Category: At The Cabin

DEFENDING A REPUBLIC REQUIRES MORE THAN DISCOURSE

In times of rising political tension mainly on ideological lines, many Americans cling to the hope that civil discourse will bridge our divides. We have seen morale tested and systems strained, we know that hope alone is not a strategy.

The time for sitting on the sidelines with passive observation has passed. Our major institutions—legal, civic, and cultural—are under pressure from factions that reject foundational principles of logic and common sense in favor of chaos. Whether cloaked in radical slogans or masked behind digital misinformation, these forces erode trust, destabilize communities, and threaten the rule of law.

I’m not calling for retaliation. I’m calling for resilience.

I’ve seen firsthand how clarity, structure, and accountability restore order in turbulent business environments. The same principles apply to our civic life. We must support our government not just with votes, but with vigilance. That means:

  • Attending public forums and holding officials accountable.
  • Supporting law enforcement while demanding transparency.
  • Educating our communities on constitutional rights and civic duties.
  • Building networks of preparedness—from digital security to neighborhood safety.

Defensive action doesn’t mean aggression. It means fortifying the systems that protect liberty. It means rejecting extremism from any corner and recommitting to the values that make this republic worth defending.

We are not powerless. But we must be purposeful. And, those that threaten us must be warned, we will let you be you but once you try to force your “you” on us, bring your lunch. It’s going to be an all day affair.

Let this be a call to those who still believe in order, law, and the quiet strength of principled leadership. The future won’t be secured by slogans—it will be shaped by citizens who act.

Ancient Justification for Democracy

The ancient Greeks fancied themselves the champions of Freedom while looking down upon the Persians as enslaving entire populations.

After the defeat of the Persians in the late 400s, a Greek known as Otanes asked: how could monarchy be a harmonious and coherent system when it permits the ruler to do whatever he wishes, to be accountable to no one? For arrogance will grow within him as he enjoys all the good things at hand…,

He went on to say: the rule of the majority, however, not only has the most beautiful and powerful name of all, equality, but in practice, the majority does not act at all like a monarch. Indeed, the majority chooses its magistrates by lot, it holds all of these officials accountable to an audit, and it refers all resolutions to the authority of the public.

You see, Otanes realized the single ruler is unconstrained and therefore a dangerously outrageous, jealous, and violent oppressor of his subjects.

Wow, it seems Herodotus, in Book 3 section 8, was commenting on something that would occur again one thousand five hundred and forty eight years later.

Up At The Cabin

We left Phoenix yesterday afternoon in 108 degree heat and got out of the van 2 hours later in 73 degree cool. 35 degrees!! And I can assure you, it makes all the difference in the world. Last night we slept with the windows open and the temp dropped to a glorious 59 degrees. Now THAT's good sleeping weather right there!!! Looking forward to doing a whole bunch of nuthin' on the porch today. Later.