Ideas and Actions

Today is July 4, 2026. The Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago. In an attempt to situate the document in its time and place, I discuss the ways in which the colonists were talking about independence, the ideas that fueled their discussions, and the historical precedents that influenced their actions. I mention the relevant Enlightenment sources, the concept of “the ancient rights of Englishmen,” and the actions in the colonies that directly preceded the July 4th Declaration.

The text below is the speech I gave at the Duty to Disobey viewing held in Independence, OH on June 30, 2026. This text appears exactly the way I wrote it, but may deviate slightly from the way it was delivered. There were a few additional statements I inserted in the speech in the moment that are not reflected below. The speech originally had no title. I chose the title in order to post it here. One of the themes central to this speech is moral identity.

Americans (& others) love a spectacle: the big, bright, & flashy. Are we presented with 'spectacle' that is intended to trigger an involuntary 'suspension of disbelief' response? When we get wrapped up in the spectacle, what are the questions we don't ask? Do we cease to concern ourselves with what is right, moral, legal, true, or real? How is this used to attack our ability to discern truth or reality? If you appreciate this content, please consider subscription and/or a tip.

I have been a strong critic of the Army as an institution in recent years. Therefore, in recognition of the Army’s 251st birthday today, I decided to do something more positive and reflect on a list of ten (or more) things I learned from my time in uniform. I share some thoughts as well as a few amusing stories that highlight some of what I learned over the years. If you appreciate this content, please consider subscription and/or a tip. Any support is highly appreciated.

The window of time between May 31 & June 10 each year is a time of reflection for me. May 31 is the day I graduated from West Point and entered the army. June 10 is the day in 2021 I took command of an army battalion before being relieved a few months later for non-complying with the covid shot mandate. I offer some thoughts on my time at West Point, my time in the army, and my thoughts on the military as an institution at this time.

I wanted to share a few thoughts on the current war with Iran. As we try to make sense of what is happening, there are some key questions, historical insights, and important concerns we should focus on. Some examples include: why the war has started, the objectives to be achieved, the accuracy of what we’re being told by our government, and the potential for continued escalation.

There is this idea currently being spread that Trump has somehow changed and is no longer the same as he was during his first term. I think this idea is both ridiculous and dangerous. He is revealing himself to be what he has always been, which is an asset of the globalist power structure. He is also revealing himself to not be what he never was: a champion of liberty fighting the deep state. Ideas and Actions is a reader-supported publication.

JFK was killed on this day in 1963. I discuss the assassination as both a ‘deep event’ and a deliberate ritual designed to shape public perception in such a way that the people would consent to the clear transfer of control over to those powerful enough to kill a US president.

Recently, a video was released by some members of Congress in which they addressed service members & members of the intelligence community. In the video, they spoke on several topics & appeared to reassure troops that unlawful orders should be resisted without explaining what supposedly unlawful activity they seem to be concerned about. The reaction from the right has been strong. Let’s try to make some sense of what is going on.

For two years, I have both contributed to, and benefitted from, the great work being done at IPAK-EDU. I have served as an instructor, participated as a student, and partaken in other events such as webinars. So many people across the world are hungry for knowledge and don’t always know where to find the information they crave. Many of us want a better awareness of our world or seek to increase our understanding within specific fields of study.