Beyond Charity: How Micro-Financing is Fighting Extreme Poverty Around the World

by Quanda Zhang, RMIT University with a foreword by Nomad

One of the criticisms of international charity organizations is that, despite the best of intentions, the money doesn't always get to the people who need it the most. It is possible to ensure that your contributions do not end up being siphoned off by some corrupt government official or are simply lost in the paper-plagued bureaucracy.

The Logical Connection between America's Imperialist Policy and Police Brutality at Home

by Nomad

The words of a long-forgotten populist politician from Nebraska shed light on the threat (and the unexpected cause) of police militarization in our era.

Bryan's Analogy

In August 1900, the US was in the midst of the political debate about US policy towards the newly-acquired territory of the Philipines.
At the heart of the question was: should America adopt an imperialist attitude? Is that mentality acceptable for a country that portrays itself as "freedom-loving" and a champion for human rights?

Sanity Sunday Musical Break- Elton John

by Nomad

This week's musical sanity break is dedicated to singer, composer and pianist Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight. As his Wikipedia biography notes:

He has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin as his songwriting partner since 1967; they have collaborated on more than 30 albums. John has sold more than 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. He has more than fifty Top 40 hits, including seven consecutive number one albums in the U.S., 58 Billboard Top 40 singles, 27 Top 10, four which reached number two and nine which reached number one.

That's quite a legacy for any artist.  Since September the 71-year-old John has decided to retire with a farewell tour, consisting of more than 300 concerts worldwide.

This H. L. Mencken Quote about Hypocritical Evangelists Could Hardly be More Timely

by Nomad

About a century ago, writer H. L. Mencken perfectly summed up the problem for politically-minded evangelists:

They have gained (at least transiently) a formidable power over politicians even worse than they are, but they have wrecked their church. They have won a battle and lost a war.

But he also saw the demolition of the church as a reason for optimism.

The wrecking of such churches as these, whether they be spiritual or secular, seems to me to be an excellent gauge of the progress of civilization. For men become civilized, not in proportion to their willingness to believe, but in proportion to their readiness to doubt.

What It's Like To Be An "Other" in Trump's America

by Nomad

Meet Libya-born Mohanad Elshieky‏, a stand-up comedian based in Portland. With his unique perspective, Elshieky‏ is a rising star in the comedy scene. The laid-back performer has won accolades for his ability to find humor in dire circumstances.