The Great Debate: Anarchism versus Brutalism (compiled from recent posts at New World Dreaming Substack, by Nowick Gray) Introductory Remarks I would like to introduce […]
Breaking the Spell of Violence
Relax the hold of darkness and be at cause.If the sacred rebel is not awakened, we will continue to live in a culture drenched in […]
What Caused David Miranda’s Death?
“Somebody, after all, had to make a start. What we wrote and said is also believed by many others. They just don’t dare express themselves as we did.”
—Sophie Scholl, speech in court (February 21, 1943)
Rites of the Tear-Downers
We are at a fragile moment in the life of the Resistance, and it seems people’s nerves and judgment are fraying the longer the war wears on. Pissants scatter dispiriting remarks about like litter. Fanatical contingents accuse anyone who holds a different view of being controlled opposition. Self-righteous inquisitors feel they have the right to tell you what you should and shouldn’t write about, how you should and shouldn’t spend your time. Purported allies ambush individuals of supreme integrity.
How to Be an Upstander
I have taken pains to protect the identity of my saboteur [I’ll call her S] because—as will become evident when you read these exchanges—she appears to be suffering some sort of psychological crisis, and I don’t blame her but rather her mental illness. As such, I have substituted any terms that could be traced back to her posts and indicated these substitutions in brackets.
The Narrow Road to Self-Government
by Nowick Gray Elect to govern yourself. “Democracy” is a sacred cow in political discourse, unquestioned as a form of government that promises fairness, equality, […]
What Noam Chomsky Can Teach Us About Freedom of Speech
“If you believe in freedom of speech, you believe in freedom of speech for views you don’t like. Goebbels was in favor of freedom of speech for views he liked. So was Stalin. If you’re in favor of freedom of speech, that means you’re in favor of freedom of speech precisely for views you despise. Otherwise, you’re not in favor of freedom of speech.”
—Noam Chomsky
You Cannot Break Us
“The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.” —John F. Kennedy
This Independence Day, let us celebrate the indomitable nature of truth, the infectious spirit of freedom, and the resilience that empowers us to triumph over adversity.
Ode to a Whistleblower
I am republishing my poem Ode to a Whistleblower to honor the memory of Whistleblowers’ Whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg (April 7, 1931–June 16, 2023) and shine a light on the looming extradition of his treasured friend Julian Assange.
Why Are Women Leaving Feminism?
“Being feminine is not a style you cosplay . . . Femininity is about women’s connection to Life, women’s roles as stewards of the Land, women as Protectors, as connected, intuitive Beings, and as Lifegivers. Reclaiming femininity is so much more than a costume you put on.”
Remembering Gerard Van der Leun: Bon Voyage, — Mon Semblable, — Mon Frère!
“Sorry but I am dealing with some health issues that require I conserve my efforts. I do admire your work intensely and hope to help along to the extent of my ability. Best Christmas to you and God Bless.” When I read those words from American Digest publisher Gerard Van der Leun on Christmas, I did not realize they would be the last ones he would write to me.
Supporting Animal Ag is Antithetical to Supporting Freedom
Fundamentally, the pro-freedom movement’s defense of meat consumption is flawed on many levels. . . Pro-freedom groups ignore the close relationship Animal Ag has with Big Pharma, government, and lobbyists.
Profiles in Courage: Prof. Dr. Sucharit Bhakdi
“Where there’s no danger, there’s no courage.… Anyone can ‘endure’ security and well-being. The real challenges—the ones that force our endurance to grow from mere perseverance into true courage—arise in the face of hazard. So it is with moral courage, where danger is endured for the sake of an overarching commitment to conscience, principles, or core values.”
—Rushworth Kidder, Moral Courage
The Simple Life: Back to the Future
A swim in the lake on a summery day in May. Baking bread and doing the dishes. Selling from a stall in the Saturday Market; […]
New Normal Nihilism
While random acts of violence aren’t new, they have been on the rise. In many places, random acts of violence are increasing, reverting a decades long trend of decline in stranger attacks. This is the New Normal Nihilism.
My Two-Year Stackiversary: Lattice of Coincidence + The Courage to Face the Truth
For my two-year Substack anniversary, I am publishing an essay I started last summer to accompany a guest article by Paul Cudenec. It seemed a fitting anniversary piece because it covers connections, collaborations, community, and courage—four C’s that have defined my transformative experience at Substack.
Beyond Extinction
‘They stole the children from the land. Now they want to steal the land from the children.’ —Tahltan protest sign, Kabloona Keepers On the small island […]
Mistakes Were NOT Made: One Poem to Wake the World
WE DID IT. We pulverized the Overton Window. Even former mainstream straddlers are saying it aloud now: “Mistakes Were NOT Made.” Deftly filmed by Mark Lawrie and poignantly scored by my husband, Dr. Tess Lawrie’s knee-buckling reading of my poem has shattered the few remaining shards dangling in the window frame.