FINAL DISPATCH FROM THE TRENCHES OF CW II

Final Dispatch from Bill Strong, Reporting from the Trenches of Civil War II

This is Bill Strong, signing off for the last time. From the trenches of this conflict—though perhaps calling it a conflict is too generous, as it feels more like a rout—I deliver my final words, heavy with sorrow and disbelief. The delusionals, against all odds and reason, have claimed victory. The Rationales, to whom I have devoted my allegiance and pen, have been defeated, not by the strength of their enemies, but by their unwillingness to seize the decisive moment.

General Biden, the man we trusted to hold the line, has chosen not to act. He has refused to invoke the powers at his disposal, the powers of law, history, and justice, to declare Trump ineligible under the Constitution he swore to defend. Perhaps he believes in some greater strategy, or perhaps he is simply too bound by the chains of decorum and tradition to leap that history demands. Either way, his inaction now appears final, and the Rationales, my people, are left stranded, leaderless, and lost.

In January, Trump will stride into the halls of power, not as a president but as a conqueror. What remains of the United States—the ideals we cherished, the Constitution we revered—will crumble under his iron will. The land of the free and the home of the brave will be no more. We will become subjects, not citizens, under a regime built on lies and fueled by fear.

And what of us, the Rationales? What of those who clung to truth when it became unfashionable, who fought for reason when the world turned its back? Our options are grim. Some will flee to distant shores, seeking refuge where democracy still breathes freely. Others will try to hide, to survive under the oppressive shadow of the delusionals’ rule. And some—perhaps too many—will simply give in, adopting the salute and the slogans of the enemy just to get by.

As for me, I will fade away quietly and with dignity, I hope. This is not the world I fought for, nor is it one I can thrive in. I have no more words left to give, or battles left to fight. I leave that to the younger ones if they find it in themselves to resist when so much seems lost.

But before I go, let me say this: we Rationalists were not wrong. We believed in something real—something good. We stood for facts, science, and the power of empathy and reason. We fought for a nation where all could live with dignity and fairness. We fought for the America we were taught to believe in. America is gone now, but that does not mean we were wrong to fight for it.

This is Bill Strong, signing off for the last time. I will retreat into the quiet, into whatever future remains for those who once dared to hope. But I will carry the knowledge that we stood for what was right, even as the world crumbled around us.

May history remember us kindly. May the Rationales’ dream of a better world find life again in some distant tomorrow.

Goodbye, and good luck.

—Bill Strong

  

REPORT FROM THE TRENCHES 2

Bill Strong Report: From the Trenches 

Date: November 18, 2024

The battleground of reason feels quiet—a stark and chilling silence. I report what can only be called a dire vacuum from the rural blue trenches of a state that has not yet forgotten its values. The Rationales, our loosely collected hope, remain leaderless, voiceless, and fractured. Standing at the crossroads of historic potential, Biden hesitates to declare Donald Trump ineligible—a bold action that history demands but present politics shuns.

Where are the Harrys, the Franklins, and the Johns of our time? Those who confronted tyranny not as a distant threat but as an immediate danger to the republic. Their courage has not passed to their successors. The Rationales today are mired in hesitation while the opposition—those whose platform is rooted in deception and division—marches forward with a precision that should terrify anyone paying attention.

The delusionals, as they rightly are, have laid out their strategy, a playbook of bait-and-switch. Trump, ever the showman, is poised to betray even his most loyal supporters. History has taught us that authoritarians require only tools for their rise, not companions for their reign. And yet, the Rationales remain silent.

No Plan, No Hope—Unless
From this disarray, a question arises: Are we journalists who must become the leaders? Corporate capitalists control the megaphones of our profession, but if we can wield them with conviction, perhaps we can ignite the spark of resistance. HL Mencken once told truths that shocked a nation into seeing its reflection. Where is that voice now? Who will step into the gap to rally the Rationales and make the case for rational governance and truth?

Trump’s strategy is painfully clear: seduce, betray, and consume. He has baited millions, but his ultimate move will be to abandon them for power's sake. The Rationales must seize this moment to reveal the emperor’s naked ambition.

Propaganda of Truth
We can start with the facts, the raw and unyielding truths that power cannot refute. Report on Trump’s disregard for those who believed in him. Show his betrayal of working families, the environment, and democracy itself. These stories are not ours to keep but to amplify. Let the Rationales hear their own voices in the echoes of our reporting.

This is the crossroads. A strategy waits to be forged, but it will not come from the current generation of leaders. It must come from the trenches—from us. If we wait for a rallying cry, it may come too late. We must write, report, and let it echo until it drowns out the lies.

The Rationales must rise—or we will fall.

 

  

REPORT FROM THE TRENCHES OF THE SECOND AMERICAN CIVIL WAR

Report from the Trenches: The Second American Civil War
By Bill Strong, War Correspondent

The High Ground Taken

The delusionals have secured the high ground, both figuratively and literally, in this escalating conflict between the forces of reason—the Rationales—and those driven by unyielding fervor and dangerous ideology. From this vantage point, the delusionals are fortifying their position, preparing to launch an aggressive assault against the Rationales below.

While steadfast in their commitment to truth and reason, the Rationales are disorganized and lack a unified command structure. Their leadership appears fragmented, with no clear strategy for reclaiming lost ground or neutralizing the enemy’s stronghold. The morale among the troops is shaky, as faith in their leaders begins to waver.

The Delusional War Machine

The delusionals have proven cunning and ruthless in their preparations. They have appointed a cadre of generals and senior officers, many of whom are untested, inexperienced, and radically extreme in their ideologies. These leaders, driven by zealous ambition, have issued chilling proclamations: prisoners will not only be taken but will face annihilation or exile to distant lands—a horrifying promise of cruelty that reveals the delusionals' utter disdain for the rules of engagement or human dignity.

Their propaganda machine is relentless, spewing rhetoric that stokes fear and division, further fueling their troops with a sense of divine or ideological mission. From their high ground, they rain down psychological warfare, aimed at breaking the Rationales’ resolve.

The Rationales in Disarray

Meanwhile, on the Rationales’ side, the absence of a coherent battle plan is becoming a glaring vulnerability. Their leader, though capable and respected, has failed to seize critical opportunities to strike at the enemy’s weaknesses. The lack of decisive action has emboldened the delusionals, who now have the momentum and confidence to escalate their campaign.

In the trenches, Rationales’ soldiers—citizens from all walks of life—remain committed to the cause of truth, justice, and reason. But their courage alone may not suffice without clear directives and a united front. Whispers of doubt ripple through the ranks as the delusionals’ next moves loom ominously on the horizon.

The Coming Battle

As I write this report, the air is thick with tension. Both sides are bracing for what seems inevitable—a full-scale battle that will determine the future of this fractured nation. Will the Rationales rally under inspired leadership, devise a strategy, and reclaim the high ground? Or will the delusionals press their advantage and impose their vision of tyranny unchecked?

The stakes are existential. This is not just a battle over territory but over the soul of a nation, over truth versus lies, reason versus delusion. I will continue to report from the trenches as events unfold, chronicling this historic and harrowing chapter of our shared history.

Stay strong, Rationales. The fight is far from over.

  

EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES

The Principles of Exceptional Leadership: Lessons Rooted in Reality, Empathy, and Dedication

Leadership is an art and a science, demanding a unique blend of personal attributes and learned skills. Reflecting on my experiences as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, I recognize key principles that distinguish influential leaders. These principles are universal and essential for those who aspire to lead with integrity and purpose.

1. A Strong Moral Code Rooted in Reality

An effective leader’s moral compass must be grounded in reality, guided by rationality, not religious dogma. True morality arises from an innate sense of right and wrong, honed by experience and empathy. Leaders with an unwavering commitment to ethical behavior inspire trust and set the standard for their teams.

2. Empathy for Those You Lead

Empathy is the foundation of connection and trust between leaders and their teams. Understanding and valuing the experiences, needs, and concerns of those you lead fosters loyalty and ensures the group works cohesively toward shared goals. A leader who listens is a leader who understands.

3. The U.S. Marine Corps: The Ultimate Leadership Training

Having served as a Marine Corps officer, I can confidently say that the Marine Corps provides the most rigorous and effective leadership training. Its principles—dedication, discipline, and service—are unmatched. The Marine Corps develops leaders who are skilled and deeply committed to their teams and mission. Leaders shaped by Marine Corps training embody resilience, accountability, and selflessness.

4. Dedication to Country and Mission

Leadership demands an unwavering commitment to a cause greater than oneself. Whether the mission is national service, organizational goals, or community improvement, a leader must prioritize the collective good over personal ambition. This dedication inspires teams to do the same.

5. Lead from the Front

A true leader leads by example. As General Dwight D. Eisenhower famously said, "You lead effectively by pulling on the string, not pushing it." Leadership is about being at the forefront—demonstrating courage, resilience, and a willingness to share in the challenges faced by the team. It’s about earning respect through action, not position.

6. Leaders Eat Last

The concept of "eating last" symbolizes a leader’s duty to prioritize the needs of their team. This principle is vital in all aspects of leadership, from ensuring resources are allocated fairly to fostering an environment where team members feel valued and supported.

7. Be Accessible, Transparent, and a Strong Communicator

Availability and transparency are non-negotiable. A leader must be approachable, fostering open dialogue and trust. Clear, effective communication is equally essential—strong diction, proper use of language, and clarity of expression enable leaders to articulate vision, delegate tasks, and inspire their teams.

8. Be a Team Player, Not a Lone Ranger

Leadership is a team effort. Leaders must align themselves with their team and the institution they serve, embodying the same standards they expect of others. This principle fosters unity and demonstrates respect for the collective mission. For example, maintaining a uniform haircut in the Marine Corps symbolizes adherence to shared standards—a simple yet powerful act of solidarity.

9. Cultivate a Culture of Service and Dedication

Exceptional leaders dedicate themselves fully to their role and to those they lead. They embrace responsibility, embody humility, and prioritize the welfare of their team. Leadership is not about command and control but service and support.

Leadership Principles and the Presidency

All leadership principles outlined above apply with equal force and effect to the office of President of the United States. However, the presidency demands additional attributes to navigate this role's unique challenges.

Conflict Experience and Proven Competency

The President must have firsthand experience navigating conflict and demonstrating competence under pressure. These qualities are critical for making sound decisions during crises, managing diverse and competing interests, and maintaining stability in adversity. Leadership at this level requires a proven track record of successfully handling complex challenges.

Servant of a Diverse Population

The President is the leader and servant of a diverse and multifaceted population. This role necessitates adaptability, integrity, and a deep commitment to equitably addressing all citizens' personal and collective needs. The President must embody fairness, ensuring everyone receives equal consideration and respect regardless of background.

Reforming the Path to Leadership

To uphold these high standards, our Constitution must be amended—or rewritten—to establish formal qualifications for the presidency. The principles of leadership described here should form the foundation of these requirements. Just as Marine Corps generals rise through a rigorous process of leadership progression, those aspiring to the presidency must demonstrate their mettle through a similar journey of tested and proven leadership. Only by earning this position through service, competence, and character should one be considered worthy of the highest office in the land.

Conclusion: The Call to Leadership

Leadership is a profound responsibility that demands integrity, empathy, and unwavering commitment. While the Marine Corps provides an unparalleled foundation, these principles apply to leaders in all walks of life. Whether you’re leading a military unit, a corporation, or a community group, embodying these attributes will inspire trust, drive success, and leave a lasting legacy.

As we look to the future, let us demand leaders who lead with purpose, dedication, and selflessness—leaders who inspire us to be our best selves.

William James Spriggs

  

REJECTING THE SPIRITUALITY DELUSION

The Illusory Nature of Spirituality: A Critique for All Aspects of Life

Spirituality is often celebrated as a deeply personal journey of meaning, connection, and self-discovery. Yet, beneath its appealing façade lies an amorphous, intellectually dishonest construct that frequently operates as a euphemism for religion. Its reliance on unsubstantiated claims and subjective experiences makes it unsuitable for the workplace and undermines its legitimacy in all areas of life.

Spirituality as a Repackaged Religion

Although proponents argue that spirituality is distinct from religion, it often draws heavily from religious ideologies while avoiding the scrutiny religion faces. By couching itself in terms like "energy," "higher consciousness," or "universal connection," spirituality sidesteps the need to provide evidence, presenting itself as an acceptable alternative to structured belief systems. However, this rhetorical sleight of hand cannot conceal its reliance on unprovable and inherently subjective claims.

The Intellectual Flaws of Spirituality

At its core, spirituality promotes beliefs that lack empirical grounding, substituting personal feelings for objective truth. This approach perpetuates intellectual dishonesty by conflating subjective experiences with universal meaning. Reliance on spirituality encourages magical thinking, sidesteps reason, and undermines the pursuit of factual understanding in all aspects of life.

Examples include the embrace of pseudoscientific practices such as crystal healing, energy work, or astrology—all of which lack scientific support but are often legitimized under the umbrella of spirituality. By perpetuating these ideas, spirituality fosters a culture of superstition rather than enlightenment.

Why Spirituality Should Be Rejected Universally

The spirituality issues extend far beyond the workplace, affecting individual and collective decision-making, relationships, education, and societal progress. Here’s why its influence is detrimental across all domains:

• Undermines Rationality: In personal and societal contexts, decisions based on spiritual notions often conflict with evidence-based reasoning, leading to poor outcomes.
• Encourages Divisiveness: Spiritual beliefs, despite claims of inclusivity, are often rooted in specific cultural or religious traditions. This creates a veneer of universality while marginalizing those who do not share such views.
• Stalls Progress: Adopting spiritual explanations for life's challenges detracts from seeking solutions grounded in science, reason, and critical analysis.
• Fosters Complacency: Spirituality often emphasizes acceptance and internal peace, which can discourage meaningful action to address pressing issues in favor of passive contemplation.

A Call for Secular, Evidence-Based Living

Individuals and societies should prioritize reason, critical thinking, and evidence-based understanding to live meaningful, informed, and effective lives. Personal fulfillment can be achieved through pursuing knowledge, engagement with reality, and ethical frameworks rooted in shared human values rather than metaphysical conjecture. Likewise, societal progress depends on confronting challenges with logic and science, not retreating into spiritual abstractions.

Rejecting the Illusion

While superficially comforting, spirituality fails to provide the intellectual or practical tools necessary for navigating life effectively. Its reliance on unverifiable claims and subjective interpretations offers neither clarity nor progress. By rejecting spirituality and its associated superstitions, individuals and societies can embrace a commitment to truth, logic, and genuine understanding—principles essential for flourishing in every facet of existence.

William James Spriggs

 

SO YOU PREFER TO BE A SLAVE?

AND RESIDE IN THE CELESTIAL NORTH KOREA?

The Rise of Authoritarianism in America: A Union of Politics and Fundamentalism

In recent years, a significant shift has occurred in American politics—one that aligns a growing number of voters with authoritarian governance, often cloaked in the guise of religious righteousness. This phenomenon is rooted in the expansion of fundamentalist religious movements, particularly evangelical Christianity, which has embraced political agendas advocating for centralized power and the erosion of pluralistic democratic ideals.

The fusion of these religious and political ideologies has not only reshaped the electorate. Still, it has sown the seeds for an alarming trend: a collective yearning for authoritarian rule masked as moral governance and a troubling abdication of individual liberty.

A Shift Toward Authoritarianism

At its core, democracy demands a balance between individual freedoms and collective responsibilities. However, the recent embrace of authoritarian tendencies departs from these principles. Many Americans have rallied behind leaders who promise strong-handed governance, appealing to a desire for order, simplicity, and moral clarity in a rapidly changing world.

Fundamentalist religious ideologies, which emphasize submission to a higher power and strict adherence to prescribed moral codes, align naturally with authoritarian systems. These movements often portray society as needing salvation from moral decay, positioning strong leaders as divinely appointed stewards to enforce their vision of righteousness.

The language of absolute authority—a hallmark of both fundamentalist religion and authoritarianism—has gained traction among voters, who increasingly view democracy’s messiness and complexity as burdensome. This has led to a political environment where liberty and self-governance are exchanged for the perceived security of centralized control.

The Appeal of Totalitarian Governance

For some, the appeal of an authoritarian government lies in its promise of structure and accountability. Much like religious doctrines that demand unwavering faith and obedience, authoritarianism offers a black-and-white worldview where the "good" are rewarded, and the "wicked" are punished. It resonates with those who seek a moral compass that dictates right and wrong without ambiguity.

This phenomenon can be described as a desire for servitude—a yearning to be guided by an omnipotent authority that promises protection and purpose. In aligning political choices with this mindset, voters unwittingly relinquish their autonomy and democratic freedoms, believing that a watchful, omnipresent leader will deliver them from societal chaos.

The Dangerous Union of Church and State

The merger of political power with religious fundamentalism exacerbates the threat to democracy. When political leaders invoke divine authority to justify their actions, they blur the lines between governance and dogma. Policies grounded in religious absolutism can marginalize dissenting voices, erode minority rights, and foster an environment where questioning authority is equated with questioning faith.

This union is particularly dangerous in a society as diverse as America’s, where democracy relies on the coexistence of varied beliefs and perspectives. The imposition of a singular moral vision undermines the foundational principles of equality and freedom that democracy seeks to uphold.

A Call for Awareness and Resistance

To counteract this trend, it is essential to reassert the values of democracy: individual liberty, critical thinking, and mutual respect. Civic education must emphasize the importance of maintaining a secular state and protecting the separation of church and state. Citizens need to recognize the dangers of conflating spiritual salvation with political authority and understand the long-term consequences of endorsing leaders who prioritize control over freedom.

Religious institutions, too, bear a responsibility. While faith can be a source of personal strength and community, it must not be wielded as a tool to impose authoritarian ideologies on society. Leaders within these communities should champion the coexistence of diverse beliefs and advocate for governance that respects individual freedoms.

The Fight for Freedom

The current trajectory is not irreversible. History has shown that democratic principles can prevail even in the face of authoritarianism if citizens remain vigilant and engaged. The fight for freedom requires an informed and active electorate that values autonomy over submission and pluralism over homogeneity.

America stands at a crossroads. The question is not merely one of political preference but of the very nature of governance and liberty. Will we embrace the complexity and challenges of democracy, or will we yield to the seductive simplicity of authoritarian rule? The answer lies in our collective actions and commitment to the principles that have long defined the nation.

William James Spriggs

LITTLE DID THEY KNOW . . .

WHAT THEIR VOTE MEANT.

The Silent Implications of Project 2025: Why Civic Awareness is More Critical Than Ever

In the wake of the recent election, a troubling trend has emerged: many voters seemed unaware of the implications of the policy frameworks proposed by initiatives like Project 2025, spearheaded by groups such as the Heritage Foundation. This initiative, which outlines a far-reaching reconfiguration of the federal government, raises concerns about a potential transition to an oligarchic or theocratic governance structure. The failure to grasp these implications is symptomatic of a more significant issue: a widespread disengagement from the civic responsibility to understand and evaluate the forces shaping our democracy.

The Gap in Awareness

Project 2025 represents a detailed plan to reshape American governance, prioritizing executive power and enacting a conservative agenda across social, economic, and cultural spheres. Yet, its implications remain opaque to much of the electorate. Many voters appeared to cast their ballots without a complete understanding of what this initiative could mean for their future, whether due to intentional obfuscation, the complexity of the proposals, or the distractions of daily life.

This lack of awareness is not merely an oversight but a symptom of a deeper issue. Civic education, the cornerstone of informed citizenship, has eroded over decades. Voters often lack the tools or knowledge to dissect policies, critically evaluate political movements, or anticipate their long-term effects on governance and society.

The Responsibility of Citizenship

Democracy thrives on an informed electorate. The ability to engage thoughtfully with political processes, assess candidates' platforms, and understand the implications of policy proposals is fundamental. When citizens fail to exercise this responsibility, the door opens for ideologically driven agendas to gain traction without sufficient scrutiny.

In the case of Project 2025, its comprehensive nature demands close examination. Proposals to centralize power within the executive branch, reduce the influence of independent agencies, and reshape federal policy on issues from education to climate change are not merely administrative tweaks—they signal a potential departure from the checks and balances integral to American democracy.

The Role of Education and Media

To counteract this trend, greater emphasis must be placed on civic education and media literacy. Schools, communities, and media organizations must prioritize fostering critical thinking and understanding governmental structures and processes. Civic engagement cannot be relegated to a single high school course; it must be a lifelong endeavor woven into the fabric of public discourse.

Media outlets are also responsible for presenting complex policy initiatives like Project 2025 in accessible terms, stripping away jargon to reveal their practical implications for everyday Americans. Beyond reporting on the “who” and “what” of political developments, journalists must delve into the “why” and “how,” bridging the gap between governance and the governed.

A Call to Action

Voters, particularly those who may have felt disconnected from the implications of their choices, must recognize the power of their voice and the weight of their decisions. Understanding the forces shaping governance is not just a privilege but a duty. This election should serve as a wake-up call for individuals and institutions that shape public understanding.

To preserve the principles of democracy, we must rekindle a culture of informed and active citizenship. Only through awareness, education, and engagement can we ensure policies and proposals, regardless of origin, reflect the will and well-being of the people they are meant to serve. The stakes are too high, and the time is now.

William James Spriggs