Pandemic


Situating myself on the political spectrum and the authoritarianism of the left

Situating myself on the political spectrum and the authoritarianism of the left

I identify politically with the left of the spectrum because I am fundamentally opposed to authoritarianism and its manifestations and subsidiaries most often associated with and championed by the right. And it became undeniably clear that the right did not hold the patent on authoritarianism.

Everything is Political

Everything is Political

People’s responses to pandemic policy revealed their true political orientation. It revealed what they believe constitutes just governance. It revealed their own relationship with state authority, and the degree to which they trust those in power. It revealed their underlying ideas about how we should do life together and who gets to make the decisions about our lives.

Why have you become so political? I'm so glad you asked.

Why have you become so political? I'm so glad you asked.

I haven’t considered myself to be an especially political person. In writing this series however, in reflecting on my ideas and cataloging my past political engagement, I realize my political-orientated behavior this winter is not out of character, though it may be surprising to readers.

Attempts to invalidate a movement, what is truth, and how do we build a just society

Attempts to invalidate a movement, what is truth, and how do we build a just society

Each of us is working on the weft and warp of building a society from our diversity of belief, opinions, experiences, frameworks, and theories. And in that weaving sometimes we’ll meet up and touch the hands and join the causes of those who seem very different from us (I should hope so) and sometimes we’ll feel some distance from those we usually align with (also, I should hope so).

My line in the sand

My line in the sand

In a liberal democracy individual liberty is the given state, the independent variable. If the state fails to convince a population by reasonable means why the individual’s autonomy, responsibility and relationality must be curtailed, and they must advance their agenda via coercion, that state action and that authority is unjust.

The light at the end of the tunnel

The light at the end of the tunnel

Come hell or high water, come lockdowns and curfews, come transitions and discomfort, come mental health crises and loss of community, we were going to see our family through this difficult season.

Identifying (and sinking myself into) what brings meaning right now

Identifying (and sinking myself into) what brings meaning right now

In this new phase I’m still learning the boundaries for time and energy commitments. And that learning process can be bumpy.