My last post ended with the following question: “Does the new National Security Strategy mention anything about Russia and investing more resources in Alaska?” After reading the new U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) a few times, I can tell you that Russia is mentioned about 10 times, mainly in reference to how Europe needs to … Continue reading What’s in the 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy—and Why Everybody Is Talking About It
Tag: U.S. Politics
Alaska or Greenland? Why America Is Looking in the Wrong Direction
There was a lot of talk not too long ago about Greenland and whether the United States should take over that country and make it the 51st state of the nation. The U.S. has a robust military presence there, and this is not the first time our country has tried to acquire Greenland. In 1946, … Continue reading Alaska or Greenland? Why America Is Looking in the Wrong Direction
“Third World” Is Outdated—and Dangerous: It’s Time to Change How We Speak
Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I heard the term “Third World” quite a lot. I think this is one of those expressions that needs to be erased from our vocabulary, since there is only one world, and all countries belong to it. Using that term promotes discrimination and disdain toward people living in countries with fewer … Continue reading “Third World” Is Outdated—and Dangerous: It’s Time to Change How We Speak
The Romance of Leadership
You probably read the title and thought, “What is going on with Edward? Is he a romantic now?” I am a romantic, but I promise this post isn’t about that. Still, one of the definitions of romantic is: “having an inclination for romance: responsive to the appeal of what is idealized, heroic, or adventurous,”1 and … Continue reading The Romance of Leadership
Judging the Judges
“A good judge must not be a young person but an old one, who has learned late in life what injustice is like and who has become aware of it not as something at home in his own soul, but as something alien and present in others, someone who, after a long time, has recognized … Continue reading Judging the Judges
Should We Give an Entrance Exam to People Running for President or Congress?
An entrance exam would be nice. Nothing difficult, maybe solving a handful of math problems, answering a few U.S. and World History questions, and even responding to some philosophical ones, just to gauge their level of knowledge before they occupy positions of power. To run for President, the requirements are: "No Person except a natural … Continue reading Should We Give an Entrance Exam to People Running for President or Congress?
When Politicians Use Christianity as a Prop
There is a lot going on in the U.S., and now in the Middle East with the conflict there, which seems to be expanding, especially after today’s attacks. Carl Von Clausewitz, a Prussian general and military theorist, said that "war is a continuation of politics by other means.” That is exactly what is happening in … Continue reading When Politicians Use Christianity as a Prop
On Learning and The Information Environment
While reading Letters from a Stoic by Seneca, specifically the chapter on learning wisdom in old age, I came across the following passage: “You should keep learning as long as you are ignorant—even to the end of your life, if there is anything in the proverb. And the proverb suits the present case as well … Continue reading On Learning and The Information Environment
The Tariffs Debate
"There is no better teacher than history in determining the future. There are answers worth billions of dollars in a $30 history book.”— Charlie Munger I’m not sure how much the state of Illinois paid for the history book my son is using in high school, but I found a copy for $6.79 on the … Continue reading The Tariffs Debate
Why Strategy Without a Good Coalition Is Doomed to Fail
The subject of leadership has always fascinated me—from the different theories behind it to the implementation of those theories and how to rally people behind change. Being an effective leader is incredibly difficult because you must demonstrate that you genuinely care and that following your lead is in the best interest of the organization. When … Continue reading Why Strategy Without a Good Coalition Is Doomed to Fail