who ignore and disrespect the Constitution and founding documents and intentions laid down by the founders, the definition of patriotism becomes more complicated. In such situations, standing against one's own government can be seen as the most patriotic action. The founders wrote the Constitution and founding documents to establish a government that would protect the rights and freedoms of its citizens. They recognized that unchecked government power can lead to tyranny , and they designed a system of checks and balances to prevent such abuses of power. The Constitution outlines the government's structure, defines each branch's powers, and sets limits on what the government can and cannot do. It also includes the Bill of Rights, which is integral to the Constitution, specifically enumerate...