Donald Trump v. the Courts: The End of an Independent Judiciary?

by John Ellis Since taking the oath of office on January 20, President Trump has set about remaking the federal government. Mass layoffs, the shuttering of federal departments, rolling back regulations, and sweeping deportations are all part of the Trump administration’s whirlwind of activities. Lawsuits by various affected parties have quickly followed. The number of … Continue reading Donald Trump v. the Courts: The End of an Independent Judiciary?

It May be Time to Begin Planning a Farewell Party for Free Speech in America

by John Ellis Many historians consider A. Mitchell Palmer the worst Cabinet member in US history.[1] Serving as Woodrow Wilson’s Attorney General during the final two years of his presidency, Palmer’s name is forever glued to the infamous Palmer Raids that saw over 6,000 people imprisoned and tortured, with many threatened with deportation, for daring … Continue reading It May be Time to Begin Planning a Farewell Party for Free Speech in America

The Profaning of “O Holy Night”

by John Ellis “O Holy Night” is not only one of my favorite Christmas carols, it is also one of my favorite songs across all genres. In my first play after college, a production of The Homecoming by Earl Hamner, Jr., I played the lead Clay-Boy, better known as John-Boy from the TV series The … Continue reading The Profaning of “O Holy Night”

Ron DeSantis: Christian Nationalism’s Desired Prince for Their Faux New Jerusalem?

by John Ellis Are you familiar with The Turner Diaries by William Luther Pierce? For those old enough to remember the Oklahoma City bombing, muted memory bells may be sounding in your head. The book was published in 1978 and quickly became the bible for the growing white nationalist movement, including serving as inspiration (and … Continue reading Ron DeSantis: Christian Nationalism’s Desired Prince for Their Faux New Jerusalem?

I Haven’t Changed and Donald Trump Hasn’t Changed; Maybe You’ve Changed

by John Ellis Donald Trump was found liable of sexual abuse and defamation today. That's a stunning statement that has never been uttered before about a former President of the United States of America. A statement that should slam shut the door on his 2024 presidential bid, but it won't. As stunning and revolting as … Continue reading I Haven’t Changed and Donald Trump Hasn’t Changed; Maybe You’ve Changed

If Twitter Is the Public Square, Donald Trump is the Golden Idol in Its Middle

by John Ellis Twitter is all abuzz with the news that Elon Musk has allowed ex-president Donald Trump back on the social media site. It doesn’t appear to be a decision that elicits a shrug from many people. Based on the reactions, many people vocally love the decision, believing that it’s a harbinger of better … Continue reading If Twitter Is the Public Square, Donald Trump is the Golden Idol in Its Middle

President Biden, the Keystone XL Pipeline, and High Gas Prices

by John Ellis At the gas station I frequent most often, some of the pumps have been adorned by a sticker with President Biden proudly pointing while saying, “I did that.” Situated so that Biden is gesturing towards the panel displaying how much the customer’s total cost is, the message is clear: President Biden is … Continue reading President Biden, the Keystone XL Pipeline, and High Gas Prices

COVID at Two Years of Age: Charting a Path Forward for Followers of King Jesus

by John Ellis Standing on the Cady Way Trail’s walking bridge spanning Semoran Blvd, I watched the cars streaming under me and thought, “Are we ready for what’s about to happen?” It was mid-March of 2020, and COVID’s effects were already starting to ripple out. The news out of Italy was horrendous, but distant. The … Continue reading COVID at Two Years of Age: Charting a Path Forward for Followers of King Jesus

Conspiracy Theories Are Part of the DNA of Evangelicalism

by John Ellis I’ve stopped being surprised when new acquaintances[1] steel their gaze, purse their lips, and then begin their forthcoming monologue with, “Did you know ….?” Those monologues have “taught” me all kinds of things about Dr. Fauci, the Clintons, sex trafficking of children, the global elite and their place in the “swamp,” CRT, … Continue reading Conspiracy Theories Are Part of the DNA of Evangelicalism

‘Let’s go Brandon!’ Further Validates My Rejection of White Evangelicalism

by John Ellis On the way home after dropping the kids off at school, my eyes were drawn to a large bumper sticker on the car in front of me. Shouting “Let’s Go Brandon!” the sticker existed in conflict with the “In God We Trust” stamped on the vehicle’s license plate. Almost immediately, a pithy … Continue reading ‘Let’s go Brandon!’ Further Validates My Rejection of White Evangelicalism