The Hill I Choose

Publius II

22 Feb 2026 — 1 min read

Is the pen truly mightier than the sword?

FEB 22, 2026

In my upcoming book, American Democracy Through the Looking Glass, I ask if there is a hill upon which I would stand and defend commonly held principles of humanity. I answer that question here.

Because our government continues a relentless campaign to silence the truths our bodies remember though the Constitution forgot, I have found my voice and with it the hill upon which I will make my stand—to the death if required. I will add my voice, my talents, and my time to those that already are exposing the actions or inactions of our government to ensure equality under the law.

Equal enjoyment of:

· Civil liberties

· Civil rights

· Due process

· Protection

· Justice

Equal access to:

· Opportunity

· Healthcare

· Education

· Dignity

· Food

· Shelter

These are all things, basic in nature, that outwardly demonstrate our shared humanity and individual desires to reach fulfillment. As such they apply to everyone regardless of race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and any other present or future classification of humanity. These are ideals embodied in our Constitution that remain unrealized and aspirational to many citizens. I will advocate on their behalf. I will donate financially to support these ends. I will not be silenced nor back down while I draw breath. If I die in defense of these principles, my sacrifice is in solidarity with all humanity.

Federalist Phoenix No. 6

On democracy and republicanism Previously, I explained how democracy is an association using a representative form of rule that rests on the foundational principle of equality. I also described how any democratic association that excludes young children due to their immaturity remains democratic because the exclusion is designed to protect

The Federalist Phoenix No. 5

On democracy, republicanism, populism and the tyranny of the majority The most fundamental principle of democracy is majority rule as determined by a majority of the people voting in the affirmative for a candidate or issue. Gaining a majority of the popular vote using the rule of one-person-one-vote provides an

The Federalist Phoenix No. 4

As I wrote earlier, the word “democracy” is derived from demokratia, a Greek word with a clear etymological history describing a form of self-rule as practiced in ancient Athens. By showing that even a pure democracy excludes some of the population within an association of people, most notably young children,

The Federalist Phoenix No. 3

My previous post about democracy ended with the question: Are we really in jeopardy of losing our democracy? Answering this question requires me to search for and establish what single, immutable quality, if any, must be the foundational bedrock of democracy, without which it would be or become something entirely