TRUMP IS OUR SERVANT

An Open Letter to President Trump: Remembering Who’s the Boss

Dear President Trump,

As citizens of the United States, we remind you of a fundamental truth: in a democracy, the people hold the ultimate power. Our government exists with the consent of the governed, and every official, from local representatives to the president, serves at the will of the people. We are your boss.

When we cast our ballots, we don’t simply elect a leader—we appoint a public servant. The role of the President is not to impose personal will upon the nation but to listen to, represent, and act on behalf of the diverse voices that make up this country. Like all those elected, you are accountable to us and must respond to the needs and will of the American people.

We ask you to remember this relationship. You are not here to lead with unchecked authority or to cater to the sycophants who may surround you. Instead, you are here to represent every American, to listen with humility, and to act with respect for the Constitution and the values of our democracy. Your position is one of privilege and responsibility and should be treated with the seriousness it deserves.

Over the past years, Americans have seen divisions widen, trust in institutions falter, and fear of political manipulation grow. Many feel that government is no longer responsive to the people it serves. Our leaders must honor their role as public servants to restore this trust.

We are your employers, and we reserve the right to hold you accountable. This accountability extends beyond election cycles—it is our duty, as engaged citizens, to voice our concerns, advocate for justice, and insist that government policies reflect the needs of the people. Our voices, whether spoken directly or through our representatives, are powerful, and we intend to use them to ensure that our government, including your office, serves the people.

We demand policies that uplift the people, respect for all voices in this great nation, and transparency in every decision that impacts our lives. This country was founded on the idea that government derives power from the people, and we stand united in our commitment to uphold that principle.

President Trump, remember: you work for us. We will hold you accountable, be heard, and  insist that our democracy remains a government of, by, and for the people.

Respectfully,

The American People

 

THE PATH FORWARD

Donald Trump has been reelected president of the United States. President Biden can declare him ineligible to become commander-in-chief, but neither the administration nor the intelligentsia have seriously considered that proposal.

Suppose you’re concerned about the implications of a Trump win. In that case, there are constructive, positive steps that his opposition can take to uphold their values, strengthen democratic processes, and work toward unity and progress:

1. Focus on Local and State-Level Engagement

• Building influence at the local and state levels can create meaningful change from the ground up. This includes voting in local elections, supporting candidates who align with democratic values, and advocating for state-level policies prioritizing community well-being, justice, and environmental protection.
• Local organizing can also help address issues like voter suppression or gerrymandering, which can significantly impact national elections.

2. Champion Democratic Institutions and Safeguard Voting Rights

• Advocating for democratic reforms can help protect the integrity of future elections. Supporting policies safeguarding voting rights—such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which aims to restore and strengthen portions of the Voting Rights Act—ensures that everyone’s voice is represented.
• Promoting transparency and integrity in election processes helps maintain trust in democracy, which is essential for a fair society.

3. Encourage Civil Discourse and Unity

• When emotions are high, fostering civil discourse becomes more critical. People across the political spectrum can better understand each other's perspectives by promoting respectful dialogue focused on issues rather than personalities.
• Community organizations, nonprofits, and educational institutions can host forums, debates, and workshops that bring diverse viewpoints together constructively.

4. Strengthen the Opposition by Supporting and Cultivating New Leaders

• This could mean focusing on mentoring and supporting a new generation of leaders who bring fresh perspectives and ideas. Encouraging young, diverse voices in politics and community leadership positions helps create a more vigorous, adaptable opposition.

5. Invest in Fact-Based Media and Combat Misinformation

• Supporting media outlets committed to factual, nonpartisan reporting is vital in an era of misinformation. Additionally, citizens can help promote media literacy, ensuring people can critically evaluate information sources and recognize reliable news.
• Fact-checking and countering false narratives with evidence-based information can help prevent misunderstandings and polarization.

6. Promote Issue-Based Activism and Coalition Building

• Finding common ground on key issues—healthcare, education, and environmental protection—can unite individuals who may not share the same political affiliations but have overlapping priorities. Building coalitions around specific policies and reforms can lead to bipartisan support and more durable change.

7. Encourage Voter Engagement and Civic Education

• Civic education in schools and communities helps ensure that citizens are informed about their rights and responsibilities and the importance of voting in all elections. Grassroots campaigns can increase voter turnout and ensure that more voices are represented in every level of government.

8. Uphold the Rule of Law and Judicial Independence

• Upholding respect for the rule of law is essential in any democracy. Supporting judicial independence and advocating for policies that protect the courts from partisan influence helps ensure that justice remains impartial.

9. Look Toward Solutions and Policies that Address Root Causes

• Many political divides stem from underlying socioeconomic issues, such as income inequality and limited access to healthcare. By addressing these systemic issues, policymakers can create a more inclusive society that benefits all.

Conclusion

Moving forward after any contentious election requires patience, resilience, and a commitment to democratic principles. By focusing on these positive steps, Trump’s opposition can contribute constructively to American democracy. Emphasizing unity, participation, and respect for democratic values will help build a stronger, more inclusive future, regardless of current leadership.

William James Spriggs

IN PRAISE OF CIVILITY AND MANNERS

Reviving Civility in Modern Discourse

In our fast-paced, digital world, the art of civility and manners is slipping away, replaced too often by careless language and ad hominem attacks that overshadow meaningful dialogue. The rise of social media has made communication easier than ever, but it has paved the way for disrespect and misunderstanding. In our public discourse, as well as in our private lives, we should aspire to a standard of respect and formality reminiscent of more courteous times. These values can be fostered through formal education in English, etiquette, and critical thinking and by encouraging platforms to promote respectful exchange over sensationalism.

The Value of Civility in Public Discourse

Public discourse is meant to be a space where ideas are exchanged constructively, but it too often devolves into personal attacks and name-calling. Regardless of our differences, referring to others with pejorative nicknames undermines productive conversation and damages trust in the collective exchange of ideas. When we reduce people to labels or nicknames, we strip them of their individuality and the respect they deserve. In a truly civil society, disagreements are navigated thoughtfully, with the recognition that each person brings a unique perspective to the table.

Treating our discourse like a courtroom or council makes room for all voices and perspectives. This involves refraining from ad hominem attacks and encouraging constructive and empathetic language. Civility is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, allowing for disagreement without discord and debate without disrespect.

The Importance of Formal English Education

Teaching formal English at all educational levels is one way to ensure that civility and manners have a foundation in society. Formal English encourages students to communicate clearly and thoughtfully, giving them the tools to articulate ideas precisely and respectfully. Beyond the structure of grammar and vocabulary, formal English also teaches a disciplined way of thinking. When students learn to speak and write formally, they develop habits of patience, reflection, and clarity—qualities that are essential for mature and thoughtful discourse.

Furthermore, a solid foundation in formal language helps students express themselves confidently and respectfully in public and private settings. It prepares them to enter the workforce and engage in a democratic society, where respectful, thoughtful communication is crucial. In a world of quick texts and hashtags, formal English classes allow students to slow down, think critically, and cultivate respect for the power of language.

The Role of Social Media in Promoting Civility

Social media has revolutionized communication, but it has also given rise to a culture of instant opinions and polarized interactions. Platforms often reward sensationalism over substance, creating echo chambers that foster division rather than understanding. To counteract these trends, social media should implement policies and practices that encourage civility. Features that promote thoughtful responses—such as prompts for users to read articles before commenting or reminders to review their language for respect—could create healthier online spaces.

Additionally, platforms should take a stronger stance against ad hominem arguments. Content that focuses on personal attacks rather than ideas could be de-emphasized in algorithms, creating more space for productive and respectful exchanges. Education campaigns on social media that teach users about logical fallacies and the importance of focusing on ideas rather than individuals would also encourage users to engage more thoughtfully.

Cultivating Manners and Respect in Our Society

To revive the values of courtesy and civility, we must emphasize manners in all areas of life—from schools and workplaces to digital spaces. Manners are more than formalities; they recognize each person’s inherent dignity and worth. Simple gestures, such as addressing people respectfully, actively listening to others, and practicing patience in conversation, contribute to an environment where everyone feels valued.

Respectful manners allow for diverse perspectives and foster unity even in disagreement in public debates and discussions. When we try to be respectful and mindful, we encourage others to respond kindly, creating a positive cycle of civility.

Conclusion: A Call to Higher Standards

As we navigate our modern world, remember that civility and manners are not relics of the past; they are timeless values that enrich our lives and strengthen our communities. By teaching formal English, managing social media to promote constructive discourse, and encouraging respect in public and private settings, we can build a culture that values thoughtful dialogue over divisiveness.

The quality of our discourse reflects the quality of our society. In striving for civility, we create a space where everyone is respected, ideas are freely exchanged, and disagreements lead to growth rather than conflict. It is a call to rise above pettiness, focus on ideas rather than individuals, and revive a discourse tradition that uplifts and unites us all.

William James Spriggs

 

A MORE PERFECT UNION

Balancing Capitalism and Socialism for a Stronger Democracy

In discussions of the best government systems, democracy often emerges as a preferred model because it provides citizens with representation and safeguards individual freedoms. However, democracy's principles can become distorted when economic systems like capitalism or socialism are implemented without balance. Unchecked capitalism may lead to oligarchy, while socialism, if overly centralized, can also concentrate power in the hands of a few. Striking a balance—through government regulation of production and public ownership of essential services—could create a more equitable society where democratic values are upheld and power is distributed more broadly across society.

The Potential Pitfalls of Unchecked Capitalism

When left unregulated, capitalism allows private individuals and corporations to own the means of production and pursue profit. While this system encourages innovation and efficiency, it also risks consolidating wealth and power into the hands of a few. In the United States, for example, corporate monopolies and economic inequality have sparked debates about the concentration of wealth among an elite few—essentially an oligarchy where a small group wields vast influence over the economy and politics. In such cases, those with significant economic power can shape policies favorably, limit competition, and stifle upward mobility.

When capitalism becomes "unbridled," democratic processes are undermined. Wealthy individuals and corporations can disproportionately influence political decisions through lobbying and campaign financing, making it challenging for regular citizens to have their voices heard. The result is a political and economic system that increasingly benefits the rich, widening the gap between socioeconomic classes and reducing social mobility.

The Dangers of Over-Centralized Socialism

Socialism, in its simplest form, advocates for the collective or governmental ownership of production and distribution. However, when implemented with extreme centralization, socialism can suffer similar pitfalls to unbridled capitalism. Concentrating ownership and control of all resources within the government can inadvertently centralize power in a small governing class or elite bureaucrats. This has often led to inefficiency, stagnation, and a lack of personal freedom.

Without checks and balances, government control can restrict individual liberties, as those in power make decisions for the entire population without input from diverse economic sectors or citizens. Such centralization can lead to authoritarianism, where decisions are made by a few for the many, which ultimately contradicts democratic principles.

The Role of Democracy with Balanced Economic Policies

A democracy, like that of the United States, thrives when it combines the best aspects of capitalism and socialism through a mixed economy, regulated to prevent extremes. Government regulations on the means of production—particularly in critical industries such as healthcare, energy, and transportation—ensure that no single corporation or elite group can monopolize essential resources.

In this balanced model, essential services—such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure—can be nationalized or heavily regulated to guarantee equal access and protect public welfare. Government oversight prevents the unchecked accumulation of wealth and ensures that markets remain competitive and fair. Regulations could include antitrust laws, campaign finance reform, and progressive taxation to mitigate income inequality.

Public Ownership of Essential Services

Certain services are fundamental for societal welfare and should be publicly owned to ensure equitable access. Government ownership of essential services—such as healthcare, utilities, and public transportation—ensures that profit motives do not interfere with providing basic human rights. When these services are privately owned, profit motives may compromise quality, accessibility, and affordability.

In a democratic society, public ownership of essential services aligns with equality and justice by ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their economic status, can access necessary resources. It also shields these services from the volatile nature of the free market, which can lead to shortages or inflated prices. This approach enables the government to prioritize public interest over profit.

Balancing Innovation with Fairness

The ideal system balances innovation with fairness, maintaining capitalism's strengths in fostering innovation and growth while avoiding its tendencies toward monopolization and inequality. Regulations, transparency, and government accountability are essential to preserve this balance. For instance, regulating big tech companies can protect citizens’ privacy and data rights, while policies that curb excessive executive compensation can prevent stark economic divides.

Similarly, combining public and private investments in renewable energy, healthcare, and technology allows for advancements without sacrificing public welfare. Governments can encourage innovation while maintaining oversight by partnering with private enterprises and incentivizing them to pursue goals that align with public interest.

Conclusion

A democratic government that blends the strengths of capitalism and socialism is best equipped to address the complex challenges of modern society. By regulating industries and owning essential services, governments can protect citizens from unchecked capitalism and over-centralized socialism. This balanced approach promotes social justice, reduces inequality, and ensures that all citizens have access to essential services while preserving the dynamism and innovation that capitalism brings.

Democracy flourishes when the economy serves the people—not vice versa. Through democratic governance, regulation, and shared ownership, society can create an economic system that values fairness, opportunity, and the well-being of every individual.

William James Spriggs

TRUMP'S ALLURING LIES

The Allure of Authoritarian Propaganda

In many societies, strongman leaders gain a following not by offering specific solutions to real problems but by fostering a sense of crisis and positioning themselves as the savior capable of restoring order. This is not new. From early 20th-century Europe to today’s political landscapes, authoritarian figures have consistently risen by manipulating the public perception of real and imagined issues while presenting themselves as indispensable. These tactics have profound implications for democracy, as they exploit societal fears, distort reality, and sideline rational discourse.

The Illusion of Crisis and the Strongman’s Promise

In their rise to power, authoritarian leaders often employ a potent mix of fear, distrust, and disinformation. They paint a bleak picture of a nation besieged by dangers—whether from within by corrupt institutions or external "enemies" that threaten the purity or stability of society. They create a vision of their nation at the edge of ruin through speeches and propaganda. This dire narrative has two main effects on a public looking for stability in an unpredictable world: it stirs anxiety while conveniently casting the leader as the sole figure capable of staving off disaster.

In the 1930s, Germany’s Adolf Hitler famously tapped into the frustrations of an economically battered and demoralized population. His propaganda machine focused on sowing distrust of political institutions, vilifying various groups as threats to national purity, and promising a rebirth of national pride that only he could lead. More recently, we see similar tactics in figures like Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines, who declared a war on drugs while labeling entire communities as criminal havens—conveniently positioning himself as the sole figure tough enough to protect the country.

In the United States, Donald Trump adopted a similar strategy, portraying the nation as crippled by systemic failure. Despite evidence that many of his claims of the crisis were exaggerated or unfounded, the narrative resonated with audiences who felt left behind by economic changes and alienated by social shifts. By convincing his supporters that he alone understood the problems and had the strength to fix them, Trump fostered a culture of distrust toward the media, government institutions, and political opponents.

The Role of Manufactured Crises

These leaders’ success lies partly in making imaginary crises feel urgent and real. The problems they cite often exist only in broad, exaggerated terms or are distortions of real issues blown out of proportion to serve a narrative. For instance, anti-immigrant rhetoric is often used to portray immigrants as a threat to jobs, culture, and safety despite economic evidence showing that immigration is beneficial in many cases. Authoritarian leaders tap into latent fears and biases by reframing complex issues in simplistic and often misleading ways.

Leaders with authoritarian tendencies may also capitalize on their perceived “strength” as a solution to these crises. They promote the idea that they can disregard the usual checks and balances of democratic systems because they are uniquely suited to “fix” the country. This is not simply an appeal to strength but to a particular kind of strength—one that views democratic norms and legal constraints as weaknesses, unnecessary barriers to the decisive action they claim to represent.

The Psychology of Following the “Strong Man”

A major psychological element in this dynamic is what social psychologists call cognitive dissonance. When people believe in a leader who makes extreme promises, they are inclined to ignore or rationalize any evidence that contradicts their views of him. By believing strongly in a figure they view as a national savior, supporters become psychologically invested in that belief, making it difficult to accept evidence. This effect is compounded when the leader frames any criticism as a conspiracy or attack by corrupt elites, thus reinforcing his followers’ distrust of independent information sources.

Authoritarian propaganda often presents critics as enemies of the people, deepening the divide between followers and the opposition. This tactic is especially effective when the leader is perceived as representing the “common people” against “elites.” Hitler, for instance, was seen as an outsider fighting the establishment, as was Trump. By casting themselves as victims and champions, they secure loyalty from those who feel similarly marginalized.

The Costs to Democracy

Using manufactured crises and the “strong man” mythos comes at a high cost to democratic institutions. When leaders subvert trust in media, courts, and government agencies, they weaken the pillars that uphold democratic societies. In authoritarian regimes, this is often achieved by tightly controlling information and severely punishing dissent. In more democratic contexts, such control might instead take the form of attacking institutions indirectly—branding the press as “fake news,” painting opponents as traitors, or dismissing established rules as tools of the “deep state.”

Such approaches polarize societies and make it exceedingly difficult to address real issues. When leaders invent problems to consolidate power, they divert attention and resources from genuine social challenges. For instance, the threat of climate change receives insufficient action from leaders who are more focused on fabricated crises that bolster their power.

Conclusion: The Way Forward

Understanding the patterns and tactics of authoritarian propaganda is crucial in resisting its influence. Democracies must bolster media literacy, strengthen checks and balances, and promote civic education to help people recognize and resist manipulative narratives. A commitment to transparency and accountability is essential to preserving democracy, as is an informed populace capable of distinguishing between natural and manufactured crises.

The allure of authoritarianism is ultimately rooted in fear and insecurity. By recognizing and addressing the real issues that fuel these emotions, democratic societies can counter the power of authoritarian propaganda. Leaders who genuinely serve their people do not manipulate crises; they work to understand and resolve factual issues, fostering trust, stability, and resilience rather than division and fear.

William James Spriggs

IN PRAISE OF AGE

The wisdom that comes with age is a treasure often overlooked in today’s fast-paced, youth-centered society. As the years accumulate, they bestow a profound clarity and breadth of understanding that only time can provide. While it’s true that some face cognitive challenges with aging, many retain a remarkable sharpness of mind enhanced by decades of experience and knowledge. These individuals bring an invaluable perspective to their communities, workplaces, and families, bridging the gap between past and present and enriching conversations with insights that younger people may not yet possess.

The advantage of lived experience stretches across countless domains—from work and relationships to societal changes and historical events. An elder who has seen trends come and go and witnessed history unfold firsthand can offer insights grounded in experience rather than theory. This long view creates an unmatched perspective on life’s complexities, allowing them to discern patterns, anticipate outcomes, and navigate challenges steadily. When younger generations may see only the immediate or novel, elders draw on this wellspring of experience to approach problems with wisdom and balance, recognizing that what may seem urgent today often becomes a part of a larger, cyclical story.

Wisdom in aging extends beyond intellectual insight into emotional depth. Those who have lived through decades of relationships, personal growth, and change often develop a richer sense of empathy, patience, and acceptance. Having weathered personal storms and societal shifts, elders have honed qualities that enable them to approach life with resilience and compassion. This emotional maturity allows them to connect meaningfully with others, offering perspective and comfort that can be profoundly reassuring to those navigating the early stages of life.

In today’s world, where trends are fleeting and immediacy often overshadows reflection, the wisdom that comes with age is a stabilizing force. Elder generations bring a timeless value that goes beyond facts and data, embodying the lived understanding that comes only from a long, well-examined life. This wisdom is not just a gift to the individual but to society, offering guidance, insight, and a reminder of the enduring power of experience.

William James Spriggs

BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT

THE ROMANTIC COSMIC JOKE

Life's truths and realities revealed in nurseries and windmills

Introduction

“A life unexamined is no life at all.” This timeless observation has been my guiding principle for 85 years, a journey marked by an unwavering pursuit of truth and reality. Throughout my life, I have sought to question, probe, and understand the world around me, never satisfied with surface-level assumptions or conventional wisdom. My writings—be they articles, essays, or poems—reflect this lifelong search. They represent my findings, my conclusions, and the facts I have unearthed along the way.

I do not claim to hold all the answers, but I have come to understand certain truths I now feel obligated to share. This collection is not merely a record of my thoughts but a testament to the importance of critically examining one’s life and the world in which we live. In a time when facts are often disregarded, I believe the truth is more vital than ever.

I hope those who read these pages will be inspired to undertake their quest for truth and reality. Perhaps my examination will serve as a spark, motivating others to pursue the facts, seek out more profound understanding, and ultimately find their path to enlightenment. This book is not an endpoint; it is an invitation to examine, question, and discover what is real in a world where truth is often obscured.

If my work motivates even one reader to embark on their journey of discovery, then my purpose will have been fulfilled.

1. Religion
2. Politics
3. God and the Universe
4. Morality
5. Leadership
6. Modern Culture
7. Character Traits
8. Fact Versus Fiction
9. Law, Rules and Practice
10. The End

Epilogue

Having dared to peer into the heart of existence, I find myself caught somewhere between revelation and resignation. I am both wiser and more bewildered, clutching truths that are, at best, uncomfortable and, at worst, indifferent to my understanding. Most people never bother with this kind of examination—they go about their lives, content or complacent. But I chose to look deeper, and what did I find? Not answers or solace, but rather, an absurd clarity: life is less a grand narrative and more a fleeting nursery rhyme, a lullaby sung to quiet the inevitable questions.

In this journey, I’ve discovered that truth wears no familiar face, and if we can even call it that, reality holds no inherent justice. We spring from nothingness, play our brief parts, and dissolve back into obscurity. We are, as some wise fool once said, shadows and dust. And yet, perhaps there’s a certain romance in this starkness, a beauty in recognizing the cosmic joke without demanding it be funny.

If life is but a dream, then my quixotic quest has brought me full circle. Like the knight-errant, I’ve tilted at my share of windmills, only to find that they were as substantial as anything else, which is to say, not very. Vanity of vanities—yes, but isn’t there something to be said about how we strive despite it all? In the end, it’s not the discoveries that matter so much as the strange, relentless impulse to keep searching, asking, and tilting at windmills even as they crumble under our touch.

So here’s to the absurd quest, to those who dare to look behind the veil only to find it was never there. Here’s to the quiet arrogance of believing there’s something to find and the cynicism of knowing that maybe there isn’t. And, above all, here’s to the absurdity of it all—the madness and the wisdom, the laughter and the sighs. Because if we’re to dream, let it be a dream worth remembering, even if only for its vanities.

William James Spriggs