Category Archives: America

Our Fear Society

Posted on February 23, 2023 by Joel D. Hirst

Twenty years ago I marched into Hugo Chavez’s Venezuela, copy of Natan Sharansky’s “The Case for Democracy” under my arm, determined to be part of that epic fight of democracy vs. tyranny. Bush called it the “Freedom Agenda”. Sharansky’s was … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Liberty | Tagged | 3 Comments

Robert D. Kaplan’s “The Tragic Mind”

Posted on January 27, 2023 by Joel D. Hirst

This short book is one of Kaplan’s most personal. Kaplan has been a foreign correspondent and has written many books about the struggles of politics under the tyranny of geography in faraway places. Unlike most of his other works, “The … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Book Review | Tagged | 1 Comment

The Cider House Rules

Posted on October 4, 2022 by Joel D. Hirst

I bought this book because the movie was beautiful, and I wanted to read a beautiful book. The depression era produced America’s greatest works of literature. Trauma scares and scars and the most sensitive take to the pen to try … Continue reading →

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On Fatherhood and Faith

Posted on September 20, 2022 by Joel D. Hirst

Raising a little boy in troubled times is a tremendous feat. They say marriage makes you a better man; but it is not a wife that improves you. Being a father makes you a better man, or it should. Carefully … Continue reading →

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More on Money

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Joel D. Hirst

One (of the many) issues which caused me to quit social media (Facebook and Twitter specifically) was the monetization of ‘interactions’ – likes and shares and retweets. People with many ‘followers’, generating lots of ‘views’ or ‘engagements’ were able to … Continue reading →

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We Need a ‘Solutions Rebellion’

Posted on July 23, 2022 by Joel D. Hirst

Have you noticed that our massive government is no longer able to solve the problems of the real world that affect us? Whatever you believe is the greatest problem – environmental degradation, inflation, crime, health care, world peace – pick … Continue reading →

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On Rediscovering America

Posted on July 9, 2022 by Joel D. Hirst

I returned last year to the U.S. from living mostly overseas for a season, ending with the COVID explosion which seemed as good a time as any for a change. I was given what I assume was bad-faith guidance, “Go … Continue reading →

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An Empire Wilderness: Wonder and Contempt

Posted on March 17, 2022 by Joel D. Hirst

This book was enlightening, not only about America but to the perspective of Robert D. Kaplan. Watching somebody describe themselves, you get a feel for what they think is noteworthy and important. You understand better the lens through which they … Continue reading →

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The Signs Are Everywhere

Posted on February 19, 2022 by Joel D. Hirst

The Metro in Washington DC has recently installed fancy new turnstiles. Shiny metal and bright green or red electronic notices flashing. Forget that underneath, trains are operating on a delayed schedule – resembling more the Trans-Siberian Railway than the artery … Continue reading →

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To Talk of Many Things… (Vol. #13 – Afghanistan)

Posted on January 29, 2022 by Joel D. Hirst

“Now if you’re ready, Oysters dear,We can begin to feed.’But not on us!’ the Oysters cried,Turning a little blue.After such kindness, that would beA dismal thing to do!” I still deal with Afghanistan almost every day. Today it was a … Continue reading →

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