Monthly Archives: October 2018

“The Debasement of Human Rights” – A Book Review

Posted on October 31, 2018 by Joel D. Hirst

Ayn Rand used to say that there was ever only one fight in the history of philosophy; and every new conflict is simply a re-enactment of this one original contest. Plato against Aristotle. Those who revere the collective and seek … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Liberty, Uncategorized | Tagged | 7 Comments

The Anthem Of Your Life

Posted on October 31, 2018 by Joel D. Hirst

If your life were a song, what kind of a song would be it? Would it be a Latin American protest song, trova music fatalistic and sad yearning for the communist dictatorships to free you from your freedom; ‘Todavia Cantamos’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Literature, Uncategorized | Tagged | 3 Comments

On Gratitude

Posted on October 14, 2018 by Joel D. Hirst

What are you thankful for? I find sometimes that asking myself this question is a helpful exercise as I sit on my front porch in the early African morning with my coffee, looking out over the mists which still cling … Continue reading →

Posted in Liberty, philosophy, Uncategorized | Tagged | 3 Comments

“City of Memories” – A Book Review

Posted on October 8, 2018 by Joel D. Hirst

If Congo is Africa for Africans; the obsidian consciousness of a continent – Nigeria is Africa for the rest of the world, as both its promise and its threat. Nigeria is old. Epic battles of ancient armies; the resounding echoes … Continue reading →

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Dr. Denis Mukwege

Posted on October 7, 2018 by Joel D. Hirst

Eastern Congo; it’s Africa’s own Africa and the Kivu capitals of Goma and Bukavu its dual-beating heart. Those who know, well they know; alas for those who don’t, it’s hard to explain. Two messy, shaken and tragic cities beautiful as … Continue reading →

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Powerlessness In America

Posted on October 7, 2018 by Joel D. Hirst

Just as the rest of America, I too was swept away by the Kavanaugh hearings. A popular but unconventional president; the highest court in the land. An eleventh hour spoil appears from out of the shadows of California – where … Continue reading →

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My Hamster’s Wheel – A Poem

Posted on October 6, 2018 by Joel D. Hirst

My life has b’come but a jacket; Twisted kind which is oft’sold as straight; “To live free, not sure if you can hack it”; And I’m told for to sit down and wait. So I wake myself neat in the … Continue reading →

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On Patience

Posted on October 3, 2018 by Joel D. Hirst

Sometimes in the early morning over coffee, I turn on my computer and descend into Facebook – attempting to avoid bitterness and stupidity and unfriending people as I go (if you’re still one of those folks who posts political stuff … Continue reading →

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On Privacy

Posted on October 2, 2018 by Joel D. Hirst

We have all heard the old mantra from the dictatorships which goes something like this, “Who cares if people know what you’re doing. As long as you are following the law you have nothing to worry about.” Until of course … Continue reading →

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