Democracy is often framed as a meritocratic system of governance—one in which the most capable, disciplined, and strategically minded individuals rise Continue Reading
Recent Articles
Veterans Day 2009
“October has been the deadliest monthfor U.S. troops in Afghanistansince the war began eight years ago.” In the pre-dawn hours he stands,silent and Continue Reading
Mom, I’m Going to Iraq
By Nancy B. Ronquillo Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from Nancy B. Ronquillo’s memoir, A Soldier in the Family, which examines the Continue Reading
The Roller Coaster Called “Healing”
By Kasey Franklin This title here is a hard lesson I’ve had to learn. I never thought I would be the one. I never thought I would be the Continue Reading
Explosions and Rude Awakenings in Ramadi
(Editor's Note: The following is the first chapter from Jared's book It'll Buff Out.) Chapter 2: Rush OP Hawk Ramadi, Iraq September 29, Continue Reading
Dog and Pony Shows, Elephant Walks, and Other Air Force Circuses
What I’m about to say applies to any VIP including civilians, and some of it will be tongue-in-cheek, but please try to see the underlying concept Continue Reading
The Truth and “The Truth”
I project memory against the frames of reality. The sterile digital reality void of all the emotional and physical perceptions of the body. I Continue Reading
Emperor Norton and the Republic of Absurdity
In September of 1859, a man walked into the offices of the San Francisco Bulletin and declared himself “Norton I, Emperor of the United States.” Continue Reading
The Questions We Stop Asking
By Carlin McKeahow A little after ten at night, a high school junior sits at the kitchen table with a blank document open. The dishwasher is Continue Reading
Freedom of the Mind in Captivity
By Joseph G St Clair At Rodeo Uno, outside Guatire, Venezuela, the guards wore masks, military gear, and code names they had chosen to sound Continue Reading
What to Do When Your Body Feels Constantly Run Down
Everyone experiences periods of low energy from time to time, but constantly feeling exhausted can make everyday life much more difficult. When even a Continue Reading
A Veteran’s Guide to Guarding Your Digital Footprint
Photo by Rodion Kutsaiev on Unsplash Consider a common scene. A veteran sits down at the kitchen table to log into VA.gov, phone in one hand, Continue Reading