Weekly Reflection: May 05 – May 10
Each week, I share a clear-eyed summary of recent Outside Reflections articles—from core rights to shifting political strategies.
May 5: The Cult of Personality: When Leadership Becomes the Product
This piece explores how modern political movements often revolve less around ideas and more around individuals. By tracing the rise of personality-driven politics, it examines the consequences of elevating leaders above principle—and how charisma can become a substitute for character.
Read here: The Cult of Personality: When Leadership Becomes the Product
May 6: Fewer Cradles, Deeper Cracks
Using declining U.S. birth rates as a starting point, this post challenges the assumptions behind family policy and economic fear. It looks beyond population statistics to examine how economic instability, child care gaps, and cultural pressure shape the private decisions families make—and what society chooses to ignore.
Read here: Fewer Cradles, Deeper Cracks
May 7: The Hidden Tax
This article reframes inflation as more than an economic trend—it’s a tax without legislation. It shows how rising prices disproportionately hurt the poor and working class while wealth holders often gain ground. The piece questions who sets the narrative around inflation, and who’s left paying the price.
Read here: The Hidden Tax
May 8: The Static Signal: Trump’s Latest Cut to Public Media
Centering on Trump’s vow to defund NPR and PBS, this piece explores the broader implications of targeting public media. It raises concerns about shrinking access to nonpartisan news and cultural programming, and asks whether this is truly about budgets—or about silencing an informed public.
Read here: The Static Signal: Trump’s Latest Cut to Public Media
May 9: Faith, Flags, and Freedom
This reflection explores how religious and national symbols have been increasingly fused in modern American politics. It challenges the growing trend of wrapping faith in partisan loyalty, questioning whether this blending serves the gospel—or the government.
Read here: Faith, Flags, and Freedom
May 10: The Constitution of the United States (in Plain English)
Closing the week, this post reimagines the U.S. Constitution in modern language, breaking down the preamble and Article I to make its purpose more accessible. It’s the first in a series meant to help readers reconnect with the document—not as myth, but as civic foundation.
Read here: The Constitution of the United States (in Plain English)