By Matthew Hayward Louisiana's new mandate requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every classroom represents a significant overreach by the state into the lives and beliefs of its citizens. While the Ten Commandments hold substantial religious and historical value, imposing them on public educational institutions infringes upon individual liberties and violates the core principles of a free society. Can religious beliefs really stay out of government? This question becomes increasingly pertinent as we witness attempts to blur the lines between personal faith and state policy. Louisiana's legislation is a stark reminder of why the separation of church and state is essential. Libertarianism fundamentally champions individual freedom, personal responsibility, and minimal government intervention. When the government dictates religious expression, it undermines these principles and sets a dangerous precedent for further encroachments on personal freedoms. The essence of l...

By Matthew Hayward The pervasive influence of propaganda and manipulation is undeniable for all who have the eyes to see. Those who do not actively engage in political discourse but still vote are often the most susceptible to these influences. These individuals, whom I refer to as Non-Player Characters* (NPCs), are often highly educated yet fail to recognize the propaganda and slick salesmanship embedded in news stories. This dynamic raises important questions about the true nature of our Republic and the illusion of moderation. The NPC Phenomenon NPCs represent a segment of the population that passively consumes information without critical engagement. They are often well-educated, possessing degrees and accolades. Yet, these educated masses of NPCs are susceptible to propaganda because our education system does not equip us with the critical thinking skills to discern truth from manipulation. Instead, they become adept at absorbing and regurgitating information presented by authorit...

By Matthew Hayward In our commitment to liberty and justice, we often advocate for peaceful solutions: educating, voting, and engaging in discourse. However, history and philosophy teach us that force, as a defensive last resort, becomes justifiable and necessary under certain dire circumstances. This piece explores these circumstances and delves deeper into one of today's looming threats to freedom: Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) . 1. The Fundamental Right to Self-Defense Philosophically, the right to self-defense is a fundamental human entitlement. This right asserts that individuals inherently possess the ability to protect themselves, their liberty, and their property from imminent harm. Natural law recognizes this principle, arguing that our rights are derived from human nature and in many legal frameworks worldwide. 2. Protection from Tyranny Throughout history, the shadow of tyranny has often precipitated moments of decisive resistance. From storming the Bastille, s...

By Matthew Hayward In the complex arena of political strategy, even those who occupy the highest echelons of power can falter, demonstrating a profound disconnect between their strategic intentions and operational execution. The recent failure to secure the endorsement for their preferred candidate, Dave Reichert, is not merely a setback; it is a revealing exposé of the grave strategic missteps at the heart of the Republican party's establishment in Washington State. These seasoned campaigners, these stewards of conservative strategy, have evidently underestimated the critical importance of grassroots engagement. While I acknowledge the logic behind promoting an established politician strategically positioned geographically and perceived as moderate in our swing state—a strategy driven by considerations of electability, which admittedly has its merits—the incessant focus on this argument and complete lack of any meaningful engagement and education has alienated the grassroots yet a...

 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...

 By Matthew Hayward In a bold encounter, Elon Musk confronted the pressures of corporate censorship, notably rejecting Disney's demands with a resolute " go fuck yourself. " This incident, more than a mere clash of titans, reflects a broader societal concern over the pervasive influence of corporate media. Across the political spectrum, activists recognize the urgent need for independent journalism, challenging the narratives shaped by corporate and governmental alliances that often distort reality. The Pharmaceutical Industrial Complex stands as a glaring example of this influence, especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The collaboration between government and corporate entities in disseminating a unified narrative revealed a disturbing facet of corporatism. This alliance, far from benign, orchestrated a propaganda wave, manipulating public opinion and prioritizing corporate interests over public health and truth. Furthermore, Operation Mockingbird's legacy...

 By Matthew Hayward In the intricate dance of political strategy, the story of Michele Caldier's 26th legislative campaign in 2014 serves as a compelling case study. Tasked with the formidable challenge of unseating a Democratic incumbent who had held the seat for 14 years, Caldier's campaign was a testament to the power of strategic pragmatism in action. Despite criticisms of her moderate stance, Caldier's consistent support for Republican leadership in the House underscores a nuanced understanding of political realities. An ideologue supporting a moderate is a strategic choice, prioritizing the advancement of broader political goals over strict ideological alignment. This narrative is not merely about the outcomes of a single campaign but illuminates the broader implications of strategic voting in swing districts. My experience managing Caldier's campaign highlights the delicate balance between principle and pragmatism, a balance that is necessary in having success in...