Essays (older)

A textured portrait of a man wearing a cap adorned with the American flag, set against a colorful background featuring bold stripes in red, white, and blue.

Before I wrote for the public, almost everything I wrote was classified, restricted, or private — intelligence reports passing through secure channels, military writing meant for audiences who never had the option of looking away, and poems that traveled no farther than the silence that produced them.

These essays were different. They were the first things I wrote for readers who did not have to read me at all — and who might, for reasons of their own, choose to.

They mark an earlier stage in the development of my thinking. I would frame some things differently now, but I have not disowned them. They remain part of the record — evidence not only of what I thought, but of how thought itself is refined by time, experience, and honest reckoning:

  • 10 Tips for Spotting Propaganda Traps and Unethical Influence Tactics: The Art of Media Savvy

    In today’s digital age, where information flows like a river, it’s crucial to be a discerning consumer of news and messages. The world of media is filled with pitfalls, but fear not! We’re here to guide you through the art of spotting propaganda traps with these 10 down-to-earth tips, complete with relatable examples; these tips… Read more

  • How Money Corrupts Justice and Ethics in America

    There is growing concern over how money has corrupted justice and ethics in America. Wealth enables affluent individuals and corporations to hire elite legal teams, which can skew court outcomes in their favor through compelling arguments and exploiting loopholes. Those lacking means often cannot access legal aid for civil cases, creating a “justice gap.” Beyond… Read more

  • Unveiling the Ethics of Persuasion: A Comprehensive Look at Propaganda and Influence

    Are persuasion techniques inherently ethical or unethical? Our latest article, “The Ethics of Persuasion: Propaganda v. Influence and the Importance of Context in the Courtroom and China’s Public Service Announcements,” delves into this complex issue. We explore how the ethics of persuasion are not black and white but are shaped by real-world choices, context, and… Read more

  • July 2023 Summary of Global Violence Against Women

    While not published in July 2023, the following links are likely of interest to our community: Read more

  • The Weaponization of Evidence- How Interpretive Bias Subverts Justice in the Case Against My Wife

    In the pursuit of justice, evidence stands as the bedrock upon which cases are built. Yet, the case against my wife unveils a disturbing reality: evidence, rather than being a beacon of truth, can be weaponized through selective presentation and omission to serve ulterior motives. This deliberate manipulation, deeply rooted in ‘interpretive bias,’ threatens individual… Read more

  • The Subtle and Persistent Gender Bias Holding Women Back

    Women have come a long way in gaining greater representation across various professional domains – business, politics, STEM, media, and more. However, recent research and high-profile cases reveal that subtle but pernicious gender biases persist, diminishing women’s expertise and justifying discriminatory treatment. In a recent legal case involving my wife’s tech company, opposing counsel and… Read more