Author: DAMON K JONES
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has failed its annual financial audit for the seventh consecutive year, highlighting persistent inefficiencies and mismanagement in one of the largest and most vital federal agencies. The audit, which examined $3.8 trillion in assets and $4 trillion in liabilities, revealed that the Pentagon could not account for its $824 billion budget, raising serious concerns about transparency and financial accountability within the department. Despite these challenges, Under Secretary of Defense and Chief Financial Officer Michael McCord pointed to incremental progress, reiterating the Pentagon’s goal of achieving a clean audit by 2028, as mandated by the…
The feminist movement in the United States has always been a complex tapestry woven with competing priorities, intersecting identities, and shifting allegiances. White women, as the historical founders of feminism, were pivotal in securing rights for women, from suffrage to workplace equality. Yet, over time, a significant subset of white women has pivoted from the progressive ideals that defined early feminist waves to embrace a return to traditional family values. This ideological shift raises critical questions about the inclusivity of the feminist movement and its consequences for Black women, who remain entrenched in struggles exacerbated by systemic inequities. Even more…
In the wake of Donald Trump’s decisive 2024 election victory, which included both the popular vote and a majority in the Electoral College, Democratic Congressman Wiley Nickel of North Carolina has proposed the formation of a “shadow cabinet” to serve as a structured opposition to Trump’s administration. In a recent interview with CNN’s Laura Coates, Nickel outlined the concept and addressed questions about its democratic implications and historical precedents. The Concept of a Shadow Cabinet The shadow cabinet, an idea drawn from parliamentary systems like those in the United Kingdom, involves opposition members mirroring official government roles. These members offer…
With cries from the left proclaiming the end of democracy and accusations of racism, many Democrats have been consumed by stress and fear over the prospect of another four years of a Trump presidency. For years, mainstream media platforms amplified this sentiment, fueling apprehension and a sense of impending doom. Now, with Trump not only securing the presidency once again but also winning the popular vote, this cycle of alarm has reached a fever pitch, creating a climate of panic and unrest. Adding to the turmoil were Harris supporters who directed their frustrations toward Arab and Muslim communities, accusing them…
In a series of high-profile pledges, President Donald Trump has vowed to ban gender-affirming care for minors on his first day in office. He also emphasized a broader commitment to strengthening traditional family structures, promoting family education in schools, and reinstating home economics programs. Trump’s comments reflect a renewed focus on cultural issues, aiming to appeal to conservative voters and families who believe traditional values have been eroded in recent years. A Focus on Family Structure and Education In addition to promising to end gender-affirming care for minors, Trump articulated his vision of rebuilding the American family. He declared his…
The 2024 election has revealed intriguing and unexpected shifts in American voting behavior. A surprising number of Donald Trump supporters also cast their votes for Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). This phenomenon occurred even as these voters rejected the Democratic presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris. In a discussion with Joy Reid, Ocasio-Cortez explored the dynamics behind this cross-partisan support and the implications for American politics. Ocasio-Cortez’s Unique Appeal Across Party Lines While Ocasio-Cortez’s progressive policies stand in stark contrast to Trump’s platform, her grassroots style of politics and focus on issues such as economic justice, healthcare, and climate change…
When Moses stood before Pharaoh demanding the freedom of his people, he wasn’t there to negotiate for better conditions or gain a place at Pharaoh’s table. God’s command was unmistakable: “Let my people go.” Today, as government support fades, many civil rights leaders continue organizing marches, pushing for inclusion in a system God calls us to leave behind. Isaiah warned us in 30:1-3: “Woe to the rebellious children… who take counsel, but not of me… who walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth.” The ancient Israelites struggled to let go of Egypt’s familiar oppression,…
A Holistic Health Perspective: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Opportunity to Heal Black Communities As a health and wellness practitioner and author of numerous books on health, wellness, and mental clarity, I am acutely aware—as are others in the holistic health field—that the United States government has long played a role in the declining health of Black communities. Decades of policy failures, environmental neglect, and medical injustices have compounded into a crisis of chronic illness and stark health disparities. Today, Black Americans are disproportionately affected by conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, often exacerbated by environmental pollutants, lack of…
How Podcasts Sidelined Mainstream Media in the 2024 Election The 2024 election marked a seismic shift in voters’ engagement with political content. Mainstream media, long the gatekeeper of election coverage, was sidelined by a powerful newcomer: podcasts. Millions of Americans tuned in to hear candidates speak directly, unfiltered, and at length on popular podcast platforms. This shift disrupted traditional media’s once unassailable grip on the political narrative, opening a path for podcasts to deliver more transparent and relatable content. In contrast to the soundbites and quick cuts of cable news, podcasts offered long-form, unscripted conversations that brought candidates closer to…
As the latest election results reveal, New York—a state long considered a Democratic stronghold—may be on the brink of a political transformation. Historically, Democrats have held firm control, but recent numbers suggest a significant shift in voter sentiment. Republicans are gaining ground across the state, and outmigration from New York has surged, with many departing residents citing discontent with current policies. If Democrats fail to recognize and address these changes, they could face the unthinkable: New York slowly turning red. In the 2024 presidential election, New York once again voted Democratic. However, Vice President Kamala Harris’s margin of victory dropped…