If it's true, as the old hymn goes, that they'll know we are Christians by our love, American right-wing Christianity is failing the litmus test. It is written: "Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the orphan." (Isaiah 10:1-2)

We're in this present mess because too damn many people are too damn lazy when it comes to the democratic process. In the words of the Lorax, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."

Former state legislator J. Basil Dannebohm writes, "The most efficacious countercultural revolution an individual can wage in a society that embraces anti-intellectualism, information silos, cults of personality, and algorithms, is to think for oneself."

The Book of Proverbs tells us, there are seven things that are "detestable" to God: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. (Proverbs 6:16-19) Lindsey Graham, a spineless, insecure warmonger who called for the bloodshed of innocent people, was the embodiment of all these detestable things.

On July 5th, residents of Washington, DC, experienced the worst air quality of any major city in the world, prompting city officials to issue a Code Red Air Quality Alert, warning that the public may experience health issues. Crews spent the day using long-handled tools and nets to scoop debris and soot from the now-infamous reflecting pool.

In Washington, those of us who either serve as political consultants or members of the media know a secret many Americans outside the beltway don't: Most days, "47" doesn't show up in the West Wing before 1pm. Probably because he spent the prior night incessantly posting on his ironically named social media platform. Once his sundowning subsides, he wakes up, watches television, conducts meandering phone interviews, and eats McDonald's -- all from the comfort of his bed.

As America celebrates its semiquincentennial, our "unequivocally" selfless Commander-in-Chief couldn't think of a more 'fabulous' way to celebrate his birthday, which coincides with Pride Month, than by having a bunch of sweaty, well sculpted, muscle men rolling around on the south lawn of the White House.

Former state legislator J. Basil Dannebohm provides an in-depth look at how demagogues leverage anti-intellectualism to erode democracy.

Whether or not Saturday's incident at the White House Correspondents Dinner was real or an elaborate orchestration is frankly irrelevant. The fat-cat demand, "change for me, but not for thee" should outrage all of us.

Like the “OBBB," Trump's 2027 was written in large part by White House budget director Russell Vought, one of the principal architects of Project 2025. While some Americans might indeed dodge the collateral damage of the “OBBB,” odds are you’re going to feel some impact of the budget if passed in its present form. Granted, budgets rarely pass as written, but given rampant Congressional kow-towing the possibility still stands.

For some reason we insist on complicating Jesus. The grave could not contain Him. Yet we have the audacity to be believe that our theology can.

President Trump is not without bipartisan support on Capitol Hill for the attack on Iran. Don’t be confused. The conflict in Iran is not about peace or security. It’s about Israel padding political pocketbooks.

While I’m honored to be considered a trailblazer who paid a price, nothing would please me more than to see my former Republican colleagues exhibit the same courage as their Commander-in-Chief by standing alongside Rep. Carr and supporting common sense cannabis legislation.

Former Legislator J. Basil Dannebohm writes, "For me, Reverend Jackson’s death was personally devastating. Like Jesse, I devoted much of my career to both ministry and public service. We likewise shared some very similar neurological issues. But the connection didn’t stop there."

Last week, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made more than $600 million in cuts to public health grants in Minnesota, California, Illinois, and Colorado. Meanwhile, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz pleaded with the American public to get vaccinated against the measles. It’s not rocket science. In fact, it doesn't take a fourth-grade education to know that if you're sick, stay home.

Like many other grifters, Minaj hopped on the Trump bandwagon, riding tall in the saddle and making rounds on the Conservative circuit.

There's an old saying among public figures: "Sometimes ya just gotta give the people what they want." J. Basil Dannebohm disagrees. The former legislator writes, "While some people are inebriated by hyperpartisan Kool-Aid, I've heard carefully scripted, albeit tired arguments from both sides and will continue to approach my consulting, columns, and life from the middle. Like roughly 45% of Americans (an increase of 2% from 2024), I am an Independent."

J. Basil Dannebohm offers a cogent analysis of the tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good and ICE operations from an independent perspective.

J. Basil Dannebohm writes, "True to my word, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to President Donald Trump for delivering on his promise. Though many Republicans across the country, including state attorneys general and legislators, law enforcement, and members of Congress urged him not to reclassify marijuana, he did it anyway."

J. Basil Dannebohm reflects on New Years' resolutions, advising readers not to measure a successful one by how much weight they lose or how many books they read. But rather, to measure it by the hearts they've touched, the smiles they've created, and the love they've shared.